TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 Review

Is the TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 Worth It? Let’s Find Out

The Ruger MKIV 22/45 platform is a beloved rimfire pistol, particularly among those who value speed and precision, but its flush-fit magazine bases can be a point of contention. Enter the TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45, an aftermarket accessory designed to address this very issue. This product aims to enhance magazine seating consistency and improve grip, crucial elements for competitive shooters and everyday users alike. My own journey to this particular upgrade was born from a consistent, albeit minor, frustration during rapid magazine changes. The steep angle of the MKIV’s magazine well, combined with the unforgiving nature of its flush base plates, often led to fumbled reloads or the nagging doubt that a magazine wasn’t fully seated.

Upon receiving the Tomahawk Bumpers, my initial impression was one of robust construction. The Zytel material felt solid and durable, promising to withstand the rigors of repeated use. TANDEMKROSS has a reputation for producing quality upgrades for Ruger rimfires, and the visual impression of these bumpers certainly aligned with that. I had briefly considered more conventional extended magazine wells or simply larger aftermarket base pads, but the unique “hooked” design of the Tomahawk piqued my curiosity. My immediate feeling was one of pragmatic optimism – this looked like a potential solution to a persistent, albeit small, annoyance.

Real-World Testing: Putting TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for the TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 were primarily at my local indoor range, supplemented by dry-fire practice at home. The installation itself was surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal effort to snap the bumpers onto the factory magazines. However, a minor quirk emerged during the initial seating process: a small molded hole before the actual locking pin hole required a bit of manipulation with a screwdriver to bypass, a slight annoyance that was quickly overcome.

During live fire, the improvement in magazine seating was immediately noticeable. A firm “bump” was all it took to ensure a positive lock, eliminating the subtle uncertainty that plagued the flush bases. The textured surface provided excellent purchase, even with slightly sweaty hands. I also found the placement of the hook to be surprisingly effective, particularly when employing a “hooking” motion with my support hand pinky finger during a reload, which aided in a more decisive magazine insertion. The enhanced grip surface provided a more substantial feel at the bottom of the magazine, which is especially beneficial given the steep angle of the Ruger MKIV 22/45’s magazine well.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use at the range, involving hundreds of magazine changes and numerous range trips, the Tomahawk Hooked Bumpers have proven to be remarkably reliable. They have endured being dropped on the concrete floor of the range on more than one occasion, emerging without any visible damage or functional compromise. The Zytel material has shown excellent resilience, with no cracks, excessive scuffing, or signs of degradation.

Maintenance has been a non-issue. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep them clean from range dust and grime. Compared to the original flush-fit bases, these aftermarket bumpers offer a tangible improvement in reload confidence and speed. While they aren’t a complete transformation of the firearm’s handling, they do offer a significant upgrade in terms of magazine management, particularly for those who might find standard bases challenging. They represent a solid, user-friendly enhancement that doesn’t require any permanent modification to the firearm or magazines.

Breaking Down the Features of TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45

Specifications

The TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 is constructed from a durable Zytel polymer, chosen for its impact resistance and light weight. This material is standard for many firearm accessories, offering a good balance of toughness and cost-effectiveness. The design features an oversized, textured surface to provide enhanced grip during magazine seating, a crucial element for fast reloads. A distinct hooked profile is incorporated, intended to offer a leverage point for the shooter’s pinky finger, aiding in control and positive insertion.

These bumpers are designed as a direct drop-in replacement for the factory magazine base pads on specific Ruger models. This includes the Ruger MKIV 22/45, MKIV 22/45 Tactical, MKIV 22/45 LITE, and their MKIII and MKII 22/45 predecessors. The installation requires no adhesives or specialized tools, making it accessible for any user. The primary function is to create a more substantial and easily grasped surface at the magazine base, facilitating quicker and more consistent seating into the firearm’s magazine well.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, the Tomahawk Hooked Bumper performs admirably. The primary goal of improving magazine seating consistency is met with impressive reliability. The textured surface allows for a firm grip, ensuring that when you push the magazine into the well, it seats securely with a satisfying “click.” This is particularly beneficial in high-stress or rapid-fire scenarios where a partially seated magazine can lead to a critical malfunction.

