This past week at the SHOT show in Las Vegas, the TandemKross ADX receiver made its pre-production debut. It still has a way to go before we see it available for sale, but the initial details are very promising. Considering how much innovation we’ve seen from TandemKross in the last few years, that’s no surprise.
TandemKross ADX Receiver Highlights
Following their naming convention (think Manticore X), the actual name is the Advantage X Receiver. This will make sense to those familiar with the TandemKross “Advantage” Picatinny rail with its integrated left-hand charging handle. The ADX has an integrated rail, as expected. But its biggest feature is the patent-pending left-hand charging, with a locking charging handle. There’s also a removable receiver cap, which simplifies maintenance.
Not immediately apparent in the photos is the ADX Receiver’s finish. It’s actually a proprietary Teflon™ hardcoat anodizing. Offering a combination of wear resistance and smoother cycling, it really brings “high speed, low friction” to the 10/22 format.
Getting into the ADX Receiver Details
Take a look at the locking charging handle on the ADX Receiver. When it’s all the way back, it can be pulled up and locked. Which also means you should be able to give it a good HK-style slap to send it forward. Before you get excited about the stainless charging handle, know that the production version will likely have a black DLC finish to match the TandemKross steel compensators. And don’t fret if you’re so old-school that left-side charging isn’t for you. You can still fit a traditional handle on the right side instead. That’s also where the receiver ejects.
TandemKross also chose to make that 0 MOA integrated rail extend past the front of the receiver, but not so far that it interferes with their M-LOK sights. That was one of my concerns when I built a rifle using the TandemKross 10/22 Spitfire barrel. This one provides plenty of rail space for an optic, with the option to run the sights too. It’s not Burger King, yet you still get to have it your way.
Proprietary Stuff
Looking closely, you can see the removable receiver cap. It’s intended to simplify maintenance, which is always a plus. The entire cap is made of Delrin, and it’s attached using the included TandemKross KrossPin. So it functions as both the rear cap and the buffer, with the KrossPin going through it to hold it in place. Firing causes the bolt to travel backwards, contacting the Delrin which surrounds the KrossPin.
At the opposite end, they also include v-block mounting screws. Neither the buffer pin nor the v-block mounting screws should be replaced with aftermarket ones, or even Ruger OEM parts. They’re included because they are required parts for the correct function of the ADX Receiver.
How it fits into the TandemKross Product Lineup
First came the Manticore X “lower”, which replaces a stock or chassis, and includes a complete trigger. Then we got the Spitfire barrel, which is awesome. Clearly, someone was thinking that the best way to tie it all together would be if TandemKross had their own receiver too. And now they do. Or will. Soon. That’s not to say that the receiver is only compatible with the Manticore X trigger and Spitfire barrel. But if you want to build (or buy) a complete TandemKross rifle, that day is almost here.
ADX Receiver Target Audience
Designing a new receiver just for competition could be a huge misstep, which seems to be acknowledged by TandemKross. With that in mind, the ADX Receiver is of course ideal for high-speed competition, such as Steel Challenge. Yet it also makes an excellent base for a high-end plinker, pack rifle, or even your next hunting rifle. Left-hand charging is not only fast, but advantageous when running a suppressor, especially with some of the lower-velocity ammo available.
There are also enthusiasts who just want the newest, coolest, or most innovative products. And the ADX Receiver will certainly appeal to them too. With a price expected to be under $300, it’s competitive before it’s even assembled. Note that since it’s a receiver, it is considered a firearm, and as such can only be shipped to your FFL. It can also be built into a Charger or rifle though, which is always an advantage in my book.
No release date is set, so I recommend you head over to the TandemKross website, bookmark it, and sign up for their newsletter.