If you have been around certain types of handguns, like the Ruger MK series, you know how hard they can be to cycle by hand. This brings us to the "Halo" charging ring by Tandemkross. The Halo is a nifty device that clamps on your existing charging handle/slide. Tandemkross sent me the Halo for review. It is one of the few made for the square style bolt on the earlier Ruger 22/45 and MKII's.

When you first get the Halo, you notice that it is a real simple design. It is basically a squared off ring with a slot and a bolt. Simple yes, but more importantly is the function. Once I mounted it up, I immediately found it easier to cycle the bolt. All you have to do is put a finger inside the loop, and pull back, then let go, and your done. I had my whole family try it, and they all said it was way easier and more intuitive. I was also told it made the 22/45 look like a space gun.

Of course I was also worried about adding weight to the bolt. After trying everything from sub-sonic to hyper-sonic .22lr shells, I put that thought to rest as everything functioned great! Now on the other hand, I was a little disappointed the the inside of the Halo ring was squared off. It digs into your joint a little when using it. If Tandemkross were to round the inside, it would be much more ergonomic. I wasn't the only person who thought this either. With the Halo installed, you can cycle the bolt the same way as before, if you want, but with the added benefit of the tabs sticking out farther than standard.

Everything needed for the installation is included. Basically the screw and allen wrench. To install the Halo. Just slide it down over the cocking serrations/nubs. Install the screw, and tighten it down. I put some blue threadlocker on the screw, just in case. One thing to note, you can put the Halo on upside down. Yes, I did this, and it does still function fine. But put the writing so you can read it, and that is the correct way to install it.

The Ruger series of pistols is not the only ones that Tandemkross makes the Halo for. Some of the others look a little different, but function the same. So if you are having a problem racking the slide, or know someone that is, you might want to look into the Halo series of charging handles.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Easier to use charging handle

Target Market:

Shooters wanting a quicker, larger, and easier to use charging handle

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Pull Ring Design
Ease of use
Ambidextrous
Lightweight
Anodized
Made in U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black only, but available for other firearm models

What others are saying?:

Jon @tandemcross: 5/5 stars

Ruger 22/45 Lite Halo

This has to be one of the best upgrades for the Ruger 22/45. I got this for my wife because she has a hard time pulling back the bolt with her small hands. The halo ring makes it simple and easy for her to rack the bolt with just one finger. I also like how secure it is on the bolt, just a dab of blue loctite on the screw and its not going anywhere. Lastly, I believe the extra weight of the halo on the bolt helps cycle the gun better which is an added bonus. I would definitely recommend this upgrade for people who have trouble pulling back the bolt on their Ruger pistol easily.

Link to other reviews:

AmmoLand

Price point:

MSRP = $44.99

Retail = $42.99 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

TandemKross or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

Easy to use
Weight doesn't induce malfunctions
Model availability
Easy Installation
Made in U.S.A.

Cons:

Squared Off (Not Rounded)
Only available in black

Score: 8.0 Great

Chad’s Favorite Link: AR15 Podcast

AR 15 charging handles are really a dime a dozen. So when I run across something innovative, I have to try and review it. SinterCore is just the company doing that. They have introduced an ambidextrous charging handle called the "TripWire." It happens to be of the extended type with some cool features.

After receiving the TripWire, I had to look it over. The reason for this is because it does not have your standard style moving latch. Instead it has a 3D printed carbon filled nylon latch. But what makes it innovative? Well, the latch is on a hinged pin with a spring and the handle/handles do not move or pivot. So all that one has to do is pull straight back on the handle. No pulling a latch or lever to unlock it, the latch just unlocks itself. The rest of the handle is 7075-T6 aluminum and hard coat anodized with some grooves cut in for better grip.

One might wonder how reliable this design can be, I was. But as I have used the TripWire, I found it to hold shut just as well as any other charging handle. The handle does take a little more force at first to cycle the bolt. This is because you have to overcome the spring pressure holding the charging handle from moving. I also slammed my unloaded AR against the floor numerous times to see if I could get it to unlatch, I couldn't. And while doing this I could hear the bolt moving, so it passed my hold closed testing.

I really like the design of the TripWire. It is lightweight, quality machined, and even 3D printed. Plus there are very few moving parts. Sintercore also told me that if I wanted a lighter weight spring to unlatch the charging handle, they could send one out. I thought it was fine and don't want the chance of the lighter spring making it easier for the charging handle to come unlatched. If you are looking for something other than the standard AR15 charging handle, give the Tripwire a chance.