Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Antimatter Industries came out with one of the most fascinating products of 2023: the Scopeswitch. This innovative device redefines the capabilities of Low Power Variable Optics (LPVOs) by seamlessly integrating the ability to adjust the scope’s zoom while maintaining a C-clamp grip. Designed to enhance effectiveness in close-quarter scenarios, the Scopeswitch emerges as a game-changer, offering a swift and efficient solution for adjusting magnification without compromising a secure grip. Functioning as a rail-mounted slider and scope mount, it revolutionizes the user experience by changing something seemingly so simple.
Table of contents
Scopeswitch Specifications:
Mount: 7075
Mount Weight: 6.3 oz
Overall Weight: 10.3 oz
Scope Height: 1.93 Optical centerline height
Out of the Box
Antimatter Industries ships the Scopeswitch from the factory with the proprietary scope mount, sliding hand stop system, cables, a target for zeroing the scope, and lasers if mounted, as well as some stickers.
Assembly
I am not going to lie, it took me nearly an hour to assemble the Scopeswitch and install the scope. It is a process, and Antimatter Industries recommends using a gunsmith. However, you can perform the process correctly with a torque wrench, wire cutters, and a saw. For those interested, the video below gives instructions on how to assemble the Scopeswitch correctly:
Scope Mount
While the Scopeswitch is a whole assembly, the scope mount itself is impressive. Machined from 7075 aircraft grade aluminum, Antimatter Industries states that “you’ll break your optic, hell, maybe even your gun before the mount gives out.” The one-piece mount exhibits ruggedness and reliability. It offers a 1.93″ optical centerline height which seems to be all the rage these days. This tall mount allows front-mounted lasers not to obstruct much of the LPVO’s field of view.
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Part of the magic of this system lies underneath the actual scope mount. Machined grooves facilitate the unobstructed passage of a cable system. At the aft end of the mount is a dual roller system which keeps the cable rolling nearly friction-free.
Scope Clamp
Included with the Scopeswitch is a clamp that attaches to the magnification adjustment on a scope. adjustment. However, as scopes vary in shape and size, the package includes multiple shims to achieve a perfect fit with your scope. Essentially, it functions as a clamp on the magnification adjustment to which cables are tied. Consequently, the magnification can be adjusted by pulling the cables one way or the other. It maintains a low profile and can still be operated manually if desired. The cables are kind of in the way though so using the hand slider is my preferred method of adjustment.
Hand Slider
The hand slider is the most unique aspect of the Scopeswitch. When used solely as a hand stop, the well-shaped plastic piece comfortably fits my support hand. However, this sits atop a low-profile sliding system that clamps onto the top Picatinny section of a handguard.
Inside this rail is another roller and clamp for holding the cable. During assembly, this can be adjusted for scopes whose magnification adjustment increases when turned clockwise or counterclockwise.
One thing that Antimatter Industries stresses is that not all optics will work well with the Scopeswitch. Some scopes have a very tight magnification adjustment, making moving the hand slider quite difficult. They have a list of optics they have tested and if they may be a good candidate for the Scopeswitch. This document can be found HERE. Despite the indicated difficulty level of 6/10 for adjustment on the Vortex Razor 1-10, it was not challenging.
Scopeswitch Advantages
When fractions of seconds matter, the Scopeswitch saves you precious time. I enjoyed my time testing this system out. During this review, I ran some drills up close to include transitions and sprints. The Scopeswitch excels when you have targets spaced out over great distances. While most of the time I can engage targets on 1x zoom with an LPVO out to 200 yards or so, it can get hard to see fine details. While this doesn’t matter much when shooting steel, it makes all the difference in real-life situations. Being able to zoom in on the fly while maintaining positive control of the rifle is awesome. This keeps users from either wasting time and letting go of the rifle with one hand or making a shot without zooming in slightly sacrificing detail for time. The Scopeswitch eliminates both of these issues.
READ MORE: The Arbor Arms Dual Adjust Weapon Sling
Testing the Scopeswitch
I found this system most helpful when engaging close targets and needing to take an occasional shot at a distance. When lying prone, I normally keep my support hand under the stock or grip of the rifle which is closer to where I normally would have a throw lever. Trying to use the hand slider seemed to slow me down slightly. To showcase the Scopeswitch in action, I’ve compiled the video below featuring some of the shooting sessions I conducted with it:
The only other issue I see is how much room the Scopeswitch takes up. While users can make adjustments to how far out the hand slider is mounted and how short the spacer is cut, my support hand naturally sticks out near the end of the rail. This limits room for mounting IR lasers and pressure pads. My primary AR has a DBAL-D2 mounted to the end of the Picatinny rail with a pressure pad right behind it for light/laser activation. There is simply not room to have all of this while keeping the hand slider in a natural and comfortable position. I’ve seen that some just run the buttons on their lasers and lights and avoid the pressure pad altogether which is a viable option for those going that route.
Summary
Again, the Scopeswitch from Antimatter Industries is one of the most unique products to hit the market in 2023. As with everything there are pros and cons, but for most people, this would be a very advantageous tool to add to their rifle. The ability to maintain a C-clamp grip while making magnification adjustments is a huge edge when used in close to mid-range environments. Everything held up well, and the scope mount is very rugged and reliable. The Scopeswitch is available in either 30 or 34-mm mounts in various color schemes ranging in price from $575-$625.
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Sorry guys… but that’s got to be one of the most useless trinkets I’ve ever seen for an AR, or any other platform. If the operator can’t quickly dial the desired magnification with one hand and immediately resume a firm grip on the weapon, he should get a different hobby. He certainly won’t be practiced enough to defend himself or others.