I’ve been cutting up fish one way or another for most of my life, the fishing bug bit me as far back as I can remember. And like many parts of the outdoor lifestyle, it took some time for me to figure out the proper way to do things.
Catching and cutting up fish has since become second nature, and a great filleting knife has long been my companion. But today I want to show you something new: Relentless Knives Perpetual Edge™ Fillet Knife.
The Perpetual Edge
The technology behind the Relentless knives edge is borrowed from nature, the idea taken from the sharp bite of the beaver.
The edge of the Perpetual Edge blade has two sides, like most blades. The one side however uses a carbide/crushed diamond surface, which makes that side of the knife particularly hard. The rest of the blade is made from titanium, which is much softer.
Much like the self sharpening teeth of the beaver, the softer side of the blade wears before the carbide side, which causes a natural wear pattern that thins the angle of the cutting edge. Keeping it sharper than it would be if both sides of the cutting edge wore at the same rate.
Sucker for sharp edges
You could call me a sucker for sharp knives. Just ask my wife how up-tight I get when my good knife edges get too close to something hard. Often I keep a knife sharpener in my pocket and in my office. The soothing therapy of smoothing and polishing knives to a mirror shine is a favorite pastime.
I am constantly checking and correcting the cutting edge of my pocket knives, hunting knives, and fillet knife. Because I can’t stand the idea of a knife not being razor sharp, there are few things more satisfying than a clean cut.
Field Testing Relentless Knives Perpetual Edge
Seeing how the sharpness of the perpetual edge stood up to some modest filleting work was my next task. Rainbow Trout is a far cry from saltwater fish, but unfortunately thats what I have at the moment. Having had this knife to fillet the dozens of Red Drum and Sheepsheads I caught on my last trip to the gulf would have been nice. Filleting and preparing all that fish for a large crew would have been easy work with this knife.
The model shown here today is the seven-inch curved blade model. They also make a six-inch, and nine-inch curved blade models. There are also two straight blade models in lengths of eight and ten-inches.
Their seven-inch model should easily handle most of the fish I typically fillet. Which besides trout might include lots of striped bass, sunfish, Walleye, Channel cats. As well as the occasional salt water fish like those mentioned above, or the occasional mackerel if I’m lucky.
But today we are just filleting freshwater Rainbows, as that’s what I have for the frying pan. I must say that before I even got to feeling the edge of this knife. Its handle had already caught me. The texturing of the grip area is so sticky and course to your hand, I don’t think any amount of fish slime could cause it to slip.
To start I sliced through the skin towards the bones behind the head. The narrow tip of the knife made for some very tactical maneuvering and slicing to avoid wasting the tender meat. I could easily finesse the sharp tip around in the tight spaces behind the collars. And as you might imagine, the blade zipped through the bones.
Its sharp edge perfectly sliced the flesh away from the bones, taking off whatever it touched. And cutting the meat away from the skin was just as smooth.
After cutting up a half a dozen fish, I was quite pleased with the performance. But c’mon, a bunch of soft trout is hardly enough to dull a good knife right? Maybe the only choice I have to truly test this edge is to go catch a dozen Yellow Tail Mud Tarpon out of the marsh near my house, and run them through.
The thick scaly carp that live there are full of tough bones, and scales as thick as fingernails sometimes. That would really be a good test of how long this edge stays sharp. And if it truly does sharpen as it cuts like its manufacturer suggests.
I’ll have to update you all on the performance thereafter. As this knife ages I will update this article with some additional developments.
Pros & Cons
The Relentless Knives Perpetual Edge Fillet Knife is certainly sharp, as are most blades when they come from the factory, I polished it up a little bit to enhance its slice. Designers of the blade left the carbide side of the edge flat, so there is no ground angle to the edge. The ground angle is only on the opposing side of the blade, where you do any sharpening if needed.
We found that the knife doesn’t cut straight because of this uneven profile on the cutting edge. It sort of slices to one side like you might imagine. This of course is not a big deal, and something you will simply adapt to as you continue cutting through fish after fish.
The sheath of the knife if you care about using it, is strong and will protect the edge of your knife. Though I wish it had a slightly better way of securing it to the handle.
Final Thoughts
As you might imagine I can’t wait to get my hands on more fish, and see how this edge holds up. I often use my fillet knives for boning out deer and elk as well. So it might show up on my butcher table as well this fall.
It’s not uncommon for me to cut through a pile of a couple dozen Stripers, and turn them into a clean pile of scale-free fillets that eventually turn into fresh made fish tacos. Without a doubt I am sure the sharp edge of this Relentless Knife will make short work of them when the time comes.
I’ve had the good fortune to play with a few Riton scopes over the years, and I am happy to bring you another one today. The Riton Optics 5 Primal 2-12X44 Rifle Scope (which I’ll refer to as 5 Primal) is a second focal plane riflescope that is a perfect fit for those looking for a good hunting scope. The Riton 5 Primal brings many great features to the 2-12 scope world.
Aside from its core features, the affordable price of the 5 Primal makes it an excellent option for many folks out there with a lower budget. Riton Opticsdoes a good job of offering a broad enough selection for most shooters to find what they need.
As we look into the 5 Primal today, keep in mind how its features may benefit or hinder your practices behind the rifle. Only you can evaluate how well it will serve your purposes.
Fully Multi-Coated, Full Wide Band, Waterproof Coated, Low Light Enhancement
Reticle
PHD
Field of View at 100 yds
55.1ft – 9.4ft
Material
6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Eye Relief
3.5in/90mm
Exit Pupil
Low 8.3mm – High 3.5mm
Click Value at 100 yds/m
1/4 MOA
Adjustment Range
90 MOA
Mounting Length
4.2″/106mm
Length
12.5in/317mm
Weight
1.5lbs/24oz
Included Items
Flip-Up Lens Covers, Lens Cloth, Allen Key
PROS & CONS
My pros and cons list may confuse you, so let me explain a little before we get into it. Your specific purpose might dictate whether some of these features are an asset or a liability.
For example, I like first focal plane reticles, but they may not be ideal for many scenarios. Same with capped turrets. I prefer exposed turrets, but you may want capped turrets.
I mounted up the 5 Primal to a rifle I had handy using a 30mm one-piece scope mount. I did a quick boresight job before hitting the range with it. The hand-adjustable turrets are easy to adjust, the ¼ MOA clicks are easily felt, and a complete turret rotation gives you 25 MOA of elevation.
The 2-12X44 mounted perfectly in the Aadland 30mm scope mount.
With the scope mounted to a Q Fix chambered in .308, it would be a fine little rifle to take out in the field for a hunt. The 5 Primal made an excellent companion to the rifle.
I really like the 2-12 power zone for hunting. I often think people over-magnify their hunting rifles, but I prefer having a wide field of view to watch impacts and potentially escaping animals after a shot. Even when hunting with bigger scopes like a 5-25, I still rarely engage animals above 14 power.