The “hooked” aspect of the design offers a nuanced benefit. For shooters with larger hands, or those who employ a specific reload technique, the protrusion can indeed offer a point of leverage. It provides an extra surface area to push against, especially when compared to the flush factory bases. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of this hook can be subjective and dependent on individual hand size and grip style. While it undeniably adds an extra dimension to the grip, its utility might not be universally felt to the same degree by all users.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Tomahawk Hooked Bumper is both functional and visually distinct. The oversized nature of the bumper, combined with aggressive texturing, makes it significantly easier to grasp than the factory flush-fit base pads. This is a key ergonomic improvement, especially when fumbling for a spare magazine under pressure or when wearing gloves. The Zytel material provides a comfortable, non-slip surface that feels secure in hand.

The hooked profile, while innovative, does slightly alter the overall feel of the magazine in hand. For some, it offers a natural resting place for the pinky finger, enhancing control. For others, particularly those with smaller hands, the hook might feel a bit prominent or positioned slightly awkwardly. It’s a design choice that offers a clear advantage for a specific use case, but it’s worth considering your own grip preferences. The overall build quality is excellent, with clean molding and no sharp edges, indicative of a well-manufactured accessory.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a strong suit for the TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45. The Zytel polymer is known for its toughness and resistance to impact and abrasion, which is crucial for an accessory that’s likely to take a beating during reloads and the occasional fumble. I have personally experienced instances where magazines equipped with these bumpers have been accidentally dropped onto hard surfaces, yet the bumpers have shown no signs of cracking, deformation, or loss of grip texture.

Maintenance is exceptionally simple; the non-porous polymer is easy to clean with a damp cloth, soap, and water, effectively removing dirt, oil, and residue. There are no complex mechanisms or parts that require special attention. The design itself is robust, with no apparent weak points that are prone to failure under normal use. This makes them a low-maintenance, high-reliability upgrade for the Ruger MKIV 22/45 magazines.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 comes as a standalone accessory. There are no additional accessories included with the purchase, as it is designed to replace the existing base pad on the factory Ruger magazines. However, TANDEMKROSS does offer these bumpers in various pack sizes, allowing users to upgrade all their magazines at once.

The primary “customization” aspect comes from the user’s choice of which magazines to equip them with. For those looking to further enhance their Ruger MKIV 22/45, TANDEMKROSS offers a range of other complementary upgrades, such as extended magazine releases or improved sights, which can be integrated with these bumpers to create a more tailored shooting experience. The bumpers themselves do not offer further modification options beyond their intended design.

Pros and Cons of TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45

Who Should Buy TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45?

The TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 is an excellent choice for competitive rimfire shooters, particularly those involved in speed shooting disciplines where quick and reliable magazine changes are paramount. It’s also ideal for any Ruger MKIV 22/45 owner who has experienced frustration with flush-fit magazine bases, or who simply desires a more substantial and grippy magazine base. Shooters with larger hands who find the factory magazines a bit difficult to get a solid purchase on will also benefit from this upgrade.

However, individuals who prioritize magazine capacity increases might want to look at different types of aftermarket base pads. Those who prefer an absolutely minimalist aesthetic may find the slightly more pronounced profile of the Tomahawk bumpers to be less appealing, though their functionality is undeniable. For optimum use, ensure you are purchasing for the correct Ruger MK series 22/45 variants as listed by the manufacturer.

Conclusion on TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45

The TANDEMKROSS Tomahawk Hooked Bumper, Ruger MKIV 22/45 is a well-executed aftermarket accessory that successfully addresses a common pain point for Ruger MKIV 22/45 owners. It provides a tangible improvement in the crucial area of magazine seating, enhancing both speed and reliability during reloads. The robust Zytel construction, combined with the aggressive texturing and thoughtful hooked design, offers a superior grip and leverage compared to the factory base plates. While the installation requires a minor, easily overcome step, and the hook’s utility can vary by user, these are small considerations against the significant functional gains.

At $24.99, the value proposition is strong, especially considering the potential to prevent malfunctions and shave precious seconds off reload times in competition or demanding situations. I would certainly recommend this product to any shooter looking to optimize their Ruger MKIV 22/45 for faster, more confident magazine changes. If you value enhanced control and positive magazine seating above all else, the Tomahawk Hooked Bumper is a worthy and effective upgrade.