10/22

CP Firearms Dragonfly

  When it comes to the Ruger 10/22, or its variants, there are tons of options for customization. CP Firearms has one of them. It is the Dragonfly kit. The CP Firearms Dragonfly kit eliminates any part of the rifle that adds weight. They do this with carbon fiber and nylon. I was sent a Dragonfly kit to try out and it does exactly what CP Firearms said it would do.

  The Dragonfly kit comes with everything needed to upgrade that 10/22. In this case it is pins, a handguard, a stock, and the receiver to stock adapter. It does not supply the 10/22 receiver or trigger pack. However, CP Firearms make two different Dragonfly kits. One is for the standard style receiver and the other is for an extended rail receiver. The Dragonfly will not fit Take-Down receivers. However, it should fit just about any standard 10.22 receiver.

   Before I go into the individual parts, I want to mention a few things. The Dragonfly kit is primarily designed for .22 rimfire action events, like Steel Challenge and Rimfire Challenge. With these shooting disciplines, you want a lightweight rifle that swings very quickly from target to target. Especially since winning is based on the fastest time. Because the Dragonfly kit strips down the 10/22 to just the essential parts, some people may find it to not be very attractive. I however kind of like the carbon fiber, stripped down version. It reminds me of something like a Baja 500 racer.

  Starting at the front of a 10/22. The Dragonfly gives you a tube style carbon fiber handguard. You still use your supplied barrel. I used my Faxon flame fluted tapered barrel. Super lightweight barrels are available from various sources including CP Firearms. By using one of these super lightweight barrels, one can lose about a pound over what I have and make the whole 10/22 weigh in at 3 pounds. The Dragonfly’s handguard has that really nice carbon fiber look to it. It also is very functional with a diameter of 1.58 inches and a length of 10.5 inches. To install the handguard, CP Firearms has a barrel clamp that the handguard then screws to. So you must first remove the old barrel clamp and install the CP Firearms one. Once this is done, you can slide the handguard onto the clamp. The Dragonfly kit they sent me was super tight. I had trouble sliding the handguard onto the adapter. I ended up tapping the handguard on with a rubber mallet. Once on, just snug up the screw for the handguard and you are ready to rock. The Dragonfly’s handguard allows for barrels up to 0.924 inches in diameter, so most barrels will fit under it. The tight fit makes the handguard extremely rigid.

  Since the Dragonfly kit does not use any kind of chassis, or typical stock, it needs a way to attach the receiver to it. CP Firearms includes pins and screws to keep the trigger pack attached to the 10/22’s receiver. Pins are also provided for the receiver extension.

  Once the Receiver Extension is pinned onto the receiver, you can mount up the other parts. You will need an AR style pistol grip. CP Firearms says to use one with a beavertail, but ones without will work. I tried both and found out that the beavertail AR grip does work far better than one without the tail. The Dragonfly’s receiver extension is threaded using standard AR buffer tube threads. 

  Lastly, we have moved toward the rear of the 10/22 and the stock. The CP Firearms stock is also comprised of a carbon fiber tube. It has those AR buffer tube threads, so you can screw it into the Dragonfly’s receiver extension. So screw it in and tighten down the castle nut. The carbon fiber tube is covered by a soft rubberish cover. This cover gives one a comfortable cheek weld on the stock. At the end of the tube is the adjustable butt plate. The butt plate itself is slightly curved and decently sized. On it are raised bumps to give a good purchase on one's shoulder. It is hard, but I didn’t even notice when shooting the Dragonfly, probably because it is a 22. The buttplate is adjustable for tilt and rotation. So you can twist it left or right and/or tilt the butt plate up or down. I really like the adjustability of the stock. In the stock form, the stock is an inch longer than the factory 10/22 stock. Technically one can also adjust length of pull, but only by about ½ inch until the tube hits the butt plate. I ended up cutting 1 inch off of the tube to make the length of pull more comfortable for me. To cut the carbon fiber, just wrap it in masking tape at the place you are cutting and saw through it. Then sand the end of the tube to get any imperfections out. 

