Taurus Introduces the TX22

Taurus continues its mission of delivering premium handgun performance and technological advancements to the shooting enthusiast market with the all-new Taurus TX22.

January 22, 2019 By Media Direct Creative

Taurus continues its mission of delivering premium handgun performance and technological advancements to the shooting enthusiast market with the all-new Taurus TX22. The TX22 is a.22LR semi-auto that, out of the box, runs like a custom-tuned pistol but comes at a price point that puts a competition-level handgun squarely in the budget of the mainstream shooter.

Designed and engineered from the ground up to maximize fit, function, and comfort for shooters of all statures and levels of experience, the TX22 is a full-size polymer handgun that is ready from the outset to deliver success for competitive shooters as well as those just learning the art of pistol shooting. Boasting all the familiar features of larger-caliber semi-auto handguns yet in a rimfire chamber and with a class-leading 16-round capacity, the TX22 sets new performance standards and shooter expectations across the .22LR category.

Ergonomics:

How do you achieve the pinnacle of handgun comfort, function, and performance? You build the foundation around the shooter.

From the start, Taurus designers and engineers placed ergonomics as the framework around which the new TX22 would be built. In fact, the "human factor" was integrated into every aspect of the development process. The grip, for example, was crafted over a two-year period to ensure optimal wrist alignment, control, and overall conformity for almost all hand sizes. Operational ergonomics were also closely examined and tweaked for ideal positioning and size of the manual safety levers (safety lever is an optional feature on select models), slide catch, and magazine catch/release to accommodate small- to large-frame shooters. This concept was also applied to the trigger reach dimension. By allowing ergonomics to define the space envelope for the functioning parts—as opposed to allowing the operational components dictate size and positioning—the result is a full-size polymer frame handgun that is both comfortable and functionally efficient for a broad range of shooter sizes and shooting styles.

The human factor does not, however, end at the TX22's advanced frame design. Take, for instance, the fire control assembly. Built around a single-action-only striker-fired system, the Taurus Pittman Trigger System (PTS) found in the TX22 utilizes a short, 5 lb. trigger pull to release the sear—a feature that experienced and beginner shooters alike will appreciate. The trigger reset is also short and spring-assisted, allowing the shooter to deliver quick follow-up shots while maintaining good sight alignment. The audible trigger reset lets you know once the sear is re-engaged and the TX22 is ready to fire the next round. The recoil spring force is actually higher than most hammer fired .22’s. Typically a hammer fired pistol has a non-linear racking force. The initial force is high because the shooter must rotate the hammer down. Once the hammer is fully rotated, the force substantially lightens to around 3 lbs. (for a typical .22). For striker fired guns there is no hammer to rotate, so the force is more linear. With the striker in the fired position, the force for the TX22 is roughly 8 lbs. for initial movement and 10 lbs. at full rearward position.

"As a competitive shooter, the feature that stands out the most is the trigger," said USPSA Grand Master and Taurus Team Shooting Captain, Jessie Harrison. "It’s smooth with a crisp break and positive reset. It feels like a custom trigger without the custom price tag. The TX22 is a competition ready gun and that’s exciting for me and the future of Taurus!”

Not only is the TX22's fire control system engineered for smooth and comfortable operation, the other side of the equation is addressed once the firing pin strikes the cartridge case rim. The grip geometry combines with an optimized slide weight to deliver virtually no recoil, furthering the TX22's fast-action, quick-sight-acquisition performance so desired for a competitive-level handgun or for rapid-fire target practice.

Design Elements:

The TX22 is built on an advanced polymer frame intended to maximize fit and biomechanical geometry while minimizing bulk and weight through a combination of careful material selection, advanced manufacturing processes, and strategic lightening of non-critical components the overall weight of the pistol was kept to 17.3 oz. The grip itself is generously covered with a proprietary texture pattern that ensures positive hand placement and retention without overly aggressive stipling, which can be uncomfortable to beginning shooters during long range sessions. A finger groove beneath the trigger guard and one above the magazine floor plate further aid in providing a solid, confident grip.

Ergonomics were also factored into the slide. Constructed of Aerospace Grade 7075 aluminum and finished in hardcoat anodized black matte, the TX22 slide includes front and rear precision-machined serrations for no-slip operation when chambering or ejecting a cartridge.

