For 14 years, Tandemkross established its presence in the rimfire competition market by enhancing existing firearms, with many Ruger 10/22 and Mark IV platforms featuring the New Hampshire company's charging handles, triggers, compensators, or bolts. This operational focus shifted this year with the introduction of the TKX22 Light Rifle, the company's inaugural complete firearm. Tandemkross is now expanding its product family with the new ADX line, which includes the ADX Race Rifle, ADX SBR, and ADX Pistol configurations, alongside available barreled actions. All models share a common ADX receiver and Manticore X lower, accepting standard Ruger 10/22 magazines. For competitors in Steel Challenge, Metal Madness, SASP, and other timed rimfire matches, the ADX Race Rifle is particularly noteworthy.
A significant design departure from most 10/22-pattern rifles is the ADX’s left-side charging handle. This ergonomic choice allows right-handed shooters to operate the bolt with their support hand, maintaining their firing hand on the grip and keeping their eyes on the optic. Tandemkross has also integrated the bolt lock-back mechanism directly into the charging handle. Users pull the handle rearward and lift it into a steel-reinforced notch to secure the bolt open. A downward motion on the handle releases the bolt forward, a design familiar to those who have operated an MP5. This contrasts with a factory 10/22, which typically requires simultaneous manipulation of the charging handle and a small lever in front of the trigger guard to lock the bolt. The ADX's design simplifies the process of showing clear to a range officer at the conclusion of a stage to a single-handed action.
Recognizing that rimfires can accumulate fouling rapidly, Tandemkross also addressed cleaning efficiency. Unlike a typical 10/22, where bolt removal often involves separating the action from the stock and contending with recoil spring tension, the ADX receiver incorporates a removable rear cap secured by a self-retaining pin. Once this pin and cap are removed, the recoil spring, charging handle, and bolt slide straight out the back of the receiver. Further facilitating maintenance, two additional self-retaining pins allow the firearm to split into upper and lower halves, akin to an AR-15. Complete field stripping thus requires only three pins, which can be pushed out with a punch, a hex key, or even the end of a chamber flag. With the receiver open from the rear, a solid cleaning rod can be run down the bore from the breech.
The ADX receiver features an integral extended Picatinny rail along its top, incorporating a skeletonized channel to minimize weight. Tandemkross applies a Teflon-impregnated hardcoat anodize finish to the receiver, intended to reduce bolt friction and enhance durability against the demands of competitive shooting. The Manticore X Lower, unique to the ADX line, consolidates the trigger group, stock, and chassis into a single assembly. This lower includes an enlarged bolt lock, a bi-directional magazine release, an ambidextrous rotary safety, and a reversible QD sling mount. The trigger system itself offers adjustable pull weight and overtravel. The rifle also ships with a Die Free Co Kung-Fu grip.
Stock configurability is another emphasis for the ADX Race Rifle. It comes factory-equipped with the Rim/Edge folding Picatinny buttstock, set inline and designed to fold to the left, which accommodates tall sights or optics mounted on risers. For shooters utilizing a low-mounted red dot, the stock mount can be angled down 12 degrees to align the eye closer to the bore line. The stock can also be adjusted along the Picatinny rail to modify comb height or reconfigured to fold to the opposite side. Tandemkross includes a buffer tube mount in the box for individuals who prefer a telescoping AR-style stock. When folded, the ADX Race Rifle measures 25¼ inches in length.
At the front, the rifle incorporates Tandemkross’ 16½-inch Spitfire barrel. This barrel utilizes a tensioned design, features a 1:16-inch twist rate, and is cut with a sporting chamber. It is threaded 1/2x28, allowing for the attachment of a compensator or suppressor. Both the barrel sleeve and the fore-end are machined with M-LOK slots for accessory mounting. Unloaded, the complete ADX Race Rifle weighs 55.4 ounces, which is approximately 1.4 ounces more than the TKX22 Light Rifle, despite the inclusion of the folding stock and full Manticore X lower.
These features come with a price point of $1,899.99 for the ADX Race Rifle. It ships with one DoubleKross magazine, the aforementioned buffer tube mount, and a cable lock. Tandemkross backs the rifle with a lifetime guarantee against mechanical failure. For those considering an ADX model, it is important to note that the company will not ship any ADX configuration to 14 states or to Washington, D.C.; potential buyers should consult the product page for specific restrictions.
The ADX line also includes two compact models, the ADX SBR and ADX Pistol, both priced at $1,699.99. These variants share the same receiver and lower as the Race Rifle but utilize a shorter 10.2-inch Comet barrel. The SBR retains the ADX Race Rifle’s folding, adjustable stock, measuring 27¼ inches when open and 19 inches when folded, with an unloaded weight of 52.1 ounces. The ADX Pistol, instead of a stock, features a Picatinny brace mount, resulting in an 18½-inch overall length and an unloaded weight of 41 ounces. Regarding potential changes in NFA regulations, Luke Dimond from Tandemkross expressed in a recent YouTube video announcing the ADX lineup that they are "hoping for the best."
