Tandomkross recently released a new magazine release for the 10/22 (https://www.tandemkross.com/skeletonized_mag_release). I'm a big fan of Tandomkross and have purchased several parts from them. I decided to place an order and check it out.
I want to say upfront, that this is a nice magazine release. I like it a lot, however, it won't be for everyone.
I tossed it into a rifle and here are my thoughts.
It's nice, a decent upgrade from the stock mag release. Aggressive texturing on the release side. Very easy and smooth forward/upward pressure releases the mag with no issues. I like it. It's a nice design. Lightweight, quality build. About what I would expect from Tandomkross.
However, I won't be keeping it on any of my current rifles. It will go in the bin with my other 10/22 parts awaiting a future Iron Sight build.
I took it out to the range just to verify, but the dozen or so mag swaps I performed was telling. This mag release has a lot going for it.
- low profile.
- aggressive texturing
- Flat front, there is a positive stop against a barricade or even when shooting offhand.
- Looks great on the rifle.
- Smooth action
- Relatively cheap.
I have one issue with it, and it is geared towards how I use my 10/22s and how they are currently setup. One 10/22 has the Timney 2stage trigger. Which doesn't really allow aftermarket parts to be used. My other builds all have the Tandomkross extended bolt release, it is roughly the same size and the bolt release interferes with accessing the magazine release slightly. Quick mag changes are key and this is just too small of a mag release sitting next to the Bolt release I'm using.
So I swapped out my bolt release for a standard auto bolt release. This, by far, was a perfect match. I usually run longer magazine releases as I grip the magazine release with my pinky and palm as I move my hand forward under the rifle. This allows me to drop the mag and catch the mag with my same hand, in a very smooth transition. With this mag release and my extended bolt release, I would have to press the mag release with my pointer, as I would have no room to press it with my palm. Without the extended bolt release, I can press the mag release with the palm of my hand only, Which works perfectly, freeing up practically my full hand to catch the magazine before grabbing the next magazine.
If you're in the market for a new Mag release. If you like shorter releases, and you don't have an extended Bolt release, I would suggest giving Tandomkross a look.