  When CP Firearms asked if I wanted to try out the Dragonfly, I was a little hesitant. But then I shot the prototype at a steel match. So when they asked if I wanted one of the production versions to do a review on, I jumped at the chance. Even though mine weighs in at 4 pounds, a pound heavier than the prototype, it still shoots fantastic. As previously mentioned, I used a 16” standard style tapered barrel and not one of the super lightweight ones available. I mounted up a Gideon Optics Omega to the Dragonfly. It is a great optic for this type of shooting. I was able to score really high up in the rankings, at the local steel matches, with the Dragonfly kit installed. The Dragonfly kit just screams “Speed”. 

  If you are looking for a way to make your 10/22 as light as possible, the CP Firearms Dragonfly kit might just be it. If that is you, you probably shoot some type of rimfire speed shooting competition and need the benefits of the Dragonfly. I also see the advantages of having a super lightweight 22, even if you don’t shoot competitively. Either way, you should probably check out the CP Firearms Dragonfly kit.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight kit for 10/22’s

Target Market:

Competition shooters or anyone who wants a really lightweight 10/22

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Weighs virtually nothing

  • Receiver Extension - included

  • CP Complete M4 Style Buttstock - included

  • CP Front Carbon Fiber Handguard - included

  • All Necessary Hardware is included

  • Fits most 10/22 receivers except take down style

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $400.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

CP Firearms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Carbon Fiber

  • Comes with all hardware to install

  • Super lightweight

  • Fast from target to target

Cons:

  • Long stock

  • Hard to install forearm

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Faxon 10/22 barrel review

Enoch Deep Six Chassis

  Enoch Industries is enhancing the Ruger 10/22 market with their chassis systems. They manufacture 2 different ones, the Odin and the Deep Six. Thanks to Faxon, and their rimfire barrel, I was looking for something that would compliment it. Odin offered up a Deep Six in PEWter. Since the Deep Six is longer and better suited for what I was doing, I couldn’t say “no”.

  The Deep Six is made for 10/22 style rifles and pistols, but not the take down versions. I used a stock Ruger 10/22 rifle action, but pretty much all of the aftermarket ones will work too. Mounting the barrelled action into the Deep Six is just like mounting it into any other 10/22 stock. The only difference is that Enoch supplies a proprietary screw to hold the action in place. This screw is essentially just a short version of the stock 10/22 mounting screw. I put some threadlocker on it before I screwed it down tight. After tightening the screw, you can actually feel how much more rigid the chassis is over a stock. It’s just a real solid fit, and that screw comes up tight unlike the factory style. 

  Enoch Industries has made the Deep Six longer than their first chassis, the Odin. It is still short enough for pistol length builds, but I feel it really shines for the more standard rifle length builds. The total length is 15.5 inches. This doesn’t really say much, since that is without any support device attached to the rear rail. What does matter is the 2.5” added length to the forearm over their Odin chassis. This allows for a forearm length of just over 7 inches. Plenty enough to get a good grip on the rifle, as well as maybe install a bi-pod or grip panels. Along the forearm are 3 full length M-Lok slots to aid in adding those accessories. The slots are on both sides as well as the bottom. The Deep Six also allows for almost any barrel profile or barrel addition one might be after. They opened up the forearm to accept barrel diameters of up to 1.310 inches. This means that any bull barrel will fit. Or, if you have a really short barrel and want to run a suppressor, the suppressor will most likely fit in the handguard area!

  Besides being a lightweight aluminum chassis, Enoch added a few bonuses into the Deep Six. The first notable one, is the addition of 2 steel QD inserts. One on each side, on the rear of the chassis, behind where the receiver sits. These work really well for pistol configurations, as a sling can give you some extra support when shooting. For a rifle, they just give you another location for sling mounting. Second, is the addition of a built in filler, behind the trigger guard and extended to the pistol grip. It fills that gap so your hand doesn't get pinched. Not all 10/22 chassis’, that use pistol grips, have this. It really does help and it makes the chassis look complete.

