TX22 Reviews
Honest, in-depth reviews from real shooters. No fluff, just range results.
The Verdict — Pros & Cons
✅ What Shooters Love
- Outstanding trigger — Crisp break, short reset. Competitors often say it rivals triggers costing 3× more.
- Best-in-class capacity — 16+1 rounds is unmatched in stock .22 pistols at this price point.
- Accurate and consistent — Most shooters report 1–2″ groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition.
- Dedicated .22 design — Not an afterthought conversion. Feed reliability shows it.
- Excellent value — $350 gets you a pistol that competes with $700+ guns.
- Comfortable ergonomics — Grip angle and texture feel natural, especially for those familiar with Glock-style pistols.
- Lifetime warranty — Taurus stands behind the TX22 with their Lifetime Repair Policy.
⚠️ Known Issues
- Ammunition pickiness — Like most .22 semi-autos, the TX22 prefers higher-velocity loads. Bulk value ammo may cause more FTFs.
- No optics cut (Standard) — The standard model requires a gunsmith or aftermarket slide to mount a red dot.
- Thumb safety learning curve — Some experienced shooters find the manual safety adds a step. Personal preference, not a flaw.
- Magazine disassembly — Cleaning TX22 magazines requires a tool and can be fiddly compared to competitors.
- QC variance — As with many production pistols, occasional early reports of rough edges or factory gunk needing a full clean before first use.
In-Depth Range Report
First Impressions — Out of the Box
The TX22 arrives in a sturdy plastic case with two 16-round magazines, a cable lock, the TSS key, and Taurus paperwork. Out of the box, the slide has a noticeable amount of factory grease — a full disassembly and cleaning before the first range session is strongly recommended. The grip feels solid in the hand, and the manual safety clicks on and off with satisfying positive feedback.
Reliability — 500 Round Test
Over a 500-round break-in period using a mix of CCI Mini-Mag, Federal Champion, and Remington Golden Bullet ammunition:
| Ammunition | Rounds Fired | Failures to Feed | Failures to Eject | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCI Mini-Mag 40gr | 200 | 0 | 0 | Flawless — highly recommended |
| Federal Champion 36gr HP | 150 | 1 | 0 | One FTF in first 10 rounds (break-in) |
| Remington Golden Bullet 36gr | 100 | 2 | 1 | Slightly more variance, still good |
| Bulk value .22 LR | 50 | 4 | 2 | Not recommended for defensive use |
Accuracy — 25-Yard Group Testing
Shooting from a bench rest at 25 yards using CCI Mini-Mag, 5-shot groups consistently measured 1.25–1.75 inches. Offhand at 15 yards using the factory sights, most shooters report they can keep all rounds inside a 3-inch circle once they dial in the adjustable rear sight. The TX22 is not a precision target pistol, but its accuracy far exceeds expectations for a $350 gun.
Trigger Feel
The factory trigger is the TX22’s most talked-about feature. The pre-travel is virtually non-existent, the wall is clear and distinct, and the break is crisp. Pull weight measured 4.6–4.9 lbs on our scale across multiple pulls. The reset is short and very tactile — rapid fire drills feel natural and controlled. For a stock, no-modification trigger at this price, it is genuinely impressive.
How the TX22 Compares
| Feature | Taurus TX22 | S&W M&P 22 Compact | Ruger Mark IV | Walther P22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | ~$349 | ~$429 | ~$529 | ~$349 |
| Capacity | 16+1 | 10+1 | 10+1 | 10+1 |
| Barrel Length | 4.1″ | 3.56″ | 4.75″ | 3.42″ |
| Trigger | SA — Excellent | SA — Good | SA — Excellent | DA/SA — Fair |
| Optics Ready | Competition only | No | Yes (Mark IV 22/45 Lite) | No |
| Weight | 17.3 oz | 15.3 oz | 28 oz | 15 oz |
| Verdict | Best value & capacity | Compact carry | Best accuracy | Smallest & lightest |
The TX22 wins on value, capacity, and trigger quality at its price point. Competitors have advantages in specific niches (Ruger accuracy, P22 size), but none match the TX22’s overall package at $349.