Long-range
After zeroing the scope, I used the reticle to make shots all across a deep and long canyon. The hold-over points were easy to keep track of. I like when reticles are labeled at least every few lines, which applies to the 5 Primal. Using the reticle for holdovers worked great at 12X or doubling values at 6X.
A look through the 5 Primal at about 3X at 450 yards.
The parallax/focus allows you to focus on targets as close as 10 yards, which could come in handy with an air rifle. But for my .308, it wasn’t so necessary.
The low profile of the 5 Primal makes for a good pack rifle to throw over your shoulder, with few things to hang up on as you hike through the forest. The included flip-caps also helped keep the lenses clean and away from contaminants.
Different throw lever options are also handy, making it easy to adjust the magnification quickly and without having to look for it. It’s also nice to be able to pull the throw-lever off if it creates a snag point for you.
The optical clarity was fine for me, as I wasn’t expecting something incredible from a scope at this price point. It’s also fair to point out that the lower power magnification doesn’t magnify flaws as much, either, so you’re less likely to see them.
The PHD reticle is simple enough, yet it gives you 20 MOA in three directions for measuring impacts and holding over. Points are labeled at 10 and 20 MOA, with some good subtensions down to 1 MOA as you near the center of the reticle.
Looking at the sky with the PHD reticle
The second focal plane nature of the reticle allows for pretty fine aiming points. I’ll admit, I wouldn’t be against having a first focal plane reticle in this scope, either. The low power settings would likely be useful with the FFP reticle, though it might require a finer reticle.
ADJUSTABLE THROW LEVER
I like throw levers, and this was a nice little feature for those like me who like them. Built-in throw levers can occasionally be in the wrong place or cause contact points with things like bolt handles and the fingers holding them.
The throw lever was easy to adjust
The ability to remove the throw lever and install it in another position on the power ring is much appreciated. As is the ability to just remove it if needed.
CAPPED TURRETS
As I mentioned above, this can be a good or bad thing, depending on your shooting task. If you need to adjust your elevation frequently, such as you would in a competitive shooting scenario, capped turrets may be a little less desirable. You can, of course, leave the caps off, but I lost quite a few turret caps back in the old days doing that.
For a hunting rifle like the one I tested here, I think the capped turrets are fine, since I likely wouldn’t engage anything beyond 500 yards with it. For those kinds of ranges holding over with the PHD reticle is fine for me.
To use the cap or not use the cap, that is the question.
CONCLUSION
The Riton 5 Primal 2-12×44 scope is an excellent choice for someone shopping in the sub $1,000 price range. The scope isn’t what I would call super light; instead, it’s built pretty robust, which I’d prefer sometimes.
It should do a great job of providing accurate shooting for most practices. The overall performance of the scope and warranty from Riton makes the scope a pretty safe bet.
Having used several Riton scopes now, I would feel confident recommending them for such purposes as I’ve mentioned.
Primary Arms (PA) has been a huge name in the shooting scene for many years. Part of what makes Primary Arms so relevant is its ability to cater to shooters’ needs with excellent products that don’t require taking out a second mortgage. Primary Arms has recently released a new scope in its GLx line of scopes, and today we will be taking a look at it; the Primary Arms GLx 3-18X44mm FFP precision rifle scope.
It’s hard to beat the view through the scope.
The GLx line of scopes seems to be the mid-series, but don’t tell the kids that. A few GLx scopes have been out for some time, but the 3-18x is a new development.
The 6x magnification of the 3-18x model gives a nice spectrum of usable capabilities, but this little scope has far more features that will earn its keep in your collection.
I’ve used a few PA optics before, but this would be the first one of my own. My previous experiences had been great, so I had no reason to expect this one to be different. I’d also heard good stories from many other shooting professionals I trust.
When I opened up the black and orange box, I was struck again by that old familiar feeling. I had a good feeling that this scope and I were going to make some serious hits.
The scope is built on a 34MM tube, which is fast becoming the mainstay for tactical scopes over the more traditional 30mm. Its 44mm objective soaks up as much light as possible to give you the best image of your target.
Locking turrets and a hard zero-stop are great tactical features, as is the ACSS Athena reticle, which can be used for measuring and hold-overs on target.
And yet even for those who are accustomed to high-tier optics, the GLx 3-18 will feel very familiar and comfortable. It provides most of the features professional shooters would be accustomed to, making it ideal for activities like PRS shooting, hunting, long-range, or any other precision rifle application.
It may be a little much if you are hunting bean fields in Ohio, but I prefer to have more scope than I need for many hunting purposes.
I figured there was no better way to test the GLx than to mount it to my primary rifle and take it on one of my high country Marmot hunts. This would give me a great opportunity to truly test the PA GLx. Shots can frequently be very long and require quick identification of often tiny targets and perfect shot placement.
Several days of shooting high country Marmots was an excellent test of the function of the scope. Aside from that, I also shot the rifle through a training session on a rifle range, shooting out to 1,200 yards.
I used the scope to find and engage target after target and moved back and forth from different target zones. The GLx was quick to adjust and right on with the measurements.
Not many things escaped us while shooting with the PA GLx
FIELD TESTING THE GLX 3-18X44
First, I would need to mount the scope up to my Desert Tech SRS M2; for that, I used a ZroDelta 34mm scope mount. With the scope settled in and level, I torqued down the ring caps.
The next step was to zero the rifle and set the zero-stop under the elevation turret. After that, I did a quick bore-sight job to align the crosshairs with my bore’s centerline.
I’d brought a .223 Remington barrel and a 6GT barrel for the SRS, but since I’d planned on shooting mainly the GT, I figured I’d zero it for that. I loaded a single round, centered the Athena reticle on my target, and pressed the trigger.
The impact was easily noted a few inches from the target’s center bull. With the reticle again held center on the bullseye, I measured the elevation and windage distance from the crosshair to the hole in the paper. I dialed 1.3 up and .4 left based on the estimates I could get on the reticle subtensions.
After loading another round, I aimed this time for the black hole in the paper and pressed the trigger again. The second 112-grain Barnes Match Burner ripped through the paper, leaving an egg-shaped single hole in the paper.
With zeroing out of the way, it was time to get serious about shooting the rifle and putting the GLx to work finding furry little targets scattered across the beautiful landscape.
A view thru the GLx 3-18X44
Shooting for Days
We spent the whole day chasing after Marmots using the SRS and other rifles with comparable scopes mounted. Over and over, I saw the action through the Primary GLx, watching both my impacts and the other’s shots.
Switching back and forth from one rifle to another gave me a great appreciation for the features of the GLx. The built-in throw-lever made it quick to find different targets and quickly zoom in on them without taking your eye off them.
At 3X, the GLx quickly transitioned between various close targets
Adjusting for different distances was straightforward using the turrets; I could count the clicks without losing track of small moving targets. Or I could hold over or under using the reticle. And the zero-stop made it easy to blindly dial back to my hundred-yard zero without even thinking about it.