  Yes, you will need to add your own pistol grip to the Deep Six. All non-beavertail grips will work. If you want to use a beavertail grip, it may have to be modified. I modified a beavertail grip for use on it, I just cut the beavertail back some and it works great. I even tried some 3D printed ones that worked too.

  As for mounting a stock or brace, the Deep Six has you covered. The Deep Six uses a 3 slot picatinny rail for mounting these. This type of mounting system is becoming more and more popular, especially on 22’s. With the picatinny rail, the user has many options, from fixed stocks to folding braces. Being that I was doing a “rifle”, I opted for a fixed stock from Occam Defense. This stock is a little shorter than some other options, which actually makes it ideal for me on this chassis. It makes the length of pull a little under 12 inches. The Occam stock uses a 4 slot mounting, so there was a little extra sitting above the 3 slot rail on the Deep Six. Besides looking odd to me, it fit and worked great. I did end up printing a spacer to fill the space and make it look seamless. 

  The Deep Six is a well thought out chassis. The PEWter color has a nice grayish hue to it, which enhances the other parts installed on the rifle. The edges are smoothed out, but still sharp. The fit of the action is much better than most other stocks out there. So as you can guess, the machining is top notch with no noticeable machining marks. There is also an Enoch Industries logo machined onto the left side of the chassis. No names, just the logo. Along with that, there are also machined recesses that give the chassis a distinct look. 

  Enoch Industries did a great job with the Deep Six. It’s short enough to be used on a pistol, yet long enough to look good on a full length rifle. The combination I am running turned out fantastic. When using the Deep Six, you can pretty much build any 10/22 your imagination can come up with. I really do like what Enoch has done with the Deep Six. Definitely check out Enoch Industries and the Deep Six chassis. I really can’t say enough good things about it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight chassis system for Ruger 10/22 style actions

Target Market:

10/22 Builders or modifiers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Weighs 13 ounces

  • Length: 15.25”

  • Width: 1.5"

  • Height: 1.5"

  • 6061-T6 Aluminum construction

  • 3 full M-Lok slots at 3, 6, and 9 O'clock

  • Barrel Channel is 1.310”

  • 3 slot Picatinny rail at rear for stock or brace installation

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black

Link to other reviews:

Industry Outsider

Price point:

MSRP = $245.00

Retail = $210.00 - $245.00

I need it now! Availability:

Enoch Industries

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • M-Lok slots

  • Steel QD cups

  • Large barrel channel

Cons:

  • I would like the rear picatinny rail to have another slot

  • Availability 

Score: 8.50 Great

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Faxon 10/22 barrel

  Faxon Firearms has been making quality barrels for some time now. They recently entered into the rimfire barrel market with their 10/22 barrels. Faxon has three different barrel contours to choose from as well as two types of fluting options. There are also three different coating options to choose from. I opted for the flame fluted standard profile in chameleon PVD.

  The Faxon 10/22 barrel has a bunch of features not provided on the factory Ruger model. Most notably is probably the addition of Flame fluting. Faxon does a unique style of fluting as one of the options. As one can guess, the fluting looks like “flames”. If you get the “Chameleon” PVD coated barrel, the flutes are actually a different color than the rest of the barrel, which actually makes the flames look a bit more realistic. Since the barrel is PVD coated, the look of the coating will vary from barrel to barrel. This particular one is more of a lavender to blue fade with the flutes being a yellowish orange color. Some are more a blue to green fade. Fluting, both standard and Flame, provides better cooling of the barrel by providing more surface area for the barrel to give off heat. More important to me, is that on a rimfire barrel, it reduces the overall weight. In this case, the Faxon barrel is 0.4 lbs lighter than a factory Ruger 10/22 barrel. Faxon’s pencil profile reduces the weight by another 0.4 lbs, so a 0.8 lb reduction total. The Chameleon barrel sent to me weighs 1.4 lbs total.

