Spartan Precision Equipment MagnaSwitch: Full Review

When hunting with a rifle, obtaining a stable shooting platform is important. Supporting a rifle on a tree, fencepost or rock may suffice, but a bipod (or tripod) is a better option. With a bipod, you can steady a rifle almost anywhere. However, a bipod affixed to a rifle adds weight and its legs can snag at the most inopportune time.

During his tenure as a hunting guide, Spartan Precision Equipment Managing Director Rob Gearing, aka “Mr. G,” became fed up with clients carrying rifles with bipods attached. In search of a solution, Gearing set out to develop a line of lightweight bipods that were easy to carry and quick to attach to the rifle. The MagnaSwitch system is a solution that enables the rifleman to attach, remove or choose between a line of lightweight, compact bipods, tripods and quad sticks. Since glassing and hunting go hand-in-hand, the MagnaSwitch system also supports mounting binoculars or a spotting scope to a compatible bipod or tripod. 

The MagnaSwitch system uses powerful rare earth magnets to secure accessories to a low-­profile adapter. The adapter’s attachment point is a magnetized cup, which encapsulates the magnetized post of compatible accessories. The result is positive, seemingly automatic lockup and easy removal. The Classic Rifle Adapter  is a user-­installed replacement for rifles with a removable front sling-­swivel mount. With the adapter installed, you can choose an appropriate accessory.

Two of Spartan Precision Equipment’s popular products are the Javelin Lite and Javelin Pro Hunt Tac bipods. Each comes with the Classic Rifle Adapter kit. Both are constructed of 7075-­T7351 aluminum and premium multi-­layered carbon fiber, making them lightweight, robust and corrosive resistant. Threaded legs on each model can be changed out for a different style of M14 legs within the product line.

Adjustable 60-­degree traverse and 30-­degree cant allows shooters to track targets and level the scope on uneven ground. If you don’t want the rifle to cant, there’s a cant locking lever on the face of the bipod. To prevent the rifle from traversing, install the bipod with the cant lever facing rearward. Besides having thicker legs that mechanically lock open, the Javelin Pro Hunt Tac is adjustable for height and comes in two sizes, standard and long. The standard version adjusts from 7 to 9 inches in height and weighs just 7.6 ounces. The long version adjusts from 9 to 12 inches and weighs 8.3 ounces. The Pro Hunt Tac’s spring-assisted legs allow for one-­hand height adjustment. When you need more clearance to make a shot, Spartan Precision Equipment’s SpringBok Bipod is also a viable option. Like the Javelin Pro Hunt Tac, the SpringBok has adjustable carbon-fiber legs, but its silicone body facilitates rapid position and cant changes without the need for mechanical adjustment. Its modular design is compatible with Spartan M14 leg options. The SpringBok weighs 10.6 ounces and has a leg extension range of 22¾ to 38½ inches.

Although heavier than a bipod, a tripod provides even greater stability. The Ascent Tripod Gen 2 with Davros Pro Head is a solid choice. Its removable legs double as trekking poles when secured to Spartan’s trekking pole handles.

In tall vegetation, Spartan’s SpringBok Quad Sticks are the best option. MagnaSwitch technology allows you to lock the rifle in place for enhanced stability. The wide rear cradle enables you to track an animal without having to reposition the legs.

When paired with the appropriate adapter such as Spartan’s Light Duty Optics Adapter, Heavy Duty Optics Adapter or Binocular Adapter, you can quickly attach your optic or binoculars to a MagnaSwitch bipod or tripod for smoother, steadier glassing. Visit javelinbipod.com for more information on these products. 

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