The parallax adjustment was easy to keep in line with targets, mainly since we would only move incredible distances a few times. The image was always clear and detailed, and only the hiding skills of our quarry made identifying them a challenge.
Optical Issues
The one “not so good” thing I noticed was a bit of a fish-eye phenomenon. It was mostly visible when I panned the rifle from one side to the other. A slight optical aberration around the edge of the lens makes the image feel slightly convex.
It was just enough to grab my attention. I took the time to look for it in the other scopes I was shooting that day, and to my surprise, they also had a little bit of the same phenomenon. But I never noticed it until I looked for it.
I don’t consider it a huge problem, as it didn’t affect my ability to shoot the rifle well. And considering the price point, I wouldn’t consider it a dealbreaker.
The throw lever adjusted the magnification ring quickly
RELIABILITY & ACCURACY
As far as scopes can be reliable, this scope was. All mechanical components of the scope are built very robust and feel like they’ll stand the test of time.
The turret values are reliable and match up with the reticle values inside. Cranking up and down on the turrets through several days of hunting show that the erector inside was consistent in its movement.
The accurate movement of the scopes internals translates into reliable corrections. This is extremely important for accuracy.
OVERALL FEEL
The Primary Arms GLx feels excellent in the hands, and the controls have all the right feels. The clicks are clean and audible, and the tension on all the controls have a nice level of stiffness.
The built-in throw lever is nice, but there is also a flip-up version of the throw lever, which can be folded down when not needed. The turrets have great texturing for a good grip and are also a good height. This makes them more snag-proof.
Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 Precision Rifle Scope Features
FIRST FOCAL PLANE
The GLx is a first focal plane scope, meaning that the reticle is magnified with the scope’s power setting. This means the reticle and its details will be smaller at low power and fill the whole scope at maximum power. This is done so that the reticle values remain constant regardless of the magnification setting, which is very valuable to shooters who frequently switch magnification settings with time constraints.
In the past, FFP scopes have commanded much higher prices, sometimes prohibitively expensive. But modern market competition has made them more and more affordable, which is where we find the Primary Arms GLx 3-18X44.
ATHENA BPR-MIL RETICLE
The ACSS Athena BPR-MIL reticle incorporates a great deal of technology. If you haven’t taken the time to learn weaponized math, I recommend it.
The Athena reticle has several valuable tools built right into it, like a chevron center, a target-ranging ladder, and a MIL grid for rapid measuring and engagement. With subtensions as small as .1 MIL, you can measure just about anything you need to.
The Athena reticle does a good job of walking the line of being detailed but not overly detailed. It has an incredible amount of details and subtensions, but it is also fine enough not to overwhelm the eye. It may be too much for some shooters, though. The reticle is far more pronounced at the very high end of magnification.
ZERO-STOP
The zero-stop on the GLx scope is a fantastic design but one I needed to familiarize myself with. After zeroing the rifle, setting the zero-stop wound up being quite simple to engage.
With the scope zeroed, you loosen the turret screws around the top until the turret can be lifted. Underneath, you will find a red anodized stop, with three screws holding it in place from three raised bosses on the erector housing. Once loosened, you can raise the red zero-stop until it contacts the bottom of the internal turret hub.
After retorquing the screws to support the stop, you can reinstall the turret by lining up the zero with the centerline and retorquing the turret screws. It is pretty simple, and as soon as I had it back together, the elevation turret lock button engaged as designed.
A closer look at the zero-stop internal parts
34MM TUBE
The large 34mm tube of the GLx allows for its broad elevation adjustment. The larger tube gives more space for erector movement, translating into more elevation potential.
The turrets are 10 MIL per rotation, which is better than most scopes that fall in the economically priced category. For me, 10 MIL turrets are great; even better if they have more like 12 or 15 MILs. With the rifle zeroed and the zero-stop set, my GLx had 38.5 MIL of travel, which is pretty significant.
I experienced no reliability issues or problems with the Primary Arms GLx scope. The nature of mechanical things means they can suddenly break, but time will certainly show if that happens. As it stands now, there is no evidence or experience I’ve had that would suggest any impending issues.
ERGONOMICS (9/10)
All the controls of the GLx were easy to handle and adjust. The tension set on each turret and ring was adequate to prevent accidental movements but still be easily adjusted when needed. Added benefits like the locking turrets and throw-lever only added to the easy operation. I was initially worried about whether I’d like the turret lock, but the fact that it only engages on zero makes it just right in my book.
CUSTOMIZATION (8/10)
While scopes aren’t exactly customizable, there are many different options to select that will customize the scope to your purpose. Selecting MOA vs. MIL is a handy option for those shopping for scopes, and other little things like included scope caps and interchangeable throw levers give the user options.
APPEARANCE (8/10)
The GLx 3-18 is a sharp-looking scope. It has all the right curves right where I want them and all the right textures in the right places too.
VALUE (9/10)
I recommend this scope to someone looking for a good precision rifle scope under $800. I remember it wasn’t that long ago that I would have expected to pay twice that much for a scope with similar features.
ACCESSORIES
ZRODELTA SCOPE MOUNT
Any good 34mm scope mount would be a solid match for this scope. I used a ZroDelta mount and didn’t regret it for a second. A good mount like this allows for rapid transition from one rifle to another or simply to take the scope on and off for cleaning the rifle.
SCOPE CHAPS
A good set of Scope Chaps will help protect your scope from scratches or other damage when moving around or transporting it. The chaps velcro to the bell of the scope and give a layer of protection. They also provide a place to put your favorite PVC patches.
After shooting the Primary Arms GLxover the last few months, it has given me plenty of experience to judge the little scope.
As a lower-cost precision rifle optic, the GLx stands out against its competition and offers its users some refined features and benefits for a surprising price. The scope gives a superb optical performance and robust mechanical function for those that shoot on the move. It’s light enough to not be eliminated from a hunting rifle project too.
If you find yourself looking for an affordable optic that won’t leave you squinting into the distance, consider pulling the trigger on the Primary Arms GLx 3-18×44 Precision Rifle Scope.
Riton Optics has been producing and selling affordable optics for several years. The American optics market has consistently grown over the last decade, and economical brands have aggressively flooded it. Riton offers professional-grade features in many of its scopes, and between the different product lines, it offers something for almost any shooter’s budget. Today we will look at one of its offerings from the PRIMAL line, the Riton Optics 3 PRIMAL 3-18x50mm rifle scope.
The 3 PRIMAL brings new features like Riton’s dual throw lever system and incorporates highly sought-after features like exposed turrets, zero-stop, and a front focal plane reticle. I’ve spent quite a bit of time behind rifle scopes, so I was eager to see how this new Riton stacked up against both the Riton scopes I’ve had in the past and the other scopes I use.
The 3-18 model is an excellent scope for long-range hunters and precision shooters. With six MRAD turrets, each revolution of the turret will increase the sight angle by six Milliradian.