  When manufacturing the rimfire line, Faxon uses all the same quality materials they use in their other barrel lines. The Rimfire barrels are made from 416-R stainless steel bar stock, in Cincinnati, OH at the Faxon plant. The barrel is given 6 groove rifling with a twist rate of 1:16. The 1:16 is pretty standard for 22 rimfire barrels. They then cut a recessed target crown into the muzzle. The muzzle is also threaded ½-28” to a depth of 0.625”. A thread protector and spacer is also included. The spacer is to be used on muzzle devices that use the 0.400” depth instead of the 0.625” depth. Faxon rimfire barrels are also magnetic particle inspected for flaws and then heat treated and coated. Currently all of the Faxon Rimfire line barrels come in a 16” length.

  When looking into 10/22 barrels, one typically finds “bull” style barrels. Faxon has those now too. But the standard profile is really nice if you're not into those “heavy” barrels. The Faxon Rimfire barrel has a tapered profile. It goes from 0.912” after the chamber down to 0.600” before where the muzzle threads start. This is pretty close to the Ruger’s standard barrel profile. The Faxon does fit in my standard 10/22 stock. It may not fit all of them, but it fits mine fine. Faxon also gives the Rimfire line a “Sporting” chamber. This gives the Faxon 10/22 barrels the ability to feed almost all the .22lr ammunition out there. I personally would have liked to see a slightly different chamber used, something like a “Bentz” for a little better accuracy. But I understand why Faxon went with the normal “sporting” chamber. 

  I ended up mounting the Faxon barrel to a stock Ruger 10/22 action. The barrel fit about the same as the stock barrel I removed. Meaning it slid into the receiver easily with little side to side movement. I then proceeded to mount it in an Enoch Deep-Six chassis. I opted for a chassis because I felt that a regular stock would not do the Faxon Chameleon barrel justice. The barrel looks really good mounted in the chassis. The chassis is also lighter than some wooden stocks, making this barrel/chassis combination very light. 

  After essentially making a complete different 10/22 than I had started with, I headed out to the range. Since ammunition availability is scarce, I rummaged through my stores of .22lr ammo. I found around 8 different types of plinking ammo, but no match ammo. I figured plinking ammo would be fine for this test. Especially since I don’t consider the Faxon barrel to be a true match barrel. Yes, the barrel is very high quality, it just doesn’t have a match chamber. I shot the various “cheap” 22lr ammo, through the barrel, at 50 yards. All but one of the major brands seemed to group around 1 - 1.5”’s at the 50 yard mark. I started with 5 shot groups and then moved to 10 shot groups. I was really pleased with how well the Faxon barrel shot. My factory barrel shot around 2 - 3” groups with these kinds of .22lr ammo. So as far as accuracy is concerned, I think the Faxon is good to go. If someone were to take the time and figure out which ammunition their barrel prefers, I would expect better results than what I had.

  If you’re looking for something different in the 10/22 game, look into the Faxon Rimfire barrels. They aren’t necessarily cheap, but they are excellent quality and made in the USA. With all the different options, you can get extra lightweight, fluted, flame fluted, coated, etc. I’m very pleased with the quality of the barrel along with how it stands out from everyone else's boring barrels. Go give the Faxon Rimfire line a look if you’re building a 10/22 or just looking for something different.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight 10/22 barrels

Target Market:

10/22 owners or builders wanting a lighter, more accurate barrel

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Chamber: .22 LR Sporting

  • Flame Fluted

  • 416-R Stainless

  • Weight: 1.4 lbs

  • Length: 16"

  • Twist rate: 1:16

  • Chameleon PVD coating

  • Rifling: 6 Groove

  • Target Crown: Recessed

  • 10/22, non-takedown

  • Taper - 0.912" after chamber, .600" before thread shoulder

  • Muzzle Thread: 1/2x28

  • Thread protector included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Straight fluted, Pencil, Heavy, all in black, gold, or chameleon

What others are saying?:

