U.S.A. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Taurus has shown a compact version of its popular TX22 pistol at the 2023 Shot Show in Las Vegas. The pistol is .34 inches shorter with a half-inch shorter barrel, at 3.6 inches compared to the standard version, which has a 4.1 in barrel, or the TX22 competition, with a 5.25-inch barrel.
The compact version is 6.7 inches in length and 4.9 inches tall, with a slightly reduced magazine capacity of 13 rounds instead of 16 rounds. It is .54 inches shorter from top to bottom of the grip compared to the original TX22.
The Taurus website says it has a barrel twist rate is 1 in 10 instead of the more common 1 in 16. Consultation with Taurus representatives at the SHOT Show confirms this is not a typo. The rate of twist was deliberately changed to increase the back pressure to make function of the pistol more reliable. An ancillary purpose is to increase the stability of heavier bullets. In this correspondent’s estimation, a 1 in 10 twist should stabilize the 60-grain bullets made by Aguila. Those cartridges are made to be quiet, and the heavy bullet for caliber should penetrate well.
The weight has been reduced to 16.5 ounces from 17.3. The compact version fit my hand well. The slide has lightning cuts, presumably to accommodate the weight of the optic. An option to bundle a Riton optic with the pistol is said to be available for an extra $70 for the compact version. It seems a pretty good discount from purchasing the optic separately. The Riton optic appears to be the 3 Tactix MPRD2. Small optics on pistols are an excellent option for those with aging eyes. The optics take a little getting used to, but can deliver fast and accurate shots on target.
The compact TX22 at the SHOT Show had a HOLOSUN optic mounted. It does not appear to be a factory option.
The version this correspondent handled at the SHOT show had the excellent trigger of the original TX22, and the same manual safety, which is ambidextrous, positive, and easy to use. The safety allows the pistol to be unloaded with the safety on, a nice feature.
10 round magazines are available for those areas that still have restrictions on magazine capacity. Those include other countries as well as states which insist on court challenges. The magazine restrictions are likely to be resolved in the courts in the next year or two in the United States. 16-round magazines fit the compact pistol. The user needs to be careful. Do not forcefully slam the 16-round magazine into the compact version. It can damage the magazine and/ or the pistol.
A representative at the Taurus booth indicated some of the markets is anticipated to be concealed carriers who are recoil sensitive or who choose to carry a .22 for whatever reason. In the vast majority of defensive situations, having a gun is far more important than caliber. Most situations are resolved without a shot being fired.
The compact version of the TX22 has a Manufacture Suggested Retail Price of $399, $50 more than the original TX22. It comes with two 13-round magazines or two 10-round magazines. Versions without a manual safety or a threaded barrel are available as well.
About Dean Weingarten:
Dean Weingarten has been a peace officer, a military officer, was on the University of Wisconsin Pistol Team for four years, and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1973. He taught the Arizona concealed carry course for fifteen years until the goal of Constitutional Carry was attained. He has degrees in meteorology and mining engineering, and retired from the Department of Defense after a 30 year career in Army Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation.
If memory serves me right Taurus, recently become ‘dead to me’ for their anti-gun actions in Brazil?
That’s right. No more Taurus or Rossi. Have to double check but I think Heritage as well (SA 22 revolvers). Anyone know what other brands they sell under?
Heritage is Taurus? I was wondering why the 22mag cylinder’s blow up and they wont replace them.
Exactly and if I recall they also said they were no longer going to ship parts or guns out of country. What are these poor Taurus people going to do when they have problems with their guns?
I own the original TX22, the Competition Conversion Kit, and now, The TX22 Compact. I might just like it better than the original. Maybe.
Junk, good luck getting parts.
Far from “junk.” You won’t need any parts, cause this is better than a Timex watch! And as far as your opinion goes, well you know what they say about those.
Obviously you must be more wright than me, I’m sure that is why all law enforcement officers are chomping at the bit to get rid of their Sigs and Glocks for a Taurus. LOL
I own two. My millinem pro is junk, my sig p938s have been to the shop for sear problems, one twice.