The total mechanical elevation available in the scope is 25 MRAD, so you’ll get just over four rotations of the elevation turret. I prefer 10 MRAD turrets or higher, but I think it’s acceptable for the price point of this scope.
Optically, the 3 PRIMAL has a clean and clear image, which is something I’ve noticed in the past from Riton branded scopes. Riton seems to do a good job sourcing quality glass for their scopes.
The helically fluted control surfaces of the scope allow an easy grip to adjust the settings, and the markings and turret detents are clear and concise. The dual throw lever design is handy, allowing you to remove the throw lever or position it in one of two positions, depending on what works with your particular firearm setup.
This scope would be ideal for someone looking to get into long-range shooting or hunting with a smaller budget. It gives you many high-end features most of us want, but without needing to sell a car to get it.
If you’re the kind of guy accustomed to $3,000 European scopes, you will likely find this Riton a step down. But it certainly gives you what you need to get the job done.
Riton scopes are made in various places, but the 3 PRIMAL says it’s made in China, which may not sit well with some people. As far as Chinese-made scopes go, I felt it looked and functioned well. I’ve used a bunch of different Chinese-made scopes, and this one surely seems to be at the top of that list.
SPECIFICATIONS
Specification
Details
Magnification
3-18
Parallax Adjustment
10-infinity
Tube Diameter
30mm
Objective Lens Diameter
50mm
Focal Lens Position
First Focal Plane
Lens Coating
Fully Multi-Coated, Full Wide Band, Waterproof Coated, Low Light Enhancement
Reticle
LRH, Illuminated
Field of View at 100 yds
35ft-6.2ft
Material
6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
Eye Relief
3.5in/90mm
Exit Pupil
Low 8.2mm-2.8mm
Click Value at 100 yds/m
1/10th MRAD
Adjustment Range
25 MRAD
Mounting Length
4.6″/116mm
Length
13.75″/339mm
Weight
2.85lbs/29.6oz
Included Items
Flip-Up Lens Covers, Lens Cloth, Allen Key
PROS & CONS
PROS
Affordable price
Great optical clarity
LRH reticle features useful subtensions
Positive tactile clicks
Dual throw lever system
Illumination with six settings
25 MRAD elevation potential
Lifetime warranty
CONS
Made in China
Not particularly lightweight
Reticle gets a little bit thick at 18X
ON THE RANGE TESTING
I mounted the Riton 3 Primal to a Mossberg Patriot 6.5PRC rifle. I used a set of Warne 30mm rings that fit perfectly. With the scope mounted and bore-sighted, I headed into the hills to try the combination.
After a few shots to confirm zero, it was time to use one of my favorite features of this scope; the zero stop. Using turrets with smaller MRAD counts tends to use multiple revolutions of said turret to get the full elevation.
This scope has 6 MIL turrets, so if you are shooting quite far, losing count and thinking you are zeroed when you are a full rotation (6 MRAD) off can be easy. Zero stops combat this issue by giving you a hard stop at your rifle’s zero.
The Riton 3 Primal achieves this by installing a ring under the turret after zeroing your scope. Unlike the spacer-type zero stops, this one is tightened around the turret stud and has a pin to stop rotation at zero. It’s very easy to install, and once you have the rifle zeroed, you never have to worry about it again.
Shooting with the Primal was very comfortable; my eyes easily adjusted to the view and made perfect sense of its clear image. Using the throw lever to adjust the magnification for different ranges, and spotting targets and details, was relatively easy. With just an Allen wrench, you can change the throw lever position to fit your rifle setup.
The scope was easily adjusted for focus/parallax using the side-focus knob, and targets were quick to engage with the scope appropriately adjusted. I didn’t need to use the illumination at any point, but it is nice to know it’s there.
The reticle in the Primal was perfect for measuring holdovers and corrections; that said, it is often hard to please everyone when it comes to reticles. It’s a very subjective choice, as we all have our preferences, but I found this one to be fine.
My only complaint is that at 18X, the reticle becomes a little thick, which might make it more challenging to get that perfect hold on a distant target.
Riton Optics 3 Primal 3-18×50 Rifle Scope Features
ZERO STOP
The zero stop feature of the Primal 3-18 was easy and robust. It took very little time to install or adjust the zero stop ring, and it felt great when the turret hit that hard stop letting you know you’re zeroed.
I’ve seen quite a few different zero stop designs, and this is surely not a bad one, but there are a few I do like better. For this price point and purpose, though, I think it is a great option.
Installing the zero-stop ring took little effort.
THROW LEVER
The included throw lever is a nice touch, and it allows you to use it or not. And if you choose to use it, you can place it in one of two positions, whichever better fits your rifle setup.
The scope also comes with a cover to replace the empty throw lever position.
The multiple throw lever positions are a nice touch.
FRONT FOCAL PLANE ILLUMINATED RETICLE
I mentioned the reticle was a bit thick for me at max magnification; this is not a massive deal for me as I don’t often use scopes at their maximum power, at least while shooting. That said, if you plan on using this scope for shooting particularly far, it’s something you should know.
The subtensions of the reticle are small enough to be helpful without making the reticle too complicated. I also like that Riton made off positions between each brightness setting.
I was pretty happy with this rifle scope from Riton. The 3 Primal 3-18x50mm gives you a fine selection of desirable features and is very affordable.
I’ve been lucky to use many high-quality scopes in addition to those that are more mainstream and inexpensive. You will do great with this one if you are looking for an affordable precision rifle scope for recreational purposes.
It would go very well with the Mossberg featured above as a Western long-range hunting rifle or installed on your favorite range rifle. It has features that not too long ago would have cost you at least twice as much money, and despite its foreign manufacture, it presents a great picture.
-CBM
If you’d like to read about more Riton Optics Click Here
Let’s start out by stating the obvious. There are literally hundreds of good cartridges that are more than adequate for deer and elk hunting. There is neither time or space here to go over all the possibilities. So lets focus on a few excellent groups of cartridge choices.
Today’s subject matter is deer and elk, two animals I am quite familiar with and I have had the good fortune to take many of both over my hunting career. One of the many takeaways from these many years, is that neither of them are bullet proof, and most people use much more gun than necessary. Let me be clear; Use what you think is best, if you think you need a .338 super magnum to take down a bull elk, be my guest. But I certainly don’t. With that in mind, lets get into some cartridges.
The popularity of the 30-06is undeniable. Probably as many deer and elk have been killed by the 06 as anything else. Quite frankly it’d be hard to go wrong with it, but there are a few offspring from the Springfield that are also more than adequate hunting cartridges. And they may assuage your taste for something more exotic.
The .270 Winchester and 25-06 Remingtonare both derived from the 06 case, and both are excellent choices for your next hunting rifle. While the 25-06 may be considered a bit light for elk, it is an outstanding choice for any deer. It’s fast bullets fly a very flat trajectory, and its lower recoil make it an excellent rifle for a new hunter or one who is a bit recoil shy. The bigger .270 has a better bullet selection. With a wider range of bullet weights, and a heavier overall selection.
