About SliXprings

American-Made Performance Upgrades for Black Powder Firearms

2006–2008: The Beginning

SliXprings is a collaborative partnership dedicated to the design, development, production, and marketing of innovative aftermarket firearm components and systems that enhance performance, reliability, and user comfort. Our products are designed primarily for the Black Powder shooting community and Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts.

Founded in 2006 by Ol' #4 (SASS 41004L) and Tillamook Kidd (SASS 65274), SliXprings began with a focus on improving the performance of lever-action rifles. The company's first product line addressed the side lever spring systems used in Winchester 1860, 1866, and 1873 rifles, based on designs developed by Ol' #4.

These early innovations were introduced to the market in March 2008 under the name " SliXpring Lever Springs " , marking the beginning of SliXprings' commitment to practical, performance-driven solutions for shooters.

2008 — SliX-Pin

In 2008, the team designed and tested a one-piece replacement firing pin that was both longer and manufactured from a stronger, more durable alloy than the original factory components. This upgraded firing pin was introduced under the name " SliX-Pin ."

While engineered for improved performance and reliability, SliXprings components are not advertised as absolute "drop-in" replacements. Variations in firearm manufacturing tolerances and wear differ from one firearm to another. As a result, some parts may require minor fitting to achieve proper function and optimum performance.

2008: Mainspring system

Later in 2008, the team began research and development of a revolutionary mainspring system designed to deliver faster lock time and more consistent primer ignition. During this period, a third partner, Big Iron Buster (SASS 9361L), joined the effort, contributing both time and investment that helped move the project into full design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

The partners incorporated the business as TK4B Enterprises, LLC (TK4B), with the name reflecting its founders: "TK" for Tillamook Kidd, "4" for Ol' #4, and "B" for Big Iron Buster.

Tragically, in June 2008, Tillamook Kidd passed away unexpectedly due to a blood clot. Following this loss, the company continued operations under the leadership of Big Iron Buster and Ol' #4, carrying forward the development and vision of the partnership.

In the spring of 2009, final testing and evaluation of the " SliXpring-Main " system confirmed its performance and reliability. The results demonstrated a faster, smoother, and more dependable mainspring system that met the original design objectives.

Following successful validation, the product was introduced through the SASS Cowboy Chronicle.

2010 - SliX-Hand

In 2010, Ol' #4 transitioned to the Frontiersman category and quickly discovered that loading 5½-inch Colt 1860 revolvers could be a painful, palm-gouging experience. To solve this problem, he developed a loading lever assist handle designed to improve comfort and control during the loading process.

Machined from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, the tool fits most popular cap-and-ball revolvers. In August 2022, the design was refined to accommodate pocket models, expanding its compatibility across a wider range of firearms.

This loading lever assist became known as the " SliX-Hand ."

2010 - 2011: Slixshot Nipples

Also in 2010, while competing in the Frontiersman category, Ol' #4 identified several recurring performance issues, including inconsistent cap ignition, erratic cap removal, premature nipple wear, cap blowback, and excessive hammer tension.

After months of research, testing, and refinement, a redesigned nipple was developed to address these concerns. The result was introduced in 2011 as the " SliX-Shot Nipple ."

2012: TTN Shotgun Products

Following the success of the 1878 TTN side-by-side shotgun in the Classic Cowboy category during 2012, the team developed a replacement top lever spring for these popular shotguns. It was introduced as the " SliXprings-TTN ."

Building on that success, additional upgrades followed, including a coil/torsion replacement sear spring system known as the " SliXprings TTN Sear Springs ." The product line was further expanded with longer, more durable firing pins for TTN and Cimarron 1878 Coach Guns, sold under the SliXprings Firing Pin line.

Together, these improvements expanded the TTN product family, delivering increased reliability, durability, and performance for competitive and recreational shooters.

2012 - SliX-Sok

Another product introduced in 2012 was a newly designed pistol case created to carry a pair of pistols while offering added convenience for traveling shooters.

Known as the " SliX-Sok ," it features a lightly padded hook-and-loop closure that securely holds two pistols.

Its slim profile allows multiple cases—holding up to three pairs of pistols—to fit inside a USPS Large Flat Rate Box for economical shipping. It also hangs easily from a gun cart or hook, making it convenient for transport and staging during matches.

2014: Uberti Walker/Dragoon Nipples

Following the success of the SliX-Shot nipples for Ruger Old Army, Remington 1858, and Colt-style percussion revolvers, the team responded to numerous requests for a version compatible with the Uberti Dragoon and Walker models.

After extensive development and testing, the design was completed and introduced in the fall of 2014.

2015: Slix-Ram

The next specialized product to reach the market was the " SliX-Ram ." This drop-in extended loading ram was designed specifically for the Ruger Old Army, allowing cylinders to be loaded in the frame when using reduced powder charges.