Safety:

As a handgun developed for use by both experienced shooters and those just starting to develop their handgun skills, the TX22 is replete with safety considerations. The manual safety (on select models) is ambidextrous to work with left- and right-hand shooters. All of the TX22 pistols are designed with a hidden trigger safety that prevents unintentional rearward trigger movement. One of the key benefits of this design is that it leaves the trigger face "clean" by eliminating the conventional-style protruding trigger safety blade. Additional safety components include a firing pin block that is designed to prevent the firing pin from striking the cartridge unless the trigger is intentionally pulled.

Adaptability:

In addition to designing the TX22 to suit a wide range of shooter sizes and skill levels, Taurus designers worked to ensure the new pistol could also be customized to individual shooter preferences. The rear sight, for example, is fully adjustable for windage and elevation so the pistol can be custom-zeroed for specific ammunition loads.

Popular handgun accessories can also be integrated into the TX22 platform. Blended into the frame is a MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail suitable for mounting a tactical light or laser. For those who wish to shoot suppressed, the 4.1-inch barrel comes with a 1/2x28 thread adaptor suitable for accepting popular suppressor models. There is also a thread protector that goes on the barrel when suppressor adaptor is removed.

The new Taurus TX22 design was intended to satisfy the needs of shooters of all sizes and experience levels without compromising in any area. In other words, the TX22 is a pistol that meets the expectations of competitive-level shooters while providing the ideal platform for smaller-framed and beginning shooters—doing so at a viable price point that fits every budget. Although the TX22 is based on a full-frame design, the grip ergonomics, trigger dimensions, and size and placement of the operational controls make it the perfect training foundation for those just getting into pistol shooting, allowing them to become familiar with semi-auto pistol function and to develop their shooting skills before moving on to larger-caliber models.

For experienced and competitive shooters, the TX22 hits all the "must-have" marks in terms of comfort, geometry, and operational speed so essential for success.

"The TX22 is impressive because it’s truly ready to go from the factory," states Jessie Harrison. "Being able to purchase a pistol that requires zero modification and is match-ready is most appealing as a competitor."

Count the virtually non-existent recoil, minimal sight alignment disturbance, adjustable sight, and generous 16 round capacity as bonuses.

The Handgun That Invites You to "Keep Shooting"

Whether a first-time shooter or a range pro, all agree that the TX22 is one handgun you're reluctant to put up for the day. The comfortable grip and smooth operation combined with the .22LR chambering makes for a pistol that won't wear you out during extended target sessions. Add in the accuracy quotient courtesy of the short and relatively light trigger pull, barely perceptible recoil, robust magazine capacity, and lightning-fast sight alignment—not to mention the overall confidence gained from accurate, controlled shooting and ease-of-use—and you have a handgun that invites you to "keep on shooting!"

TAURUS TX22

CALIBER: .22LR
CAPACITY: 16 ROUND MAGAZINE
FINISH: MATTE BLACK
GRIP: TEXTURED
FIRING SYSTEM: STRIKER
ACTION TYPE: SAO (SINGLE-ACTION-ONLY)
TRIGGER PULL: 5 lbs.
SAFETY: AMBIDEXTROUS MANUAL (optional), FIRING PIN BLOCK, TRIGGER SAFETY
SIGHTS (FRONT): WHITE DOT (1)
SIGHTS (REAR): ADJUSTABLE WHITE DOT (2)
SLIDE MATERIAL: 7075 ALUMINUM
SLIDE FINISH: BLACK HARD COAT ANODIZED
OVERALL LENGTH: 7.06 INCHES
OVERALL WIDTH: 1.25 INCHES
OVERALL HEIGHT: 5.44 INCHES
BARREL LENGTH: 4.1 INCHES
MAG RELEASE: REVERSIBLE
WEIGHT (W/EMPTY MAGAZINE): 17.3 OZ.
MAGAZINES INCLUDED: 2
ACCESSORIES: LOCK, OWNER’S MANUAL
MSRP: $349

Shipping: Q1 2019

For more information, visit www.taurususa.com.