My New .22 LR Build – A Tandemkross Story

One of the best parts about going to GunCon is meeting the people behind the brands we all use and talk about. This past year, I had the chance to spend real time with the team from Tandemkross—and let me just say, they are the kind of people that remind you why this industry is special. Not only do they make fantastic parts, but they live and breathe the shooting lifestyle and stand behind their community. After a great conversation at their booth and a chance to run their gear during the range day, I knew I wanted to do a dedicated build that put Tandemkross at the center of it.

The Build

This carbine project started with the Tandemkross Manticore X Lower Receiver—a modern, purpose-built foundation that immediately changes the way a .22 LR feels in the hands. From there, I went all-in with TK parts: their barrel, muzzle brake, handguard, and enhanced charging handle. Each piece was thoughtfully designed, engineered for reliability, and built to enhance the platform.

Pairing all that Tandemkross goodness with the Brownells BRN-22 receiver and bolt gave the rifle a proven core. Brownells has really nailed the BRN-22 ecosystem, and it’s the perfect match for TK’s components. Pro tip—don’t forget you can save at Brownells with code BOP10 if you’re planning your own build.

To round things out, I added a JMac folding arm for compactness and transport, and topped the rifle with a Gideon Optics Advocate red dot. The Advocate gives a clean, crisp sight picture that’s perfect for a trainer build, and you can save with code JAYWETH when grabbing one for yourself.

Why a .22 Carbine Matters

This build isn’t just about parts—it’s about purpose. A .22 LR carbine like this one is one of the most versatile tools you can have:

• Training New Shooters: Low recoil, low noise, and approachable ergonomics make it the best platform for bringing people into the shooting sports.

• Learning Rifle Mechanics: From manipulations to transitions, a rimfire rifle lets you practice the fundamentals you’ll use on bigger calibers.

• Budget Friendly: Ammo costs are always on the rise, but with .22 you can shoot more and train more without draining your wallet.

That’s the heart of why Tandemkross shines—they’re not just making parts, they’re making it easier for shooters at every level to grow.

Thank You Tandemkross

I can’t say it enough—thank you to the entire Tandemkross team for supporting this build and for the way you support shooters everywhere. From GunCon to my own bench, you’ve been incredible to work with. If you haven’t already, go check them out:

• 🌐 tandemkross.com

• 📸 Instagram @tandemkross

Upgrade your .22s with Tandemkross. You’ll not only get great gear—you’ll be backing a company that gives back to the shooting community in a real way.

Final Thoughts

This rifle is more than just a fun project; it’s a reminder of why I enjoy doing this. Great people, great gear, and a platform that will continue to deliver value for years to come. Tandemkross has built something special, and I’m proud to highlight them in this build.

Stay tuned—I’ll share updates once I get it to the range. For now, I couldn’t be happier with how it came together.