Let’s Talk About TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 promises to boost your rimfire fun by adding five extra rounds to your Ruger SR22 magazines. Designed by TANDEMKROSS, these base pads aim to enhance grip, improve magazine seating, and, most importantly, increase your shooting capacity. My journey to find these started with a simple desire: more shooting, less reloading.
I often found myself spending more time reloading my SR22 magazines than actually enjoying the shooting experience. Standard capacity magazines felt limiting during extended range sessions, prompting my search for a reliable extension. I considered a few options, including complete aftermarket magazines with higher capacities, but the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad seemed like a more cost-effective and practical solution. The promise of easy installation and a nearly indestructible Zytel construction sealed the deal.
Upon receiving the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22, my initial impression was positive. The Zytel material felt robust and durable, and the design looked like it would seamlessly integrate with my existing SR22 magazines. The weight was negligible, which was a welcome surprise. I was excited to see if they would live up to the claim of adding five extra rounds without compromising reliability.
Compared to purchasing completely new high-capacity magazines from other manufacturers, the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad offered a budget-friendly approach. Other alternatives, like magazine couplers, seemed bulky and impractical for the SR22 platform. I picked the TANDEMKROSS base pads for their simple, elegant design and the promise of increased capacity without sacrificing the factory magazine’s reliability. My excitement was palpable; I couldn’t wait to hit the range and see if these lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I planned a day of plinking and target practice with my Ruger SR22 to thoroughly evaluate the base pads. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing.
Installation was straightforward, following the instructions provided by TANDEMKROSS. The initial loading experience, however, presented some challenges. The last few rounds were significantly harder to load, and achieving the full 15-round capacity required considerable effort. I experienced a few failures to feed within the first couple of magazines.
Despite the initial loading difficulty, the extended grip provided by the base pad was immediately noticeable. It offered a more secure and comfortable hold, especially for my larger hands. There was a slight adjustment period needed to get used to the added length of the magazine. But the improved grip and handling were welcomed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 showed some signs of wear, mainly cosmetic scratches on the Zytel material. Functionally, the base pads remained intact. The spring tension within the magazine seemed to have relaxed slightly.
The magazines became easier to load to the full 15-round capacity over time. The initial failures to feed diminished, but occasional hiccups persisted, particularly with cheaper bulk ammunition. Cleaning and maintenance were simple. A quick wipe-down after each range session kept them in good working order.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard SR22 magazines, the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad offered a significant increase in capacity, but with a slight trade-off in reliability. While the added grip and increased round count were appreciated, the occasional feeding issues prevented them from completely outperforming the factory magazines. They offered a good compromise.
Breaking Down the Features of TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22
Specifications
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 boasts several key specifications. Manufactured by TANDEMKROSS, the base pads are constructed from nearly indestructible Zytel polymer. The color is black, and the stated magazine capacity increase is 5 rounds.
They are specifically designed for the Ruger SR22 pistol. The product condition is new upon purchase. These specifications directly impact the overall performance and user experience, influencing factors such as durability, capacity, and compatibility.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 is to increase magazine capacity and enhance grip. When functioning correctly, it adds five rounds to the standard SR22 magazine, offering a higher round count for extended shooting sessions. The extended base also provides a better gripping surface, especially beneficial for shooters with larger hands.
However, the reliability can be inconsistent. Some users report difficulty loading the full 15 rounds and experience occasional failures to feed, particularly with certain types of ammunition. The base pads meet the expectation of increased capacity but fall short of delivering flawless reliability across all ammunition types.
Design & Ergonomics
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 features a simple, functional design. The Zytel material is lightweight yet feels robust, contributing to the overall build quality. The extended base pad provides a comfortable grip.
The installation process is user-friendly. But loading the magazine to full capacity can be challenging, requiring significant thumb pressure. Overall, the design is practical and enhances the ergonomics of the SR22 magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The Zytel construction of the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 suggests good durability. Over time, minor cosmetic wear is expected. The simple design makes maintenance easy.
The base pads can be quickly wiped down with a cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris. With proper care, the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad should provide a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 does not offer extensive customization options. The base pads are designed to work with the existing Ruger SR22 magazine spring and follower. Some users have experimented with aftermarket magazine springs to improve reliability, but this is not a supported configuration.
The primary accessory is the base pad itself. There aren’t many other compatible accessories directly designed for it.
Pros and Cons of TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22
Pros
- Significant increase in magazine capacity, adding five extra rounds.
- Improved grip and handling due to the extended base pad.
- Relatively easy installation process.
- Durable Zytel construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Cost-effective compared to purchasing entirely new magazines.
Cons
- Loading to full capacity can be difficult, requiring significant effort.
- Occasional failures to feed may occur, especially with cheaper ammunition.
Who Should Buy TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22?
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 is perfect for Ruger SR22 owners who enjoy plinking, target shooting, and recreational shooting. Those seeking a higher round count without investing in expensive aftermarket magazines will find these base pads a worthwhile addition. It particularly benefits shooters with larger hands who appreciate a more substantial grip.
Those prioritizing absolute reliability and flawless feeding, or who primarily use their SR22 for serious competitive shooting, should consider alternatives. Those individuals should probably stick with factory magazines. A magazine loader might be a useful accessory for those who struggle with loading to full capacity.
Conclusion on TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22
The TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 offers a compelling value proposition for Ruger SR22 owners seeking increased magazine capacity and improved grip. While the loading process can be challenging, and occasional feeding issues may occur, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks for most recreational shooters. The price is justified by the increased round count and enhanced ergonomics.
I would recommend the TANDEMKROSS Wingman Extended Magazine Base Pad, Ruger SR22 to anyone looking to get more out of their Ruger SR22 without breaking the bank. The increased capacity and improved grip make for a more enjoyable shooting experience. Upgrade your SR22 magazines today and spend less time reloading and more time sending rounds downrange!