First Impressions of TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell
The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell promises a significant upgrade to the already popular Ruger Mark IV 22/45 series. TANDEMKROSS aims to enhance both the aesthetics and the functionality of this .22LR pistol with a more aggressive grip texture and a widened magazine well for faster reloads. This combination suggests a serious upgrade for competitive shooters and anyone looking to improve their handling of the Mark IV 22/45.
I’ve been shooting the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 for years, primarily for casual target practice and introducing new shooters to pistol marksmanship. The factory grip, while functional, always felt a little lacking in terms of aggressive texture and positive purchase, especially during rapid fire drills. The magazine changes, while manageable, could definitely be faster with a dedicated magwell.
My first impression upon unboxing was that this isn’t just a cosmetic change. The aggressive texturing on the grips is immediately apparent, and the magwell appears robust and well-integrated. The weight feels balanced and contributes to a more solid feel in hand, suggesting a premium product.
I considered options from Volquartsen and LCI, but the TANDEMKROSS offering seemed to strike the best balance between aggressive grip and functional magwell integration at a competitive price point. Many grips focus solely on aesthetics, but the TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell looked to also provide functional improvements.
Initial excitement is high. The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell presents a promising combination of improved grip and faster reloads, addressing the two areas where the factory Ruger Mark IV 22/45 fell slightly short for my needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell at my local outdoor shooting range during a typical Texas summer day. The temperature was hovering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity, creating a sweaty-palms environment ideal for evaluating grip performance.
The improvement in grip was immediately noticeable under these conditions. The aggressive texturing kept the pistol firmly planted in my hand, even with sweaty palms. The magwell greatly accelerated magazine changes.
The only initial challenge was adapting to the slightly thicker grip profile, which required a minor adjustment to my shooting stance. I also noticed I had to be more deliberate to ensure the magazine was properly seated in the magwell; a slight push was sometimes necessary.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a small informal steel challenge, the TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell has proven to be remarkably durable. The grip texture shows no signs of wear, even after repeated handling and holster use.
Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I also use a nylon brush to occasionally clean the aggressive grip texture.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory grips, the TANDEMKROSS upgrade offers a significantly more secure and confident feel, particularly during rapid-fire scenarios. The magwell has shaved valuable seconds off my reload times, making the entire shooting experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Breaking Down the Features of TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell
Specifications
- The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell are designed specifically for the Ruger Mark IV 22/45, 22/45 Tactical, and 22/45 Lite models. This ensures a precise fit and seamless integration with the firearm.
- The grips are constructed from a high-strength polymer composite, providing excellent durability and resistance to impact and abrasion. This ensures a long lifespan, even with frequent use and exposure to harsh conditions.
- The magwell is crafted from lightweight aluminum, balancing strength with minimal added weight. This enhances reload speed without significantly altering the overall weight and balance of the pistol.
- The grips feature an aggressively textured surface, providing a secure and comfortable grip even with sweaty or gloved hands. This enhances control and accuracy during rapid fire and adverse conditions.
- The magwell’s flared design significantly widens the magazine insertion point, facilitating faster and more reliable reloads. This is particularly beneficial in competitive shooting scenarios and self-defense situations.
Performance & Functionality
The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell significantly enhances the overall shooting experience. The improved grip texture allows for better control, resulting in improved accuracy, especially during rapid fire drills.
The flared magwell makes magazine changes significantly faster and smoother. This makes it easier to perform quick reloads under pressure or in time-sensitive situations.
The product meets and exceeds my expectations. The grip is far more secure and comfortable than the factory grips, and the magwell has noticeably improved my reload times.
Design & Ergonomics
The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell features an aggressively styled design that enhances the aesthetics of the Ruger Mark IV 22/45. The grips are comfortable and ergonomic.
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and precise manufacturing tolerances. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell appears to be highly durable and long-lasting. The polymer grips are resistant to impact, abrasion, and solvents.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A regular wipe-down with a cloth is sufficient to keep the grips and magwell clean and functional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell does not include any additional accessories beyond the grips and magwell itself. However, it is compatible with most aftermarket Ruger Mark IV 22/45 magazines.
The flared magwell may require slight modification to some aftermarket basepads to ensure smooth magazine insertion and ejection. The grips can also be further customized with grip tape or other aftermarket enhancements for a personalized fit and feel.
Pros and Cons of TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell
Pros
- Significantly improved grip texture for enhanced control.
- Flared magwell dramatically speeds up magazine changes.
- Durable construction using high-quality materials.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Enhanced aesthetics with an aggressive, modern design.
Cons
- The aggressively textured grips may be too abrasive for some users with sensitive hands.
- The increased grip thickness may require minor adjustments to shooting stance and grip technique.
Who Should Buy TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell?
Perfect for competitive shooters looking to shave seconds off their reload times and improve their grip for better control. Also ideal for recreational shooters who want to enhance the ergonomics and aesthetics of their Ruger Mark IV 22/45.
Those who prefer a less aggressive grip texture or who are highly sensitive to grip thickness might want to skip this product. Those who are primarily concerned with aesthetics and are not focused on performance improvements might find the price point excessive.
Must-have accessories include high-quality magazines and a compatible holster. Users may also want to consider aftermarket basepads designed to work seamlessly with flared magwells.
Conclusion on TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell
The TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell is a worthwhile upgrade for any Ruger Mark IV 22/45 owner seeking enhanced performance and improved ergonomics. While the price point is higher than some other grip options, the significant improvements in grip texture and reload speed justify the cost.
I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking to take their Ruger Mark IV 22/45 to the next level. It’s a game-changer for competitive shooting and a welcome improvement for recreational use.
Upgrade your Ruger Mark IV 22/45 today with the TANDEMKROSS Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tempest Grips and Magwell and experience the difference!