Taurus TX22 .22 LR – 2019 Handgun of the Year

This clever, semiautomatic rimfire pistol could be used to redefine the phrase “best bang for your buck.” The TX22 is an entirely new design for Taurus that launched at SHOT Show 2019 and appeared under gun store counters within two weeks. Its $349 manufacturer suggested retail price was reduced to less than $300 by the time the TX22 was tagged for sale by dealers, making this model very attractive to budget-­conscious plinkers. YouTube personalities were quick to acquire one and fire hundreds and thousands of rounds, including every variety of .22 LR load available. Its performance quickly made the TX22 a viral sensation that won over skeptics.

G&A’s staff loved testing the TX22. It’s 16-­plus-­one capacity is more than almost all of its primary competitors. Given the round count and hand-­filling grip, the TX22 closely resembles a medium-­ or full-­size pistol — including capacity — and makes it an affordable training option for those who carry a similarly proportioned centerfire handgun.

It is a striker-fired design, which means that the TX22 also mimics other popular striker-fired centerfires where the first trigger pull feels consistent with the last. (Our test samples averaged 5 pounds, 6 ounces, with a short, audible reset.)

The grip frame is favored by the majority of shooters we encountered. The grip’s stipple-like texturing is an excellent compromise of a tactile grip that’s not too aggressive as it wraps around the front and backstraps. Surrounding ridges, grooves and contours all have purpose that required more than 2 years of survey and development. With these features combined, they blend into the framework and help our fingers intuitively find each control.

The TX22 barrel proved as accurate as any .22-caliber pistol that G&A has tested. Though our best 25-yard, five-shot groups averaged less than 2 inches from a bench, it seems reasonable to expect that most experienced shooters could result in groups measuring between 2 and 3½ inches using quality ammunition and applying a good aim and trigger control. Smartly, the package also includes a threaded-barrel adapter making the TX22 suppressor ready.

Read Guns & Ammo's full review of the Taurus TX22 pistol.

Taurus TX22

• Type: Striker fired, blowback operated, semiautomatic
• Cartridge: .22 LR
• Capacity: 16+1 rds.
• Barrel: 4.1 in., threaded
• Overall Length: 7.06 in.
• Height: 5.44 in.
• Width: 1.25 in.
• Weight: 1 lb., 1.06 oz.
• Finish: Melonite (stainless steel); black oxide (steel); hard coat anodized (aluminum)
• Trigger: Taurus-Pittman Trigger System (PTS); 5 lbs., 6 oz.
• Sights: Three, white dots; adjustable notch (rear)
• MSRP: $350
• Manufacturer: Taurus USA, 800-327-3776, taurususa.com

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