Last year, we took a closer look at two of Tippmann Arms high quality M4-22 Elite series rimfire rifles to see how they fared as small-game hunting and outdoor guns (see the Elite review here). Based on the range results, they measured up nicely! In addition to being accurate, they provide an authentic AR-15 layout and feature set that fans of the platform will appreciate.
The new RCR-26 weighs in at just 3 pounds 12.7 ounces without a magazine.
One might ask if there is room for the M4-22 to keep evolving. It depends on what you are looking for. In regards to the Elite models, they are designed to closely mimic the handling qualities of a centerfire M4 carbine. This includes their weight. Tipping the scales at 5 pounds and 10 to 14 ounces, they are about a pound lighter than the typical M4 carbine.
The spiral fluted Magna-Lite arrives with a threaded muzzle and a knurled thread protector.
But some folks are looking for reduced weight models for the easier packing and quick handling qualities they provide. This year, Tipppman released the new M4-22 RCR-26 series. The RCR stands for 'Rimfire Competition Rifle.' But in the process of sprucing this model up for formal shooting competitions, the company shaved off over two pounds of weight. They did this without sacrificing the race gun features that make these guns so fun to shoot.
The polymer composite handguard sports the same key features as the aluminum version.
As configured from the factory, the gun I received tipped the scales at 3 pounds 12.7 ounces with the flip-up sights installed and the magazine removed. Like its predecessors, the RCR-26 is a blowback operated, semi-automatic rifle. The '26' in the designation indicates that this model is outfitted with a Compact Bolt System. The bolt is supported by an integral recoil spring and guide rod system. This in turn eliminates the need for the AR-type buffer and spring installed in some other models. This bolt configuration, along with other key component choices, contributes to shaving the weight down without sacrificing quality or reliability.
The RCR-26 is available in all black or with bright color accents.
The most noticeable update to the RCR-26 is Tippmann's new 16-inch long spiral-fluted, Magna-Lite barrel. Tipping the scales at just 8.4 ounces, the magnesium outer barrel encases a steel bore. This construction provides competition-grade accuracy with the minimum weight possible. The muzzle is threaded at 1/2-28 TPI for popular accessories. A knurled thread protector is provided.
The free-float aluminum handguard found on the Elite models has been replaced with a 9-inch long polymer composite model. Aluminum is lightweight, but this durable polymer is notably lighter. The polymer version still sports an integral Picatinny optics rail on top and a series of ventilation ports which double as M-Lok accessory slots.
The Tandemkross hiveGrip is a competition style upgrade.
This model arrives with a set of Tippmann's folding polymer sights installed at the factory. The front and rear sight are both fitted with ambidextrous release levers. The front sight's post and the rear sights' aperture are knob adjustable, no tools required. When collapsed, the sight set provides what could best be described as a fixed pistol sight picture for use at up close and personal distances.
The M4-22 series features Mil-Spec flat-top uppers and lower receivers, both of which are cast from aluminum alloy and treated with a matte-black E-Coating finish. The upper sports an integral Picatinny optics rail, a spring-actuated polymer dust cover, brass deflector and a polymer forward-assist button. Some models ship with a more basic T-shaped charging handle, but the RCR-26 has been upgraded with an extended, ambidextrous aluminum charging handle for competition shooting.
The polymer pop-up sights are adjustable for height and windage.
The lower receiver is secured to the upper by two pins which allow the receivers to swing open or to be separated from each other in typical AR-15 fashion. The lower's layout and control set is Mil-Spec, including the metallic bolt catch and magazine latch. The magazine release button and the left-side safety selector are molded from polymer.
Disassembling M4-22 series models follows the same steps as an M4 carbine.
This rimfire ships with a Mil-Spec pattern, single-stage trigger with a listed pull weight of 4 pounds 8 ounces. The curved, grooved-face trigger I received weighed in at 4 pounds 6 ounces with a smooth, creep-free arch of travel and a crisp, clean break. It's a reliable trigger configuration that's a good fit for a multi-purpose gun. But for those who want an adjustable, competition-style trigger, Tippmann offers their Match-Speed triggers in straight or curved configurations for $259.
The polymer six-position buffer tube supports an end plate with left- and right-side sling hook loops and is secured using a common castle nut. The tube is outfitted with an adjustable stock that has two sling ports and a textured butt plate. The lower receiver is completed with the installation of a Tandemkross (TK) finger grooved and rubber wrapped hiveGrip. This competition-style grip is hand filling and comfortable while providing plenty of purchase in less-than-ideal field conditions.
The RCR-26 is an ideal option for bench-rested or in-the-field shooting.
For those who prefer a more traditional AR appearance, the RCR-26 is available in an all-black finish. But for those who prefer a bit of race-gun flair, this series includes three more models with colorful appointments that include the barrel, dust cover, controls and grip. Color options currently include dark purple (shown), a fire engine red or robin's egg blue.
This model operated reliably with all of the ammunition and magazines tested.
For the shooting range evaluation, the RCR-26 was fitted with the same trusty Bushnell Rimfire 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope featuring a DZ22 Dropzone 22 reticle (RR3940BS4; $100), mounted using an AR-style Weaver One-Piece SPR scope mount (48377; $70), used with the Elite models. It's a just-right fit for the gun with the folding-sight set. Using it again eliminated the introduction of a new variable when it came to evaluating accuracy.
Remington’s Standard V load printed a best individual group of 0.64 inches.
Formal bench-rested accuracy testing consisted of firing three 3-shot groups with a trio of .22 LR loads into paper targets posted at a distance of 50 yards. A Garmin Xero C1-Pro chronograph was used to measure the average muzzle velocity for 10-shot strings. Using CCI Clean-22 Target, Remington Standard V and Tippmann Arms High Velocity loads, group sizes ranged from 0.58 to 1.01 inches in size with an average extreme spread of 0.77 inches. Here are the rest of the results:
Some folks are going to look over the Tippmann Arms M4-22 RCR-26 and see a fairly specialized rimfire race gun. And they would be right. It is a dedicated .22 LR, AR-pattern target shooting semi-automatic with a fluted magnesium barrel and a competition grip. Based on the range results, it will certainly do the trick when it comes to punching targets at high speed during timed events.
However, I have a particular fondness for multi-purpose firearms. Finding one gun that can fill most, if not all, of the roles of a given rifle cartridge can save money in the long run. In this case, the RCR-26's reduced weight shifts it into the same ‘ultra-light’ class for hunting, backpacking and bugout rimfire rifle roles as the Henry U.S. Survival Rifle and the 10/22-pattern Tandemkross TKX22. But it does so while maintaining the familiar layout and controls configuration that AR fans prefer. For more information, visit tippmannarms.com.
Tippmann Arms M4-22 RCR-26 Rifle Specifications:
- Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, rimfire rifle
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Receivers: cast aluminum; matte-black E-coating finish
- Barrel: 16" Magna-Lite, spiral fluted magnesium outer barrel with steel bore, 1/2x28 TPI threaded muzzle
- Trigger: AR-15-compatible, single-stage; 4 pound, 6 ounce pull
- Sights: adjustable Tippmann polymer flip-up
- Magazine: Tippmann proprietary polymer; 25-round detachable box
- Safety: left side polymer mil-spec selector switch
- Stocks: 9" composite free float handguard, 6-postion adjustable stock, TK hiveGrip
- Overall Length: 30" to 33.25"
- Weight: 3 pounds 12.7 ounces (no magazine)
- Accessories: magazine, chamber flag, owner's manual
- MSRP: $859.95
Most Popular