This probably makes the .270 a better choice if elk are in your future. I killed both my first buck, and my first elk with a 25-06. But honestly any one of these 30-06 based cartridges would be an excellent choice for your next deer or elk rifle.
Of the many elk I’ve killed over the last twenty years, most have them have been from short action cartridges like the 308 and Creedmoor. The last seven alone have been dropped in their tracks by the 6.5 or smaller.
A Magnum Option
Many hunters choose magnum cartridges in their caliber discussion for deer and elk hunting, they do so for a variety of reasons. The main advantage of magnum cartridges is power. The high velocities and typically heavier bullets used in magnum cartridges gives hunters additional power to take down animals. As skills and tech advance the range of hunters, the additional power of magnums can come in handy down-range.
The always popular 300 Winchester Magnum has long been the standard magnum cartridge for deer and elk hunters. With loads varying from 165 grain up to 240 grain bullets, and ammunition available almost anywhere ammo is sold, it is hard to go wrong with a 300WM. The 338WM and 7mm Remington Magnum are not quite as common, but comparable and excellent choices. But the old gold standard isn’t the only good option. If you want something more exotic or just different there is a cartridge just for you.
Short Magnums were a big craze years ago, and still make a good choice today. While they are not as common in the retailers, they offer some good advantages. The Winchester Short Magnum family with 270, 7mm, and 300 calibers would all make excellent elk rifles to pack into the back country. One of my all-time favorite hunting cartridges, and has claimed several of my best shots, is the 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (7SAUM). Fast seven’s are lightning on big game. The selection of great bullets for them give you the ability to customize them to your hunting needs.
Whether you choose one of the golden oldies, or something brand new like a 300PRC, or 28 Nosler. Make sure you don’t fall for the old mistake of thinking that your magnum will make up for poor shooting. A good shot with a small cartridge is better than a bad shot with a big cartridge.
The Right Bullet
Choosing the right cartridge for your hunt is perhaps not as important as choosing the right bullet to shoot. For example, a .270 is a great cartridge for deer and elk hunting. But if you are shooting too light a bullet then you may as well be shooting a .243.
Not that it cant be done with either a .243 or light .270, it’s just a better choice to shoot something heavier. Heavy bullets carry more energy, and energy is what kills our prey. So when picking out ammunition for your next hunting rifle, pick something that is towards the heavier side. Especially if you are on the smaller side of the cartridge spectrum.
If your shooting a 6.5, you may want to steer away from 100-120 grain bullets and get into a 140 or bigger bullet. If your shooting something like a 7mm or .30 caliber, bullet weights like 150 grains and above are pretty normal and more than adequate.
Bullet construction is another subject you should consider in your selection. Not all bullets are built the same. Traditional copper-cup and lead-core bullets have worked for generations. But today we have bonded bullets, copper solids, and more.
The most important thing I could mention here is that “hard bullets” or those bonded and built to stay together, work great at high velocities and up close. But if its a long shot, and much of your velocity has been lost. You may want to use a “softer bullet” with a simple lead core and thin jacket. Otherwise you may have less than satisfactory terminal performance due to the bullets impact velocity and its ability to open.
Bulletproof?
As I mentioned at the intro to this subject, these animals are not bullet proof. But magnum horsepower, and the worlds best bullet don’t mean much if you cant shoot it well. I also mentioned that a good shot from a small caliber is better than a bad shot from a large caliber. I’d rather make a heart shot with a 25-06 than a gut/liver shot with a 338 Lapua Magnum. This line of thinking applies to everything we’ve discussed here today. If the shooter is intimidated by heavy recoil, or out of practice, they are more likely to make a bad shot.
Keep this in mind when selecting your next hunting cartridge. Flinch factors and the ability to shoot with enough frequency to become more than proficient are just as important as the rest of the considerations.
Final Thoughts
There are more good options than bad ones nowadays, so don’t sweat it too hard. You should evaluate the application of your choices and the way you plan to hunt. Then balance it against your shooting skill level and the cost, you will be setup for a successful hunt. Enjoy it and make the most of the opportunity.
Everybody loves a good comeback story, and today I’ve got a good one for you. Many great things came from the American 1970’s. No I’m not talking about the Carter administration but as a product of the 70’s myself I can assure you there was some good stuff back in the day. Shortly before I met my father, a committed hunter and shooting enthusiast. He purchased one of the many guns he managed to collect during early life. It was a Ruger M77 Mark 1 chambered in the popular at the time 220 Swift.
I remember as a youth fawning over Dad’s guns, thinking they must be the coolest thing ever. Nothing got me more excited than when Dad would take me shooting.
My Father, he also grew up hunting these same mountains with Grandpa
The Ruger M77
Sturm Ruger introduced the model 77 in the late 1960’s, so by the time today’s subject was manufactured years later they surely had it dialed in. The original MKI used a tang mounted safety. Like many other rifle actions it borrowed a great deal from the Mauser model 98 . The M77 uses a claw extractor and a two-lug bolt, fed by an internal box magazine. To this day even modern M77’s utilizes the original angled action screw that pulls the action down and back into the stock. This curious design has been arguably beneficial as well as irritating for owners and gunsmiths alike.
Modern M77’s, which come with the MKII designation use a bolt shroud mounted safety vs. the original tang mounted one. A plethora of different models of M77 have been made over the years, in too many calibers to list here.
Rest assured if you want an M77 in a specific caliber, they probably made it at one time. The rifle we are talking about today came with a twenty-six inch heavy barrel featuring a one in fourteen-inch twist, it was blued with a glossy finish and a traditional walnut stock.
History
My father is a man of few shots, sort of a quality over quantity kind of marksman. During the many outings where I accompanied my Dad, I don’t remember him ever firing many shots, sometimes only a single shot was ever fired. But that was enough to bring home the venison at our house.
My siblings and I enjoying one of Dad’s deer, thats me in the middle
The 220 Swift is nearly a hundred years old already, it was a very popular cartridge a generation ago. It gained fame as one of the fastest cartridges around, and it is still a very fast cartridge today. This rifle shoots the same .224 caliber bullets you will find in a .223 Remington, but it shoots them MUCH faster.
I remember a specific occurrence, when as a young man I learned exactly why Dad shot sparingly. And at the same time I learned a LOT about why he chose the Swift.
It was a rabbit hunt in the dry deserts of Utah. We would push the brushy draws hoping to drive a rabbit or two up the other side in hopes of claiming one.
As a youth, it was my responsibility to push through the worst of the terrain to give others a shot. One of the many jackrabbits ran up the hillside in front of me, I followed him through the brush with my sights. As he cleared the top of the hill before me, I was beginning to press the trigger when the rabbit suddenly disappeared. In its place there was a cloud of hair drifting on the dry breeze.
