You can win this: Pac-Lite upper receiver from Tactical Solutions

It's official, the gang here at GUNS all wish we could win this. This is the nicest, most interesting handgun item we've seen in a long spell. What is it? It's the Pat-Light upper receiver and barrel assembly from Tactical Solutions of Boise, Idaho.

Beautifully machined of aircraft aluminum alloy, the Pac-Lite receiver fits your Ruger Mark I, Mark II or .22-45 pistol without modifications. The heart of the unit is a match-grade, chrome-moly barrel liner rifled 1:16-inches. Unlike the original Ruger design, these are made with the barrel and upper receiver as one integral unit, insuring perfect concentricity and superior accuracy.

The first thing you'll note about the Pac-Lite is its incredible light weight. The 8.5-inch model shown here weighs a mere 9.8 ounces! Don't let that make you think these won't shoot well. John Taffin has been experimenting with these (you'll read his full report in a future issue), and he reports superb accuracy.

The next thing to catch your eye is the wonderful precision with which these are machined. The care and quality that goes into the Pac-Lite unit is visible at a glance.

Lastly, these are just plain handsome! The aluminum construction lends itself to color-anodized finishing. Tactical Solutions offers black, gray, blue, purple and red finishes. Barrels may be fluted (a mere $10 option), and fluting may be done either prior to finishing, resulting in uniform coloration, or after ($20 option) resulting in contrasting, highly polished aluminum flutes. The result, as seen here, is a real knock out!

Barrel lengths available include 5.5-, 6-, 7-, 8.5-and 10-inches. Lightweight adjustable rear and ramped patridge sights are standard. Also available is a lightweight scope-mounting rail expressly designed to permit use of the adjustable sights with the rail installed. Given the accuracy of the Pac-Lite receiver, it's a must have accessory.

Just to be clear, one lucky reader will win this handsome Pac-Lite upper receiver assembly, complete with scope rail. The Ruger Mark I lower receiver pictured is not included. Because these replace the serialized component of your Ruger, Pac-Lite units must be shipped to your local dealer.

Pac-Lites vary in price depending on barrel length and options, but start at only $159.99. For more information and to see Tactical Solutions' other innovative products, call them at: [866] 333-9901, or see the Website; www.tacticalsol.com