The idea of attaching a bipod to my rifle was not something I’d really considered for most of my life. I liked the sound of always having a front rest, but I wasn’t willing to deal with the cumbersomeness that comes with always having one attached, not to mention the extra weight, which is always a concern with me being an avid backpack hunter.
Enter the Spartan Precision Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod — a piece of gear that touted all the benefits of a bipod without being cumbersome, in the way, or heavy. When looking for an option that would fit my particular style of hunting, this seemed like the right direction to go, yet I was expecting to be critical of this new addition in the field. So what was my consensus?
In short: For hunters looking to cut weight for the backcountry but not give up efficiency, the Spartan Precision Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod might be the ticket — though it comes with a hefty price tag.
- 6.3 oz.:
- 7075 hard anodised aluminium and carbon fibre:
- Twist lock style Pro Legs:
- Cant adjustment for uneven terrain:
- Leg lockout feature:
- Durable tungsten carbide tips with tethered synthetic boots:
- Compatible with the full range of Spartan Classic adapters:
- Supplied with a classic rifle adapter kit:
Pros
- Lightweight
- Simple connect-disconnect
- Smooth cant and pan
Cons
- High cost
- A bit noisy
- Hard to shorten legs
Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod Review
Overview
Spartan Precision is about creating lightweight rifles and optic support systems without compromising quality or effectiveness. The Javelin Pro Hunt bipod line is an excellent example of that. Unlike most bipods on the market, this one was made to be carried off the rifle and in your backpack.
The bipod attaches quickly and efficiently via a magnet and a Classic Rifle Adapter, which comes standard in the package. Along with the adapter, you get six different screw sizes, three different mounting plates, and an Allen wrench to put it all together. The Javelin Pro is available in two different sizes (standard and long), so it will fit the needs of a wide variety of hunters.
Let’s not forget about the “lightweight” perk of this pod. Weighing in at a mere 6.3 ounces, the Javelin Pro sure as heck isn’t going to give you a sore back from carrying it around.
Not to mention that it’s crafted out of 7075 hard anodized aluminum and high-quality carbon fiber, making durability a non-issue in a corrosion-resistant package. When not in use, the bipod simply folds up and can be stowed away. When you’re ready to use it, unfold it, and the legs will lock right into place.
All and all, the Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod wasn’t just made for the backcountry hunter. It was made for the backcountry.
Features
Classic Rifle Adapter
This is the big cheese about the Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod. With the Spartan Precision Classic Rifle Adapter, the bipod attaches and detaches in what is literally a second. The adapter screws right into the sling stud of your rifle.
Most rifles come standard with this stud. If you don’t have one, Spartan Precision offers other adapters that appease a wide range of accessory rails. Examples would be Picatinny, M-Lok, and Key Mod.
Don’t worry, there is also a sling attachment on the adapter, so you’re not losing that functionality in the least.
Two Different Modes
You can run the Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod in two different modes. One is locked target mode, and the other is hunt mode. Locked target mode sets the stage pretty well on what it does. This locks the bipod in place but doesn’t give up the ability to still cant the rifle if need be. Hunt mode will allow the hunter to track thirty degrees left and right. A massive advantage for hunters.
Twist Lock Pro Legs
One of the big advantages of the Javelin Pro, as opposed to the Javelin Lite, is the Pro comes with the Spartan Precision Pro Legs, and the Lite has fixed legs. Pro legs have a twist lock adjustment, allowing them to extend from 7.2-9.6 inches (standard) and 8.7-12.4 inches (long). This adds to the versatility you get with this bipod.
Cant Adjustment
Mountains are anything but flat, which is why having a cant adjustment on your bipod is mandatory. The Javelin Pro Hunt has fifteen degrees of cant adjustment left and right. To use the cant adjustment, there is a small lever right at the base of the bipod legs near the adapter. Just flip the lever, make your adjustment, and then flip it back to lock it in place.
My Experience
My enthusiasm for testing this bipod was pretty high. It seemed to dissolve all of my past worries when it came to carrying a bipod around in the backcountry. Right out of the gate, the first word that came to mind when I opened the package was “quality.” And not just that, but precision, hence their name. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, on here that feels clunky or ill-placed.
Installing their Classic Rifle Adapter was a breeze too. With the six different screws and three mounting plates, I easily found the exact fit for my rifle. After screwing it on, I was honestly a little baffled, in a good way. “That’s it?” It was really that easy to get up and running.
The first time I used the Javelin Pro was to zero my rifle for an upcoming Coues deer hunt in Mexico. This process was smooth, and my groups continued to get tighter than ever. With that said, the real test would be operating the bipod in the field in the heat of the moment.
In the Field
Where we were hunting in Mexico was pretty mountainous. So, nice flat spots to shoot from were slim pickings, to say the least. It was a perfect testing ground to see how easy the Javelin Pro would be to use in a hunting scenario.
In the field, I simply carried the bipod in the lid of my backpack or pocket. That’s how small this thing is.
On the first full day, I was able to wrap my tag on a great buck, which I shot using the bipod. The terrain was uneven, and the deer kept disappearing and reappearing, which meant a lot of setting up and resetting. Not once did the bipod hold me back. In fact, it elevated my performance, I’d say. I made a perfect shot in a not-so-perfect situation.
What’s Wrong
I love this thing, and I mean love it. There are some things that I don’t love, though.
While the construction of the Javelin Pro is top-notch, there is a slight learning curve with operating it. I’m mainly referring to the legs here.
Extending them is no problem. Shortening them is a different story. You’ll have to grab hold of the lower section to keep it from spinning with the locker. If you don’t, the leg will never lock back into place.
Lastly, attaching the bipod isn’t exactly quiet. The magnet Spartan Precision has in place is a pretty strong one, which is great for eliminating the fear of the bipod coming off. However, this means that attaching the bipod greets you with a clank from the bipod and adapter marrying up together. Just be mindful of when you attach the bipod, as that clank will surely send a deer running for the hills.
Spartan Precision Javelin Pro Hunt Bipod: In Closing
Before owning the Spartan Precision Javelin Pro Hunt, I was never a fan of bipods. And I honestly never intended on purchasing one for my rifle. However, with time comes progression, and apparently, I wasn’t the only one in the world with these reservations.
Fast forward to today, and I’ll tell you this. I’ll never head into the field without the Javelin Pro Hunt again. For a backpack hunter, it’s as good as it gets. Spartan Precision completely flipped my opinion on bipods. I’m a believer.
