ruger

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LaserMax CenterFire Laser for the Ruger LC9, LC9S, LC380, and EC9S

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Written by: Rich S.


I would start by saying if you have ever been to Houston Texas in the summer, you’ll understand this more than others. Houston is a humid and oppressively hot city most of the year and a full size or even some compact carry pistols just don’t conceal well under the shorts and t-shirt required to deal with the heat. You see I am not a large fellow, so size matters (That one's for Zane). For me my sweaty summer day EDC is the Ruger ec9s micro 9mm.

I really liked this little gun; you’re not going to be knocking down prairie dogs at 50 yards, but it’ll do the job at 10-20 yards. The sights on the Ruger are milled into the slide and boast the same black color as the rest of the firearm. I can tell you that it did become apparent very quickly in a dark parking lot with a target in dark clothing that I could not pick up the front sights. As I said earlier, I like the size and have become proficient with this little guy but after this incident things needed to change.

  I sought out a few options to remedy the issue from rolling with my Sig on my hip to searching for a replacement to fill the role of “board shorts gun”. I settled on finding an option that would allow me to keep the micro 9 size and weight I like so much but allow me to easily acquire a target in an off platform firing position. What I found was the LaserMax CenterFire.

This product is made specifically to fit the contours of the Ruger micro line of pistols and once installed looks like a factory accessory! Its red laser has simple adjustments, is easy to install and has an ergonomic on/off button on each side. 

I have been using this little laser for over 18 months and have about 5,500 rounds through the gun with it attached. The Lasermax has held zero even with the beating it has taken as an everyday carry on a sometimes-sweaty dude. It’s made of a tough nylon material with an ambidextrous on/off button and fully adjustable windage and elevation. The centerfire laser weighs in at 1oz and a 4-hour battery life and a 5-year warranty. You can buy direct from Lasermax for an MSRP or $129 or pick one up on Amazon for around $90.00 - $100.00. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Laser for Ruger line of pistols

Target Market:

Anyone with a Ruger LC9, LC9S, LC380, and EC9S looking to add a laser for dryfire practice or everyday carry

 FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Compact design

  • Ambidextrous on/off button

  • Fully adjustable windage and elevation

  • Rugged design 

  • Weight: 1oz

  • Dimensions:3.5”x1.5”x.75”

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None 

What others are saying?:

4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Link to other reviews:

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-LC9 Review

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

Retail = $100 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

LaserMax or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  •  Fits like a factory installed accessory

  •  Ergonomic design

  •  Ambidextrous 

  •  Price

Cons:

  •  Niche product

  •  Battery accessibility 

Score: 7.5 Good - for what it is 

 Favorite Link:  (Ruger LCP and LC9 with LaserMax Centerfire Laser  (Love the infomercial voice!) 

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Faxon 10/22 barrel

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  Faxon Firearms has been making quality barrels for some time now. They recently entered into the rimfire barrel market with their 10/22 barrels. Faxon has three different barrel contours to choose from as well as two types of fluting options. There are also three different coating options to choose from. I opted for the flame fluted standard profile in chameleon PVD.

  The Faxon 10/22 barrel has a bunch of features not provided on the factory Ruger model. Most notably is probably the addition of Flame fluting. Faxon does a unique style of fluting as one of the options. As one can guess, the fluting looks like “flames”. If you get the “Chameleon” PVD coated barrel, the flutes are actually a different color than the rest of the barrel, which actually makes the flames look a bit more realistic. Since the barrel is PVD coated, the look of the coating will vary from barrel to barrel. This particular one is more of a lavender to blue fade with the flutes being a yellowish orange color. Some are more a blue to green fade. Fluting, both standard and Flame, provides better cooling of the barrel by providing more surface area for the barrel to give off heat. More important to me, is that on a rimfire barrel, it reduces the overall weight. In this case, the Faxon barrel is 0.4 lbs lighter than a factory Ruger 10/22 barrel. Faxon’s pencil profile reduces the weight by another 0.4 lbs, so a 0.8 lb reduction total. The Chameleon barrel sent to me weighs 1.4 lbs total.

  When manufacturing the rimfire line, Faxon uses all the same quality materials they use in their other barrel lines. The Rimfire barrels are made from 416-R stainless steel bar stock, in Cincinnati, OH at the Faxon plant. The barrel is given 6 groove rifling with a twist rate of 1:16. The 1:16 is pretty standard for 22 rimfire barrels. They then cut a recessed target crown into the muzzle. The muzzle is also threaded ½-28” to a depth of 0.625”. A thread protector and spacer is also included. The spacer is to be used on muzzle devices that use the 0.400” depth instead of the 0.625” depth. Faxon rimfire barrels are also magnetic particle inspected for flaws and then heat treated and coated. Currently all of the Faxon Rimfire line barrels come in a 16” length.

