Gun Test: Taurus TX22 — You Need This Gun!

One of the most awaited and interesting handgun introductions of 2019 is the Taurus TX22. The TX22 is a polymer-frame, striker-fired, .22 rimfire pistol with an aluminum slide and single-action trigger. It isn’t a small pistol like the Walther P22 or a large handgun like the Ruger Standard Model, but rather it is a service-size handgun. Think Glock 19 and you will be on the money.

The TX22 is light at 17.5 ounces on the postal scale. The aluminum slide is easy to rack. There are forward cocking serrations, and the flats and cuts of the slide are attractive. The sights are excellent for accuracy work, with three white dot inserts and a fully adjustable rear sight. The TX 22 is a polymer-frame, high-capacity handgun, but unlike the rest, this one is a .22 Long Rifle.

Do you need this gun, and what will you do with it? The Taurus TX22 is a fun gun, a shooter that will encourage practice. It is a good training tool and an excellent piece for introducing new shooters to handgunning. You can practice every week for a pittance, and the skills will translate to your other handguns, no matter whose name is on your centerfire carry gun.

The pistol is reliable, which isn’t true of a whole lot of .22s, and yet it is accurate like a target gun. I don’t think I have to be about some serious pursuit every time I hit the range. If I did life would be boring. The .22LR and the TX22 have the makings of a fun kind of day. Best of all, the pistol is affordable at a MSRP of $349.

When I picked up my pistol at the FFL, I had little to go on. I did not know what to expect; I had only first impressions. The S-curved backstrap feels good in the hand. The frontstrap features a slight finger groove. The grip frame is nicely pebbled. You may keep a solid hold on the handgun, but the pebbling isn’t abrasive.

There is a slight cutout behind the triggerguard. The cutouts in the frame above the triggerguard are nicely done, and a shelf protects the magazine release. The magazine release is reversible if desired.

Takedown is simple: Simply pull down a lever from its slot above the triggerguard. The action is a single action, breaking at 4.9 pounds after a long takeup. The manual safety is easily engaged. It cannot be placed in the On position unless the action is cocked.

I examined the pistol and found it dry. I lubricated the Taurus TX22 well and then loaded the 16-shot magazines, which are easily loaded. I did not need the supplied magazine loader. Initial firing was accomplished with the CCI Mini Mag. If a self-loading pistol doesn’t properly function with this load something is seriously wrong.

I had decided I would take my time and determine the pistol’s accuracy potential. While I did fire a few deliberate shots, the pistol is a lot of fun to fire, and I enjoyed emptying the magazine into the target. While this is great fun, remember this doesn’t necessarily translate to proficiency with a centerfire handgun. If you are shooting primarily for training, don’t ramp up your cadence of fire more than you are capable of with the 9mm. But that is another subject.

During the initial range session, I fired more than 200 rounds. There were no failures to feed, chamber, fire, or eject, which isn’t always the case with a .22-caliber pistol. I used the CCI Mini Mag primarily and also the CCI Blazer. Both of these high-velocity loads provided good results.

After the initial firing session, I fieldstripped the pistol and examined it for wear. There was no eccentric wear, and the pistol looked as-new. At the next range session, I settled down for accuracy work. Firing from a solid benchrest firing position, I fired several top-rated .22LR loads. I fired from a solid benchrest at 15 yards.

The TX22 pistol is a well designed, modern, exciting handgun. It is among the more interesting handguns introduced at the SHOT Show this year and sure to be a force in the market.

Have you fired the Taurus TX22? What was your experience? If not, share a review of your favorite .22LR pistol in the comment section.