In the distance I heard the report of a rifle that surely wasn’t a rimfire. I turned and saw Dad standing way back on the other end of the draw still looking through the Leupold 3.5-10 scope mounted on the Swift. As I neared the spot where the rabbit disappeared, I was immediately educated on several things. First was the impressive performance of the Swift and its exemplary demonstration of the destructive power of rifle rounds. Second was the entire anatomy of the jackrabbit scattered across the weeds.
That was at least thirty something years ago, and that old Swift became legendary in our family. But with that speed it also has an appetite for barrels, and more recently its blistering speed has consumed its accuracy with bore erosion.
Few things have ever escaped the Swift, before or after the overhaul
A New Life
There was no way that I was going to let this gun that I had idolized my whole life disappear into inaccurate mediocrity. I made a plan to overhaul the old Ruger and build it into a “Super Swift”.
Dad doesn’t get out as often, and varmint hunting seems as appealing as ever. So turning his Swift into an even better version of itself would be ideal for varmint hunting.
I started with the barrel, a replacement match grade blank from K&P was ordered. To be finished at the same 26-inches but this time with a 1-8 twist, a significantly aggressive twist rate for a cartridge like this. For this I sent it to my good friend Eric at ES-Tactical. My plan was to still shoot the 50-55 grain bullets at Mach 3+. But also have the ability to shoot the Hornady 75 grain ELDM bullets for things that are out there a ways.
refinished bottom-metal and floorplate
The new barrel would be threaded for suppressors because this isn’t 1974 anymore. And the old walnut stock would also be swapped out for something that better fit in with the rest of our guns.
For that I looked to Boyds Gunstocks, and selected a model had Dad would like. The At One model with adjustable butt and cheek-riser, and a vertical style grip. Installing the new heavy barrel of the rifle would require opening the barrel channel somewhat to make enough room to float it.
But despite being a 50-year-old design, the stock’s fit was perfect. To ensure consistency I glass-bedded the recoil lug area of the action into the stock, after which it fit so well you almost didn’t need screws.
Refinished
While I had it apart, I completely disassembled the action and bead blasted the old finish off, in preparation for fresh Cerakote. Since the trigger was apart, I stone polished the mating surfaces to improve the trigger which was already good, but now feels incredible. The stock featured dual front sling studs for bipod mounting, as well as a QD cup at the rear to add a QD sling swivel.
One thing some might call a drawback to the M77 is the scope mounting options. I don’t mind the Ruger scope ring design and mount, but you are limited to using what is offered. Lucky for me I found a set of Leupold high rings in 34mm to mount the US Optics FDN17X scope to the old MKI. Which would make an excellent match to the rifle.
The beautiful tungsten Cerakote match made the whole thing look sharp. Now it was time to get the legendary Swift back out where it belonged, scattering varmints across the countryside.
With the completely rebuilt rifle in hand, as well as some fresh 75 grain handloads, my father, brother and I headed into the high Rockies to put it to the test. Not only did the rifle shoot the 75-grain bullet very well, but it still craved the twenty-year-old hand-loaded 52 grain Match KingsI loaded once upon a time.
We hunt Marmots all spring and summer long, and today would be an exceptional day of chuckin’. The blistering speed of the Swift had returned with incredible accuracy, allowing surgical pinpoint accuracy. We were all stunned at how fast the bullets arrived at their furry little targets. I can’t help but think that the aggressive 1-8 twist also greatly increases the rotational energy of the bullets making them even more explosive than before.
After renovating this old rifle, I am quite confident in the upgrades. This rifle will surely continue terrorizing varmints for the next generation. The match-grade barrel produces incredible accuracy, the new twist allows for a much broader selection of bullets to be used. And threaded for a suppressor will make doubling and tripling up on coyotes a possibility.
The new stock, besides being incredibly handsome, offers a great deal of modularity. Its polymer parts are in all the right places to avoid scratching the wood on the landscape.
The new scope vastly increases the rifles potential for shooting long-range. We’ve already shot it beyond 1100 yards, something near impossible with standard 220 Swift rifles. The further distance capability is also enhanced by the improved trigger.
If you have an old Ruger M77 laying around, don’t be afraid to dive deep into a custom like this. Despite the fifty-year-old design, they still make a great rifle. I’m glad this project turned out to be such a fantastic result, that even eclipses the legendary performance it had before.
The unbelievable power of the 220 Swift shooting 75 gr ELDM’s
If your old M77 has passed its prime, do yourself a favor and breathe some new life into it. They could be a great performer for you as they are. Or serve as the base of your next project that may become its own legendary family heirloom.
My son started coming hunting with me as soon as he could walk. He would toddle along behind me always excited for whatever it was we were going to do. I took every opportunity to bring him along, though sometimes the days events were too rough to go hunting with kids. This was a lesson I learned myself as a youngster. But I was determined to make sure I pushed the endeavour as long as it stayed fun for him. My Ridley is a legal adult now, and I often wonder if I could go back in time, would I have done it the same way.
My Ridley on one of his first deer hunts.
A Father’s Guidance
I grew up under the watchful eye of my father, himself quite a dedicated hunter. I often speak of how my dad was also raised hunting these same dry desert mountains of Utah. So it should come as no surprise that as far back as I can remember I wanted to hunt. So many of my most memorable childhood experiences were related to the times that I was able to tag along with my dad or my grandfathers. You can read more about those Memories right here.
A shot of my dad from the early 80’s
That was a different time I suppose, different rules and more hunting options that were much easier to participate in. My dad is a bowhunter, while he’s shot plenty of animals with a rifle I think in his heart he truly enjoys the thrill of the ancient art of archery.
I’ve been on a few bowhunts in my lifetime, and looking back I can better understand why I never got to go as a child. Sneaking into archery range of a Mule deer is hard enough when you have the wind, concealment and noise working against you. I can’t imagine trying to put the sneak on a deer hunting with kids by your side.
the freedom to roam and explore are the currency of boyhood, let him spend it often
My Experience with Kids
As a young man, I too was bitten by the bug carrying the archery pathogen. And spent countless hours preparing myself for an eventual bowhunting trip. Unfortunately I grew out of it by the time I had reached the age to go. That and the fact that teenage girls existed greatly reduced my dedication to the sport.
Many years later I would find myself longing for hunting memories that never were. So when my lifelong dream of becoming a father was finally realized. I made a mindful decision that my own son would never want for the chance to join a hunting adventure. In fact I hoped that conversely he might someday look back, and wish he’d taken the opportunity more often.
A Hunting Opportunity
One of the many adventures hunting with kids involved my son, also happened to involve my dad. It was well over a decade ago, and my father and I were situated along the spine of a steep ridge in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. One side of the ridge was a traditional slope that had a trail we had come in on ATV’s that morning. The opposite side of the ridge was as steep a hill as you can imagine. It was littered with thick brush and deadfall, and dropped for over a mile into a thick wooded forest below.
I consider my kids lucky, I sure hope they do too
We were after Mule deer bucks that morning. I had learned the pattern of them crossing this ridge spine over the years. Dad and I had spread out several hundred yards across the ridge to better cover potential bucks crossing over. Ridley was probably four or five years old at the time, and he sat near me quietly munching snacks and watching the sunrise. We’d spent the morning softly answering his many questions about trees and squirrels and every other thing that caught his curious eyes.