 5 stars at Faxon Firearms

Great barrel

Barrel came in fast and well packed. Looks better in person. Fits like a glove no issues setting it. Shoots great but I only have 150 rounds through it so far.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $175.00 - $355.00

Retail = $355.00 as tested

I need it now! Availability:

Faxon Firearms or your local Faxon dealer

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Looks great

  • Accurate

  • Threaded to 0.625 length 

  • Thread protector and spacer included

  • Fits standard 10/22 stocks

  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

  • Price

  • Sport chamber

Score: 7.50 Good

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Build a Custom 10/22 Step by Step

  Just about everyone owns a Ruger 10/22. They are fantastically fun guns to shoot and build. Amilcar Hernandez has written a book called “Build a custom 10/22, step by step”. In this book we learn how to upgrade and/or build a 10/22. I was asked if I would like to get a copy to review, and being that I really like 10/22’s, I said sure.

  As with most “do it yourself” style books, Amilcar takes you through the process, literally, step by step. It is 175 pages long, but reads quickly. Up first is the Introduction and Things to Consider chapters. The Intro is really just that, an intro. However the “Things to Consider” chapter helps you determine what you want out of your rifle. Is the main use plinking, hunting, or target shooting. Then it goes into more detail on each.

  The layout of the book is very helpful. It walks you from a chapter on “Budget”, all the way through to a “Lubricant” section. I found the way each chapter built on itself, very useful. Amilcar also puts “references” in every chapter. Very helpful if you would like to look something up.

  Probably the most useful part of the book is the hands on explanations. In the “Bolt” chapter, it goes into how to polish the factory bolt and to what advantage the polishing has. The “Barrel” chapter has a section on different types of 10/22 barrels. From thread-in to press-fit, etc, and why you would want one over the other. The “Trigger” section is fairly lengthy, as it probably should be. Then the book moves on to “stocks, magazines, ammunition, sights”, and so on. Basically the book is a wealth of knowledge that Mr. Hernandez has compiled over the years.

  The “Build a custom 10/22, step by step” is a really good book. I learned some things, as will probably anyone who reads this book. My favorite part is the “Gallery” section at the end of the book. It has numerous 10/22 builds. All with a short build sheets as to which parts were used. This is probably one of those books that I will look at 100 times. Gaining little bits of info here and there.

  Not as involved as a machinists, build from scratch, book. The build a custom 10/22 book has a lot of good information. Just set it on your coffee table, pick it up when you see fit, look at all the detailed pictures, and decide to build a 10/22. I probably would have overlooked a book like this on Amazon, because you need to see it to appreciate it. Amilcar does a nice job and I am glad I was fortunate enough to get one

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Book detailing how to go about building a 10/22

Target Market:

Those wanting to upgrade or build a 10/22

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Describes what to do and where to go for your 10/22 build

  • Paperback

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Kindle Version

What others are saying?:

Mandi 5/5 stars on Amazon

Great Literature, and Pictures both for the beginner builder as well as a veteran.

Highly recommend this book to anyone that owns, builds, or shoots a 10/22. Has everything you need to know.

Link to other reviews:

No real reviews, just press releases

Price point:

MSRP = $29.99

Retail = $15.99-29.99

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Easy reading

  • Photo’s

  • Chapter organization

  • Build lists in “Gallery” section

  • Minor gunsmithing instructions

Cons:

  • Few grammar and spelling issues

  • Actual web links will be outdated someday

  • Price for soft cover

Score: 7.50 Good

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Favorite Link:   Axelson Tactical

Tandemkross 10/22 Ultimate trigger kit


 The rimfire experts over at Tandemkross have a new trigger for your Ruger 10/22. They released the “Ultimate” trigger kit on 10/22 of 2018 in collaboration with Brimstone Gunsmithing. I immediately contacted them to ask for a review trigger kit, well here we are with the trigger review! I was sent a red trigger, but black is also available.

