Beginnings: Barrel Upgrades
TacSol began its journey by manufacturing barrel upgrades for Ruger® MK series pistols. The PAC-LITE barrel allowed customers to easily swap out their existing barrels, effectively upgrading their pistols with minimal effort. This “drop-in fit” concept meant users could achieve better accuracy, a brand-new bore, and much lighter weight with their upgraded pistols.
Expanding to the 10/22 Rifle
Following the success of our pistol upgrades, we turned our attention to the 10/22® rifle, another popular Ruger product. By offering simple barrel swaps, customers could transform their 10/22® rifles into lightweight, aesthetically enhanced versions with improved performance. At this stage, TacSol was primarily known for aftermarket accessories and upgrades.
The Introduction of the X-Ring Receiver
Our next significant development was the X-RING receiver. A receiver is the core component of any firearm, with all other parts, such as the barrel, stock, and trigger group, attaching to it. Developing a proprietary receiver allowed us to manufacture a complete rifle, moving us beyond just aftermarket upgrades.
Popularity of the 10/22
The Ruger® 10/22® has been a game-changer in the firearm industry since 1964, with over 7 million units produced. Its compact design, reliability, and ease of use have made it a favorite among rimfire shooting & plinking enthusiasts. Customization became a significant trend, with owners adding aftermarket custom components to enhance their rifles.
Offering Complete Rifles
Building on our reputation in the 10/22 aftermarket, we began offering complete rifles with all the custom features 10/22 enthusiasts sought. Our X-RING rifle was more than “just a clone” of Ruger’s design; it incorporated enhancements that made it a standout product in its own right
The Takedown Revolution
The introduction of Ruger’s takedown” version of the 10/22 rifle added a new level of practicality. These rifles could be easily disassembled for transport and quickly reassembled for use, making them ideal for outdoor activities. TacSol followed suit by offering the X-RING Takedown variant, further enhancing its utility and appeal.
Magpul Industries and the Backpacker X-22 Stock
Magpul Industries’ release of the Backpacker X-22 stock for 10/22 Takedown rifles significantly improved the takedown rifle concept. This stock allowed the rifle to collapse into a single unit, making it even more compact and portable. This innovation has been a defining factor in the popularity of our X-RING Takedown rifles.
Introducing the OWYHEE Takedown Rifle
The OWYHEE Takedown Rifle stands out for several reasons:
- Takedown Feature: Like our other takedown offerings, it is lightweight, accurate, and easy to transport.
- Bolt-Action Design: Due to their manual operation, bolt-action rifles are less prone to mechanical failure, such as failures to feed or eject, making them a more robust and reliable outdoor pack rifle solution. The Owyhee rifles can feed virtually any variety of ammunition consistent with their respective chambering, like .22 Long Rifle, for example.
.22 WMR [Magnum] vs. .22LR
- .22 WMR [Magnum]: Offers a muzzle velocity of 1,875 fps with a 40-grain bullet.
- .22LR: Offers a muzzle velocity of 1,040 fps with a 40-grain bullet.
The Owyhee Magnum rifles, chambered in .22 WMR and .17 HMR, are far more effective when engaging targets at greater distances, making them ideal for outdoor and survival applications.
We hope this provides a clear and detailed understanding of the history and evolution of TacSol products, showcasing our commitment to innovation and quality in the firearm industry.