  When looking into 10/22 barrels, one typically finds “bull” style barrels. Faxon has those now too. But the standard profile is really nice if you're not into those “heavy” barrels. The Faxon Rimfire barrel has a tapered profile. It goes from 0.912” after the chamber down to 0.600” before where the muzzle threads start. This is pretty close to the Ruger’s standard barrel profile. The Faxon does fit in my standard 10/22 stock. It may not fit all of them, but it fits mine fine. Faxon also gives the Rimfire line a “Sporting” chamber. This gives the Faxon 10/22 barrels the ability to feed almost all the .22lr ammunition out there. I personally would have liked to see a slightly different chamber used, something like a “Bentz” for a little better accuracy. But I understand why Faxon went with the normal “sporting” chamber. 

  I ended up mounting the Faxon barrel to a stock Ruger 10/22 action. The barrel fit about the same as the stock barrel I removed. Meaning it slid into the receiver easily with little side to side movement. I then proceeded to mount it in an Enoch Deep-Six chassis. I opted for a chassis because I felt that a regular stock would not do the Faxon Chameleon barrel justice. The barrel looks really good mounted in the chassis. The chassis is also lighter than some wooden stocks, making this barrel/chassis combination very light. 

  After essentially making a complete different 10/22 than I had started with, I headed out to the range. Since ammunition availability is scarce, I rummaged through my stores of .22lr ammo. I found around 8 different types of plinking ammo, but no match ammo. I figured plinking ammo would be fine for this test. Especially since I don’t consider the Faxon barrel to be a true match barrel. Yes, the barrel is very high quality, it just doesn’t have a match chamber. I shot the various “cheap” 22lr ammo, through the barrel, at 50 yards. All but one of the major brands seemed to group around 1 - 1.5”’s at the 50 yard mark. I started with 5 shot groups and then moved to 10 shot groups. I was really pleased with how well the Faxon barrel shot. My factory barrel shot around 2 - 3” groups with these kinds of .22lr ammo. So as far as accuracy is concerned, I think the Faxon is good to go. If someone were to take the time and figure out which ammunition their barrel prefers, I would expect better results than what I had.

  If you’re looking for something different in the 10/22 game, look into the Faxon Rimfire barrels. They aren’t necessarily cheap, but they are excellent quality and made in the USA. With all the different options, you can get extra lightweight, fluted, flame fluted, coated, etc. I’m very pleased with the quality of the barrel along with how it stands out from everyone else's boring barrels. Go give the Faxon Rimfire line a look if you’re building a 10/22 or just looking for something different.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight 10/22 barrels

Target Market:

10/22 owners or builders wanting a lighter, more accurate barrel

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Chamber: .22 LR Sporting

  • Flame Fluted

  • 416-R Stainless

  • Weight: 1.4 lbs

  • Length: 16"

  • Twist rate: 1:16

  • Chameleon PVD coating

  • Rifling: 6 Groove

  • Target Crown: Recessed

  • 10/22, non-takedown

  • Taper - 0.912" after chamber, .600" before thread shoulder

  • Muzzle Thread: 1/2x28

  • Thread protector included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Straight fluted, Pencil, Heavy, all in black, gold, or chameleon

What others are saying?:

 5 stars at Faxon Firearms

Great barrel

Barrel came in fast and well packed. Looks better in person. Fits like a glove no issues setting it. Shoots great but I only have 150 rounds through it so far.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $175.00 - $355.00

Retail = $355.00 as tested

I need it now! Availability:

Faxon Firearms or your local Faxon dealer

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Looks great

  • Accurate

  • Threaded to 0.625 length 

  • Thread protector and spacer included

  • Fits standard 10/22 stocks

  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

  • Price

  • Sport chamber

Score: 7.50 Good

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Build a Custom 10/22 Step by Step

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  Just about everyone owns a Ruger 10/22. They are fantastically fun guns to shoot and build. Amilcar Hernandez has written a book called “Build a custom 10/22, step by step”. In this book we learn how to upgrade and/or build a 10/22. I was asked if I would like to get a copy to review, and being that I really like 10/22’s, I said sure.

  As with most “do it yourself” style books, Amilcar takes you through the process, literally, step by step. It is 175 pages long, but reads quickly. Up first is the Introduction and Things to Consider chapters. The Intro is really just that, an intro. However the “Things to Consider” chapter helps you determine what you want out of your rifle. Is the main use plinking, hunting, or target shooting. Then it goes into more detail on each.

  The layout of the book is very helpful. It walks you from a chapter on “Budget”, all the way through to a “Lubricant” section. I found the way each chapter built on itself, very useful. Amilcar also puts “references” in every chapter. Very helpful if you would like to look something up.