 As mentioned, this trigger system comes in a “kit.” Of course there is the trigger. The trigger is made out of aluminum and anodized either red or black. It uses a wide flat faced design, with very sharp knurling on the face of the trigger. I loved the knurling. My finger immediately knew that I was on the trigger. Now I would maybe put a small chamfer, or angle, on each side of the trigger face. It felt a little sharp on the edges. There is also a over travel adjustment in the trigger shoe. The adjustment is just your standard set screw that butts up against the back of the trigger guard housing. A hex wrench is supplied for adjustment.

 Tandemkross’ Ultimate trigger also comes with a new hammer and sear. This is really what makes the trigger pull lighter. Tandemkross redesigned the sear and hammer. This leads to a reduction in pull weight and a boost in reliability. The reliability is increased, due to the fact that the hammer-sear still have strong engagement. It doesn’t say if the surfaces are polished, but it does mention they are EDM cut for precision. Either way, the trigger pull is fantastic.

 Last up in the Ultimate trigger kit, is the return spring. Why should you care, you ask? Well Tandemkross has ditched the spring and plunger system used on the stock Ruger 10/22. They have gone with a wire spring. This spring mounts to the side of the trigger shoe and rests on a shelf in the trigger housing. I found it gives a positive reset without adding anything to the trigger pull.

 I’m not going into installation. Tandemkross has some very good instructions. If you don’t think you can install the trigger, take it to your local gunsmith. I did have a small problem with the hammer, the hole was too small for one of my rifles hammer pin. Another of my 10/22’s hammer pin fit fine. I chalked this up to the one not fitting, having been built in the early 80’s.

 I am really impressed with the Ultimate trigger kit. It reduced my trigger pull from the factory 5 lb pull to an amazing 2 lb pull. Just by installing the kit and using factory springs. There is a tiny bit of pre-travel, but not even close to the factory trigger. I’d say the pull was smooth, but the travel is so short that it just breaks without being able to feel any creep. As mentioned, getting rid of that spring and plunger system is great also. It now looks like a trigger should. Having over-travel adjustment is nice also. The set screw supplied also has a rubberized tip to keep from marring the trigger housing. I also love the feel of the sharp textured WIDE trigger.

 Tandemkross did an excellent job, in my opinion, with this trigger kit. If you know anything about them, that probably doesn’t surprise you. At $145 for the Ultimate 10/22 trigger kit in red, it might be pricey for some. After using it, I feel it is worth the price. If you’re in the market for rimfire parts and accessories, do yourself a favor and go check out Tandemkross.


Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Better trigger for your 10/22

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a better 10/22 trigger, but mainly competition shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Wide flat trigger

  • Sharp texture on trigger shoe

  • Wire return spring

  • Redesigned Hammer and Sear

  • Reduced pull weight

  • EDM cut parts

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black

What others are saying?:

Essential Trigger! 5/5 stars on Tandemkross

Installs in minutes with YouTube help. And makes a scary big difference. 10/22 factory triggers are like Glock triggers. We usually just compare them with something worse. But this TK Ultimate Trigger is a whole different world of goodness. Silky smooth take-up right up until the glass-rod break. Even upgrades Ruger's own BX trigger upgrade. Mine breaks clean and reliably at about 3.2 pounds. And since the heavily textured flat shoe provides oversized purchase onto the pad of your trigger finger, the effect is even more dramatic. Dry firing with the Ultimate Trigger is impressive, but when out in the field whether poking targets or hunting small game, the TandemKross Ultimate Trigger immediately makes itself essential. I've upgraded a lot of 10/22s and I cannot name a better single upgrade than this trigger for better performance, increased accuracy, and most importantly just the sheer pleasure of shooting.





Link to other reviews:

GunsAmerica

Price point:

MSRP = $134.99-$144.99

I need it now! Availability:

Tandemkross

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Textured trigger surface

  • Reduced pull weight

  • Crisp break

  • Over-travel adjustment

  • Trigger return spring

Cons:

  • Slight creep

  • Price (for some)

Score: 8.5 Great

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Favorite Link:   Axelson Tactical

HCMAGS HC3R 10/22 magazine

   HCMAGS is a company that makes an easy loading magazine for the 10/22, or any other firearm that uses 10/22 magazines. I first saw one of their magazine systems at a local gun shop. The idea looked really cool, so I purchased one. The magazine holds 25rds of .22lr with a side saddle that holds another 20rds for quick loading. 

