First Impressions of TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension promises to boost the capacity of Ruger-5.7 magazines, a welcome addition for any shooter looking to maximize their time on the range or minimize reloads in a tactical situation. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m always looking for reliable enhancements that improve performance and efficiency. The Ruger-5.7’s high-velocity, bottleneck cartridge is a blast to shoot, but the standard 20-round capacity can feel limiting during extended drills.
My search for a solution led me to the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper. I wanted a simple, durable, and effective way to increase my magazine capacity without sacrificing reliability. Upon unboxing, the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper appeared well-made, with a clean black finish. The material felt sturdy, and the overall design seemed practical.
Compared to similar magazine extensions from other manufacturers (like those offered by ProMag or Strike Industries for other platforms), the TANDEMKROSS offering seemed more focused on functional design rather than purely aesthetic enhancements. I chose this product for its promise of a straightforward installation and added grip surface. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the Wingman Bumper would live up to its claims of increased capacity and improved handling.
Real-World Testing: Putting TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range. The weather was clear and mild, ideal for evaluating the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper’s performance. Installation was surprisingly simple, taking only a few minutes per magazine. The added length of the Wingman Bumper immediately felt more secure in my hand during reloads.
With the modified magazines loaded to their new 25-round capacity, I began running drills. The initial magazine fed flawlessly. No issues presented during the first few magazines. However, after about 100 rounds, I started experiencing occasional failures to feed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired through magazines equipped with the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper, the reliability issues persisted. Specifically, the last 2-3 rounds in the extended magazines frequently failed to chamber properly, requiring a tap-rack-bang drill to resolve. There were no obvious signs of wear and tear on the Wingman Bumper itself, but the increased spring tension required to feed 25 rounds seemed to be the culprit.
Cleaning the magazine and Wingman Bumper was straightforward. Basic solvents and a nylon brush were sufficient to remove powder residue. Compared to my experience with standard capacity magazines, the extended magazines required more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Ultimately, while the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper offered the promise of increased capacity, the reliability issues hampered its overall performance.
Breaking Down the Features of TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension
Specifications
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension is designed to increase the capacity of Ruger-5.7 magazines by five rounds. It is compatible with both the Ruger-5.7 pistol and the Ruger LC Carbine, as they share the same magazines. The bumper is constructed from a durable polymer and is available in black.
The Manufacturer is TANDEMKROSS. The magazine capacity is +5 rounds, and it is designed for the 5.7mm caliber. It fits the Ruger-57 model. Condition is Factory DEMO.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the firearm’s capacity and handling. The added capacity can be beneficial in competitive shooting or defensive situations, while the enhanced grip can improve control and reload speed.
Performance & Functionality
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper promises to increase magazine capacity and improve grip. In practice, it does add five rounds to the Ruger-5.7 magazine and provides a larger surface area for easier magazine insertion. However, as noted earlier, the added spring tension can lead to reliability issues, particularly with the last few rounds in the magazine.
The primary strength of the Wingman Bumper is its simple installation and increased capacity. The weakness is the potential for malfunctions. It meets the expectation of increased capacity, but falls short in terms of consistent reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper features a straightforward design that integrates seamlessly with the Ruger-5.7 magazine. The polymer construction feels solid and durable. While it adds some weight to the magazine, the increase is negligible.
The Wingman Bumper is user-friendly and requires no specialized tools for installation. There is no significant learning curve. The larger surface area provides a more secure grip during magazine changes.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper suggests it should last a reasonable amount of time. However, the increased spring tension from a fully loaded +5 magazine will increase wear and tear on the magazine spring over time. Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Regular inspection of the magazine spring is recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper itself is a standalone accessory. It does not directly integrate with other accessories like optics or grips. However, it is compatible with any Ruger-5.7 magazine that fits the standard magazine well.
The primary customization option is the ability to add a +5 capacity extension. Some users may choose to replace the magazine spring with a stronger aftermarket spring to improve reliability with the extended capacity.
Pros and Cons of TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension
Pros
- Increases magazine capacity by 5 rounds, offering more shooting time between reloads.
- Provides a larger gripping surface, improving magazine handling and reload speed.
- Simple and easy to install, requiring no special tools or gunsmithing.
- Durable polymer construction designed to withstand regular use.
- Compatible with both the Ruger-5.7 pistol and the Ruger LC Carbine.
Cons
- Can introduce reliability issues, particularly with the last few rounds in the magazine.
- May require a stronger aftermarket magazine spring to ensure consistent feeding.
- Added spring tension may accelerate wear on the magazine spring over time.
Who Should Buy TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension?
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper is perfect for recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. It can also benefit competitive shooters who need every possible advantage in terms of capacity. Those who prioritize maximum capacity for home defense or tactical scenarios may also find it useful, provided they address the potential reliability issues.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who demand absolute reliability above all else. If consistent and flawless feeding is paramount, sticking with standard capacity magazines is the safer bet. A must-have modification would be a higher power magazine spring.
Conclusion on TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper Ruger 5.7 +5 Rounds Magazine Extension offers a straightforward solution for increasing the capacity of Ruger-5.7 magazines. While it delivers on its promise of added rounds and improved grip, the potential for reliability issues cannot be ignored. The price of $33.49 for a two-pack is reasonable, but the need for a potentially stronger magazine spring adds to the overall cost.
While the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Bumper has merits, it is not without its drawbacks. Proceed with caution, test thoroughly, and consider investing in a stronger magazine spring.