By eliminating the need for a spacer between the ram face and the ball, the SliX-Ram provides consistent seating directly against lighter powder charges, simplifying the loading process while supporting economical shooting.

Benefits include:

• No filler required
• Reduced loading hassle
• Consistent, firm projectile seating
• Supports lighter powder charges
• Reduced recoil and improved shooting economy

The SliX-Ram became available through dealers in 2015.

2015: Slix Front Site Beads

In early 2015, during the SASS Convention in San Antonio, several shooters and gunsmiths suggested developing larger front sight beads. Market research showed there was no comprehensive line of easily replaceable oversized beads available.

Working with a manufacturer, the team designed and tested a complete family of interchangeable rifle inserts and shotgun beads. Within three weeks, prototype testing was complete.

The final product line included replaceable inserts for Marbles and Williams front rifle sights, along with oversized shotgun beads. These products were released as " SliX-Beads Rifle " and " SliX-Beads Shotgun ."

Available sizes:

• Rifle: .150", .175", and .190"
• Shotgun: .190" and .220"

The SliX-Beads line became available following Winter Range 2015.

2015: Slix Scrapers

Later in 2015, a shooter described carbon fouling ("ejecta") accumulating at the front of .357 Magnum chambers when using .38 Special brass. This buildup could prevent proper chambering of some bullet profiles and create resistance for others.

After reviewing available solutions, the team found no practical cleaning tool for the problem. Development quickly began on a dedicated chamber cleaning tool for both rifles and revolvers.

The finished product became the " SliX-Scraper ," designed to remove carbon and lead deposits from chambers where shorter cartridges are commonly fired.

The product line later expanded to include versions for:

.327 Federal Magnum, 10mm Auto, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, and .460 Magnum.

The SliX-Scraper has earned a reputation as a simple, effective tool for maintaining clean, reliable chambers.

2016: Slixprings Trigger

During End of Trail (EOT) in 2015, the team heard repeated discussions among shooters about the potential benefits of a straight trigger. After additional research and conversations with members of the SASS RO/Rules Committee, several prototype designs were developed and tested.

By End of Trail 2016, a functional prototype had been completed and was well received by shooters who had the opportunity to try it. This marked the beginning of the " SliX-Trigger ." The design was intended to improve comfort, control, and overall shooting efficiency.

Early feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many users reporting improved handling and a noticeable reduction in the well-known "'73 Finger Blister" discomfort experienced during extended shooting sessions.

2016: Slix-Cap Magazine Screw

Although the next product was not designed specifically to improve firearm performance, it solved a practical problem encountered when reinstalling a shortened magazine spring after reducing spring tension.

The solution became the polished brass " SliX-Cap ." While not intended as a competitive performance upgrade, it provides a clean, finished appearance while adding a distinctive decorative touch to the rifle.

2018: Slix-Shotshell Checker Sizer Combo

The 2018 product offering originated from an idea shared by another Cowboy Action shooter, who entrusted SliXprings to refine the design and bring it to market.

The result was the " SliX-Sizer-Combo ." Designed especially for side-by-side shotgun shooters, this tool reforms the mouths of 12- and 20-gauge shotshells, correcting distortion that can contribute to difficult chambering or extraction.

By restoring the shell mouth to proper dimensions, the tool promotes smoother chambering and more reliable extraction during competition and practice.

2020: Acquisition

In May 2020, SliXprings was acquired by Reagan Enterprises, LLC of Lebanon, Oregon. After many years of innovation and dedication, the founders chose to step back from day-to-day operations and spend more time enjoying the shooting sports they helped support.

Reagan Enterprises, owned by Patrick and Michelle Reagan (Mid Valley Drifter and Buckshot Shell-E), continued the SliXprings tradition while retaining Ol' #4 and Big Iron Buster as distributors, consultants, marketers, and trusted friends.

The transition ensured continuity of the brand while preserving the experience, relationships, and commitment that had defined SliXprings since its founding.

2020: Slix-Nipple Wrench

Immediately following the acquisition, the " SliX-Wrench " was introduced.

Precision-machined from hardened steel, the SliX-Wrench was designed specifically for removing stubborn nipples from cap-and-ball revolvers.

Built for strength and durability, it quickly earned a reputation as one of the most dependable tools in the SliXprings product line and remains one of the company's most popular accessories.

2020: Slix-Pocket Nipples

In October 2020, the " Pocket Pistol Nipples " were introduced for .31 and .36-caliber five-shot pocket revolvers, expanding the SliXprings product line to support smaller-frame percussion firearms.

Designed to improve ignition consistency and reliability in compact revolvers, these nipples provide shooters with a purpose-built solution for pocket pistol applications.

Closing

Today, SliXprings continues to develop innovative parts, components, and accessories that enhance the enjoyment, convenience, durability, and performance of the Black Powder and Cowboy Action Shooting communities.

Our focus remains on practical innovation - creating solutions that improve the shooting experience while preserving the traditions and spirit of the sport.