As we sat there in near silence, I heard a noise that immediately captured my own curiosity. It sounded like sticks breaking and the occasional rustle. I closely paid attention to the sound, and told Ridley to do the same. It would come and go, but I knew that something was moving up the steep drop off below us. As minutes passed, I continued to listen.
Hunting with Kids
After a few minutes I knew action was at hand and I motioned to my dad to come toward me, in anticipation of something stepping out. As dad made his way towards me, my son in a whisper asked me if he could walk over to the fourwheeler to get something. Sensing his pocket-to-snack ratio reaching critical, I told him he could go as long as he stayed quiet and in sight.
Once again I heard noise coming from the drop off, and this time it was much closer. My heart nearly stopped when I heard the familiar chirp of an elk from below. Now, I had said we were deer hunting but it just so happened that my father also carried a cow elk tag in his pocket that was still good. I immediately started making frantic hand motions for him to hurry to me. He had clearly understood the message, all but the frantic and hurry parts.
As he made it to me I told him what had been happening just over the edge of the ridge. We sat there quietly listening to rustling brush, and the occasional elk chirp. Ridley was quietly refilling his pockets with goldfish from the backpack on my fourwheeler as dad and I watched carefully for the sign of an elk coming through the trees.
Like they often do, the elk made their way so close to us under cover that we were quite surprised when they emerged. Barely sixty-yards or so away, two cows came up through some aspen trees. It was quite obvious that they knew nothing of our presence.
The Shot
As dad lifted his rifle I remember thinking to myself; that’s it, we’re gonna have elk for dinner. As the front elk cleared the second one, I knew that dad was probably starting to press the trigger. That’s when things went south…
Perhaps fifty yards away in a different direction, my son continued his supply mission. I was of course looking at the elk. So I can only imagine what it was like from his little guy perspective when he too spotted the elk standing on the edge of the treeline. Forgetting all the counsel I’d given him that morning, he saw the elk and in the most excited voice he shouted out: “Dad there’s two elk!”. I can just imagine his big brown eyes wide open, spitting bits of goldfish as he belted out his discovery.
I’ll spare you the rest of the story, and the rest of that hunt for that matter. As it was uneventful after that morning. Hustling over to the fourwheeler to him, I saw his face lit up with excitement.
I remember a sense of calm that came over me, and despite my internal rage of missing an easy opportunity. Calmly I explained the consequences of him breaking silence. I distinctly remember wanting to make sure not to chastise him, and sour the experience of hunting for him. Dad and me were both a bit sour though, we’d been so close.
No Regrets
I’ve never regretted taking Ridley along, not that day nor any other. He learned his lesson about keeping quiet. That was his very first experience with elk, but it would not be his last.
We’ve been on so many hunts together since, and my daughter too has come along with us. She has an elk tag of her own this year. I think back to all the times where I had to carry extra snacks, make fires to keep kids warm. And hold chubby little hands as we descended a sketchy trail. And there is no amount of venison, or bones on the wall that would mean more to me than the adventures we have shared together. I can guarantee that the elk we didn’t get that day isn’t the only animal lost because I had one of my kids along, but the experience is far more valuable to me. I don’t blame my dad for not taking me hunting more when I was younger. But someday when I’m long gone I hope my kids will remember all the adventures we made, and smile. And more importantly I hope it serves as inspiration for them to raise the next generation of adventure seekers.
Semi-automatic 22 pistols have been a bit of a conundrum in the past. It seems every manufacturer has tried to make one that is both reliable and feature filled. But there always seems to be a shortcoming or compromise. When I first put hands on the Taurus TX22 years ago. I had a preconceived notion that it too would become another obligatory 22 pistol that was almost good enough. That was the initial TX22 pistol, but today we are going to look at one of the newest TX22 models. To see if it measures up, or exceeds what we are used to. I am happy to bring you a review of the TX22 Compact pistol from Taurus USA.
The TX22 Compact
The TX22 Compact is a polymer-frame striker fired pistol. It is fed from polymer magazines that hold up to 13-rounds. The compact version of the pistol also has some slide cuts to reduce weight. As well as an optics cut at the rear for mourning your favorite red dot sight. In a departure from the standard TX22, the compact features non-adjustable sights. That is probably because you can mount a red dot and adjust that instead.
The small pistol also features a standard picatinny accessory rail under the muzzle for attaching whatever light or aiming accessory you’d prefer. Like its larger sibling, the TX22 Compact also features a threaded barrel. And comes with a factory suppressor collar to install your favorite hush-tube. At the rear of the frame there is an ambidextrous safety that is easily manipulated with the firing-hand thumb.
My very first impression of the TX22 Compact was its weight, it felt incredibly light. This is surely due to the polymer construction and aluminum parts. And much the same way as the full size TX22, I immediately fell in love with the grip. It fits my hand perfectly and the texturing makes it very easy to keep hold of. The lightweight and comfortable grip had already hooked me, but would it perform as good as it looked and felt? If my initial feelings were right, I was pretty confident that this pistol would be a winner.
The TX22 has a relatively short history. The original model was released only a few years ago, and Taurus has since expanded the line with an assortment of models and colors. The competition model uses a cut slide with a reduced front end on the slide as well as an optics mounting platform. The Compact is the most recent development, though I’m sure there will likely be additional offerings.
Features
Lets go over some of the key features that set the TX22 Compact apart. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments with the TX22 is the magazines. For decades it seemed like 22 auto pistols had but one option for capacity, a single stack 10-round magazine. The TX22 uses what I guess you could call a double stack, in that the rims of the stacked cartridges are offset to the right and left as they are stacked into the magazine.
The original full-size TX22 holds 16-rounds, while the flush-fitting magazines of the Compact model hold only 13. But to be fair, 13 rounds in a pistol this small, and this light make it very appealing. Also, the 16-round magazines of the full size TX22 also fit into the compact, though they do hang out exposed.
The trigger of the TX22 is another fantastic feature, instead of using a blade-safety, the TX22 utilizes the entire shoe. As the trigger is pulled, the shoe pivots into its firing position where the sear can be activated. It feels quite good considering the inexpensive cost of the TX22’s. The trigger also has a pretty short reset which I find spectacular, and greatly increases your ability to shoot rapidly with minimal movement.
The threaded barrel of the TX22 is another fantastic feature that comes from the factory. And the included suppressor collar allows you to go straight to the range with suppressor in hand. The barrel comes with a thread-cap installed, it is easily removed with a wrench using the machined flats on the thread-cap. You can then install the shouldered suppressor collar, which just threads over the muzzle with a flush fit. The collar also had a nice shoulder to tighten your suppressor against.