  The HC3R magazine can be used like any other mag, but why? Well, since the HC mag has a slider on the side of the magazine, you could just slide it down while loading it up. But there's more. The back of the magazine acts like a stripper clip. One can push it down slightly and rock the whole stripper clip out. Fill the clip up with 25rds, pull the slider on the side of the mag down and lock it in place. Then roll the clip back into the magazine and release the slider and your ready to go. When the clip is off of the magazine, you can also put 20rds in the magazine side saddle before loading up the other 25rds. Once you have depleted the contents, you can take the stripper off of the magazine, slide it over the rims of the 20rds in the side saddle, and reinstall it with 20 new rounds. An extra stripper clip is included also. 

  Now I would have thought that this was the best thing since sliced bread. The biggest problem is that I couldn't get the magazine to feed in 3 different 10/22's. HCMAGS instructions say to watch their video on their website to make sure you are loading the magazine correctly. I watched it 3 or 4 times and still the magazine wouldn't work. I called them and they told me that I had a 1st generation HC3R mag and when the 2nd gen was out they would replace mine with a gen 2. They replaced it after about 6 months. Okay, sometimes manufacturing takes longer,  so I was alright with that. Now I have my gen 2 in hand, and it works a little bit better. It only jams about every 3rd round, instead of every time. I can't load 25 in the mag or it won't even feed, I have to load 20 to get it to feed the first round. Different manufacturers of .22lr don't seem to make a difference either. As is with different 10/22's.

  Basically the HC3R magazine is an innovative design. It is kind of a shame that it doesn't live up to its hype. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quick reloading 10/22 magazine

Target Market:

Someone who wants extra magazine capacity without the need for an extra magazine. 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Quick reloading 
  • Stripper clips
  • Lockable thumb stud
  • Extra ammo on hand in magazine side saddle
  • Disassembles for cleaning

 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Tactical pack available with extra stripper clips, loader, and case. 

Tactical pack

What others are saying?: 

 Bill K. at Botach 2/5 stars

Cumbersom

This magazine is difficult to load for me. I found bullets jamming during the loading process and falling out of the Rib Clip and extra holding channel when I didn't hold it properly. For me, it is more hassle than it's worth.

LEXRated at Cabelas 5/5 stars

Awesome and Innovative

There's not much real fun in loading, but this system these folks have developed is simply amazing.

Follow their instructions and get a couple extra magazines and this system will let you shoot all day and even for days. It is effortless.

NOTE: this listing is incorrectly listing the magazine as a 20 round magazine. Once they update the product to show it is in fact a 25 round magazine and it's part of the whole system whereby the strip clip feeders hold 20 rounds on the same mag. That means with one mag you have 45 rounds, 25 in and 20 out, and dumping the 20 in is super fast.

I hope Cabela's gets the HC Mags HC3R Tactical Kit (I have one already) but others need to know about it. I do not work for HC, just an impressed customer of their product and fan of Cabela's.

Additional note: some may say that having an open/exposed magazine makes it not worth it, but considering how much more one typically shoots with 22, i see the value in making the loading delays and effort go away and getting back to shooting more important. Plus, it's a breeze to clean and frankly, most of any significant debris easily going in, can fall out the same way. Mud is mud and play safe.

Price point:

MSRP = $29.95 at HCMAGS

Retail = $30.00 at Botach

I need it now! Availability:

HCMAGS.com

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Stripper clip
  • Steel feed lips
  • Ease of loading
  • Comes apart for cleaning  

Cons:

  • Will not feed properly
  • Shouldn't need special loading instructions

 Score: 4.00 Bad

 

 

 

Chads favorite link of the day: Northwest Firearms

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