  Probably the most useful part of the book is the hands on explanations. In the “Bolt” chapter, it goes into how to polish the factory bolt and to what advantage the polishing has. The “Barrel” chapter has a section on different types of 10/22 barrels. From thread-in to press-fit, etc, and why you would want one over the other. The “Trigger” section is fairly lengthy, as it probably should be. Then the book moves on to “stocks, magazines, ammunition, sights”, and so on. Basically the book is a wealth of knowledge that Mr. Hernandez has compiled over the years.

  The “Build a custom 10/22, step by step” is a really good book. I learned some things, as will probably anyone who reads this book. My favorite part is the “Gallery” section at the end of the book. It has numerous 10/22 builds. All with a short build sheets as to which parts were used. This is probably one of those books that I will look at 100 times. Gaining little bits of info here and there.

  Not as involved as a machinists, build from scratch, book. The build a custom 10/22 book has a lot of good information. Just set it on your coffee table, pick it up when you see fit, look at all the detailed pictures, and decide to build a 10/22. I probably would have overlooked a book like this on Amazon, because you need to see it to appreciate it. Amilcar does a nice job and I am glad I was fortunate enough to get one

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Book detailing how to go about building a 10/22

Target Market:

Those wanting to upgrade or build a 10/22

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Describes what to do and where to go for your 10/22 build

  • Paperback

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Kindle Version

What others are saying?:

Mandi 5/5 stars on Amazon

Great Literature, and Pictures both for the beginner builder as well as a veteran.

Highly recommend this book to anyone that owns, builds, or shoots a 10/22. Has everything you need to know.

Link to other reviews:

No real reviews, just press releases

Price point:

MSRP = $29.99

Retail = $15.99-29.99

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Easy reading

  • Photo’s

  • Chapter organization

  • Build lists in “Gallery” section

  • Minor gunsmithing instructions

Cons:

  • Few grammar and spelling issues

  • Actual web links will be outdated someday

  • Price for soft cover

Score: 7.50 Good

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Favorite Link:   Axelson Tactical

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Tandemkross 10/22 Ultimate trigger kit

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 The rimfire experts over at Tandemkross have a new trigger for your Ruger 10/22. They released the “Ultimate” trigger kit on 10/22 of 2018 in collaboration with Brimstone Gunsmithing. I immediately contacted them to ask for a review trigger kit, well here we are with the trigger review! I was sent a red trigger, but black is also available.

 As mentioned, this trigger system comes in a “kit.” Of course there is the trigger. The trigger is made out of aluminum and anodized either red or black. It uses a wide flat faced design, with very sharp knurling on the face of the trigger. I loved the knurling. My finger immediately knew that I was on the trigger. Now I would maybe put a small chamfer, or angle, on each side of the trigger face. It felt a little sharp on the edges. There is also a over travel adjustment in the trigger shoe. The adjustment is just your standard set screw that butts up against the back of the trigger guard housing. A hex wrench is supplied for adjustment.

 Tandemkross’ Ultimate trigger also comes with a new hammer and sear. This is really what makes the trigger pull lighter. Tandemkross redesigned the sear and hammer. This leads to a reduction in pull weight and a boost in reliability. The reliability is increased, due to the fact that the hammer-sear still have strong engagement. It doesn’t say if the surfaces are polished, but it does mention they are EDM cut for precision. Either way, the trigger pull is fantastic.

 Last up in the Ultimate trigger kit, is the return spring. Why should you care, you ask? Well Tandemkross has ditched the spring and plunger system used on the stock Ruger 10/22. They have gone with a wire spring. This spring mounts to the side of the trigger shoe and rests on a shelf in the trigger housing. I found it gives a positive reset without adding anything to the trigger pull.

 I’m not going into installation. Tandemkross has some very good instructions. If you don’t think you can install the trigger, take it to your local gunsmith. I did have a small problem with the hammer, the hole was too small for one of my rifles hammer pin. Another of my 10/22’s hammer pin fit fine. I chalked this up to the one not fitting, having been built in the early 80’s.

 I am really impressed with the Ultimate trigger kit. It reduced my trigger pull from the factory 5 lb pull to an amazing 2 lb pull. Just by installing the kit and using factory springs. There is a tiny bit of pre-travel, but not even close to the factory trigger. I’d say the pull was smooth, but the travel is so short that it just breaks without being able to feel any creep. As mentioned, getting rid of that spring and plunger system is great also. It now looks like a trigger should. Having over-travel adjustment is nice also. The set screw supplied also has a rubberized tip to keep from marring the trigger housing. I also love the feel of the sharp textured WIDE trigger.

 Tandemkross did an excellent job, in my opinion, with this trigger kit. If you know anything about them, that probably doesn’t surprise you. At $145 for the Ultimate 10/22 trigger kit in red, it might be pricey for some. After using it, I feel it is worth the price. If you’re in the market for rimfire parts and accessories, do yourself a favor and go check out Tandemkross.


Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Better trigger for your 10/22

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a better 10/22 trigger, but mainly competition shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Wide flat trigger

  • Sharp texture on trigger shoe

  • Wire return spring

  • Redesigned Hammer and Sear

  • Reduced pull weight

  • EDM cut parts

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black

What others are saying?:

Essential Trigger! 5/5 stars on Tandemkross

Installs in minutes with YouTube help. And makes a scary big difference. 10/22 factory triggers are like Glock triggers. We usually just compare them with something worse. But this TK Ultimate Trigger is a whole different world of goodness. Silky smooth take-up right up until the glass-rod break. Even upgrades Ruger's own BX trigger upgrade. Mine breaks clean and reliably at about 3.2 pounds. And since the heavily textured flat shoe provides oversized purchase onto the pad of your trigger finger, the effect is even more dramatic. Dry firing with the Ultimate Trigger is impressive, but when out in the field whether poking targets or hunting small game, the TandemKross Ultimate Trigger immediately makes itself essential. I've upgraded a lot of 10/22s and I cannot name a better single upgrade than this trigger for better performance, increased accuracy, and most importantly just the sheer pleasure of shooting.





Link to other reviews:

GunsAmerica

Price point:

MSRP = $134.99-$144.99

I need it now! Availability:

Tandemkross

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Textured trigger surface

  • Reduced pull weight

  • Crisp break

  • Over-travel adjustment

  • Trigger return spring

Cons:

  • Slight creep

  • Price (for some)

Score: 8.5 Great

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Favorite Link:   Axelson Tactical

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TandemKross Halo Charging handle

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  If you have been around certain types of handguns, like the Ruger MK series, you know how hard they can be to cycle by hand. This brings us to the "Halo" charging ring by Tandemkross. The Halo is a nifty device that clamps on your existing charging handle/slide. Tandemkross sent me the Halo for review. It is one of the few made for the square style bolt on the earlier Ruger 22/45 and MKII's.

  When you first get the Halo, you notice that it is a real simple design. It is basically a squared off ring with a slot and a bolt. Simple yes, but more importantly is the function. Once I mounted it up, I immediately found it easier to cycle the bolt. All you have to do is put a finger inside the loop, and pull back, then let go, and your done. I had my whole family try it, and they all said it was way easier and more intuitive. I was also told it made the 22/45 look like a space gun.

  Of course I was also worried about adding weight to the bolt. After trying everything from sub-sonic to hyper-sonic .22lr shells, I put that thought to rest as everything functioned great! Now on the other hand, I was a little disappointed the the inside of the Halo ring was squared off. It digs into your joint a little when using it. If Tandemkross were to round the inside, it would be much more ergonomic. I wasn't the only person who thought this either. With the Halo installed, you can cycle the bolt the same way as before, if you want, but with the added benefit of the tabs sticking out farther than standard.

  Everything needed for the installation is included. Basically the screw and allen wrench. To install the Halo. Just slide it down over the cocking serrations/nubs. Install the screw, and tighten it down. I put some blue threadlocker on the screw, just in case. One thing to note, you can put the Halo on upside down. Yes, I did this, and it does still function fine. But put the writing so you can read it, and that is the correct way to install it.

  The Ruger series of pistols is not the only ones that Tandemkross makes the Halo for. Some of the others look a little different, but function the same. So if you are having a problem racking the slide, or know someone that is, you might want to look into the Halo series of charging handles. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Easier to use charging handle

Target Market:

Shooters wanting a quicker, larger, and easier to use charging handle

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Pull Ring Design

  • Ease of use

  • Ambidextrous

  • Lightweight

  • Anodized

  • Made in U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black only, but available for other firearm models

What others are saying?:

Jon @tandemcross: 5/5 stars

Ruger 22/45 Lite Halo

This has to be one of the best upgrades for the Ruger 22/45. I got this for my wife because she has a hard time pulling back the bolt with her small hands. The halo ring makes it simple and easy for her to rack the bolt with just one finger. I also like how secure it is on the bolt, just a dab of blue loctite on the screw and its not going anywhere. Lastly, I believe the extra weight of the halo on the bolt helps cycle the gun better which is an added bonus. I would definitely recommend this upgrade for people who have trouble pulling back the bolt on their Ruger pistol easily.

Link to other reviews:

AmmoLand

Price point:

MSRP = $44.99

Retail = $42.99 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

TandemKross or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Easy to use

  • Weight doesn't induce malfunctions

  • Model availability

  • Easy Installation

  • Made in U.S.A.

Cons:

  • Squared Off (Not Rounded)

  • Only available in black

Score: 8.0 Great

 

Chad’s Favorite Link:   AR15 Podcast

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