The TX22 Compact slide comes pre-cut for optics, and it fits micro red dots like the Holosun 407K and the new Vortex Defender. This is such a fantastic feature, especially to me who has become more and more addicted to red dots on my pistols. The steel plate is easily removed with the two screws, and your micro red dot will take its place.
The controls of the TX22 are easy to operate and understand, the slide release is easy to press with the thumb to drop the slide while shooting. The safety is not obtrusive but easy to reach and activate when needed. And it’s on both sides of the pistol for those wrong-handed folks out there. The mag release button is small and very functional, it too can be reversed to the opposite side of the frame for left-handers.
I guess my favorite feature of the TX22 family is that unlike most 22 auto-loading pistols, it doesn’t feel like a toy. While it is very light, even lighter than my son’s airsoft pistol, it still feels like a real gun. It doesn’t have the undersized grip that many others do, when you pick it up it feels like you’ve got a real gun in your hand. Add to that the dashing good looks of the pistol, and you’ve got a winner in your hand.
Performance and Precision
Accuracy (8.5-10)
Being a humble little 22lr pistol, I’m not sure what level of accuracy people will expect from it. But I find the pistol to be very accurate for the purposes that I would use a 22 pistol for. I have used it to train my kids a great deal for pistol shooting. Every one of them absolutely loves shooting the TX22. It never fails, every time we go shooting I hear: can we bring the Taurus?
Shooting inexpensive bulk packed ammunition is what I expect most other people to shoot, as do I. The TX22 Compact is easy to keep on targets as small as squirrels at distances like 15 to 20 yards. Dispatching small rodents and even rats in the shed is surprisingly easy with the little TX22.
In addition to its accurate shooting, the near lack of any felt recoil seems to help shoot the pistol even better.
Ergonomics (8.5-10)
As I mentioned above, the fit in my hand is one of the first things that sold me on this pistol. It feels comfortable, and fills a man’s hand. The texturing on the frame makes it easy to keep hold of when manipulating the pistol. And the slightly flared magwell makes reloading an easy and smooth operation.
The trigger feels great, and all the controls are right where they should be and easy to operate. Even my wife who has particularly petite hands finds the TX22 Compact easy to operate and shoot well.
Features (9-10)
The TX22’s features are outstanding. Not only does it have most everything a person could ask for, they are included from the factory. With a price this low you get quite a few features I am both surprised and happy to get.
The higher capacity magazines, the optics ready slide, and factory threaded barrel are probably my favorite features of this pistol.
The TX22 compact (L) shown next to the full size TX22 (R)
Fit & Finish (8.5-10)
The TX22 family of pistols all come with a pretty handsome look to them. The different color frame options are nice, and the pistol seems to be put together well. I know it’s only a 22, and most people aren’t going to be betting their life on the durability of the TX22. That said, I think there are just a few things that do give the impression of a “cheap” pistol, such as the plastic firing pin bushings. And as much as I like the magazines, they are all plastic, and they don’t feel like it would be hard to crush them if accidentally stepped on or something. I also noticed that the coating of the slide isn’t as tough as I would like it to be, but at this price I can’t complain.
Despite the few things that may make it seem cheap, I cannot find where the TX22 is flawed or poorly assembled. It’s a great looking pistol.
Reliability
I’ve been shooting the TX22 compact for nearly six months now, and I’ve lost track of how many boxes of Federal AutoMatch we’ve put through it. But at 325 rounds per box I’d estimate we have shot nearly two thousand rounds through the Compact TX22, this with a negligible occurrence of malfunctions. I was not surprised, as that was the same experience I had with the full size TX22, shooting through thousands of rounds with nearly zero issues.
Of course being a 22lr, the TX22 is going to be dirty, and will need occasional cleaning to keep it running in top shape. Particularly if you are shooting suppressed, which a great deal of our shooting has been.
I ran my Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 on the TX22 Compact, it was a perfect match that provided hours and hours of incredibly quiet fun for the family. Of course you should always wear eye protection when shooting, but it is an absolute must when shooting this pistol suppressed. There is a good deal of debris blown back when suppressed, so keep your glasses on.
With a street price just over $300, I think the TX22 Compact is an absolutely incredible value. There are other competitors like the Sig 322 that cost a bit more, and offer a higher capacity. The Keltec P17 is cheaper still, if you want a gun that looks like it was designed by a high school shop class.
I think the TX22 performance and features are well worth the asking price, and having spent a great deal of time shooting this and other TX22’s I am quite confident its performance is long term.
Pro & Cons
Pros
Excellent value
Reliable performance
High capacity magazines
Optics ready
Picatinny accessory rail
Ambidextrous controls
Suppressor ready from factory
Comes with 2 magazines
Cons
Magazines could be arguably fragile
I need more of them
Alternative Options
I mentioned the Sig P322 above, it would likely be a good alternative to the TX22. It carries a higher capacity magazine, and weighs a bit more but that is expected. It also comes with the big Sig Sauer name that so many crave.
The Keltec P17 is another option, with a comparable capacity to the TX22, and at an even cheaper price. It is also lighter than both the Sig and Taurus, but it also appears to come with fewer features.
FAQ’s
How much is the Taurus TX22?
The Taurus TX22 can be had for as little as $308 depending on where you buy
Is it safe to dry fire the Taurus TX22?
Many 22lr pistols are not supposed to be dry fired, but according to Taurus USA, the TX22 series is made to be safely dry fired
What red dot will fit the Taurus TX22 Compact?
The TX22 compact accepts micro red dots with the same pattern as the Holosun 407K, I installed that model, as well as the Vortex Defender red dot.
Is the TX22 Compact?
The standard TX22 is compact enough to conceal, and the compact model is even moreso. It is very comparable in size to the Glock 19.
So if you haven’t gathered by now, I am a big fan of the entire TX22 family of pistols. I’ve spent the last 3 or 4 years shooting one version or another, and they have proven to be accurate, reliable, and incredibly fun to shoot. Compact pistols are typically designed for concealed carry purposes, which makes sense. I will say that I am not going to recommend carrying a 22lr as your concealed carry, but I will mention a few positive things for those that might. The TX22 Compact is very comfortable to carry, it’s both small and light so you wont notice it as much as other guns. And in the event that you should ever have to draw it, it can be emptied very quickly, and all thirteen shots can be dumped into a target with great accuracy and speed.
Other features like the threaded barrel and optics cut slide give you many of the more desired features of modern auto-loading pistols. It may not be some top tier handgun, but when it comes to 22’s I don’t know of one that I would say is top tier.
I would say that if you are looking for a fun, reliable, and accurate 22lr pistol, you will not likely find a better option. There might be one that is comparable, but it will be more expensive for sure. I must admit that I have found the TX22 to be well worth the asking price, so much in fact that I have returned to the TX22 again and again. I now own four of them in one configuration or another, if you need a good 22 pistol, buy the TX22 with confidence.
The sheath of the knife if you care about using it, is strong and will protect the edge of your knife. Though I wish it had a slightly better way of securing it to the handle.
Ridley with his buck from last season, 
