Tag Archives: Taurus

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Entry Level Carry with the Taurus GX2

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Taurus has long been known for making handguns, going all the way back to WWII times. During their long lifetime of production the company has produced hundreds of different models totaling likely tens of millions of handguns worldwide. All that to say they aren’t new at manufacturing pistols, but today we are taking a look at one of their newer handguns released last year. Out topic today is the Taurus GX2 pistol, a compact polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol.

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the flat-faced trigger feels great on the pad of your finger

The Taurus GX2

With an MSRP of only $310.99, the GX2 is certainly reachable by most any aspiring gun owner. But economy is not always the most important thing, value is only advantageous with adequate performance. Taurus’ GX2 has a feature set that matches its price appeal.

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Before adding any accessories to the GX2

Its polymer frame incorporates comfortable angles and tactile textures. Despite its small size, it still packs 13-rounds. And low profile sights that still pop are matched with a TORO optics cut to accept RMS red dots. For those that desire there is also a low-profile safety, as well as a typical picatinny accessory rail under the slide.

Specifications

Caliber9mm Luger
ActionSingle-action, striker-fired
Capacity13+1 rounds
Barrel Length3.38″
Overall Length6.14″
Overall Height4.89″
Overall Width1.18″
Weight20.6 oz.
FrameStainless-steel alloy chassis with polymer grip/frame
SlideAlloy steel
BarrelStainless steel
SightsFixed front; drift-adjustable rear
Trigger SafetyYes
Firing Pin BlockYes
Loaded Chamber IndicatorVisual
Manual SafetyYes
Magazine ReleaseReversible
Accessory RailMIL-STD-1913 / Picatinny
FinishMatte black / matte stainless steel, depending on model
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factory fresh

Unboxing

I was unsurprised that the GX2 came in the typical orange Taurus box, with one mag and a safety lock. A small instruction manual also came explaining its use. I lifted it from the box to get my first impressions, and was surprised. Taurus has upped their game in recent years, and it shows in the GX2 design and feel.

The grip feels fantastic, thin where it needs to be and thick where it can be. The texture is great, allowing good purchase with either or both hands. The flat-faced trigger and safety-blade meet the pad of your finger nicely, spreading out pressure as you press.

Pulling the slide was a little stiff, but that is expected with little 9mm pistols like this. It has both front and rear slide cuts for gripping, which is great. A serrated rear sight lines up nicely with a white dot front sight, and it comes with a plastic optics footprint cover like other Taurus pistols. An external extractor is tucked neatly into the slide, and the brushed stainless steel barrel contrasts handsomely against the matte black finish. Closer inspection show that the chamber has a loaded chamber indicator cut into the top, which is nice touch for CCW enthusiasts.

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removing the plastic optics cover to install a red dot, also note chamber indicator slot in top of chamber

And the GX2 is obviously built for that purpose, its petite size make it perfect for tucking into your belt. I’m not big on safeties for CCW guns, but this one is actually just the way I would want a safety if it had one; Easy off, and hard to engage. A swift swipe with the thumb puts the pistol into firing mode, while applying the safety requires a focused effort. Enough at least that you won’t be putting it on by accident.

Shooting the GX2 Pistol

I was eager to get the GX2 on the range, and with a few friends we would quickly get comfortable with it. I brought one of my new red dot sights along to try with the GX2, this one is from Nutrek Optics called the Blade. Its RMS footprint fit perfectly on the GX2 slide with nothing but the screws that were already there. It lined up perfectly with the rear sight, and its built-in notch almost felt made for the GX2.

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the Streamlight TLR8 was a great fit for the GX2

Both indoor and outdoor shooting was done, with and without the red dot. I also added a Streamlight TLR8 to the GX2 for carrying at night. And I have been carrying the pistol for several weeks now, and I must say I have been very happy with its comfortable fit. And its great shooting performance.

Shootability

Much like my TX22 and TX9, the GX2 grip feels great. And I couldn’t help but think this pistol felt strangely similar to a P365 in both size and handling. I already mentioned the safety function (which I didn’t use much), but the other controls are great too. The trigger is a touch stiffer than I am used to, but thats to be expected from a CCW pistol. But the break is clean, as is the reset, both offering a firm and audible snap.

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The magazine release is easy to find quickly, and not in the way to get pressed accidentally. The slide release is a little bit stiff, but not bad enough to be a big deal. All of the controls are low profile, not likely to snag on clothing or other things.

Reliability

The GX2 chewed easily through magazine after magazine, which would have been nice to have another. The magazine looks very similar to the TX9 magazine, just smaller. I really like the loaded chamber indicator, its easily seen even by my aging eyes.

I disassembled the GX2 to see how it ticks, and I was surprised to find slide-rails that ran 2/3 the length of the frame. This is a stark difference from most pistols of this type, as they usually have just two small front and rear slide-rails. The GX2 shares many of the design features of the TX9, almost as if the trigger and sear pack can be removed and installed in another frame.

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The guts of the GX2 look to be of high quality. With thick slide facets, and robust extractor and ejector. It does not feel like it was cheaply designed and made, which is confusing because the pistol is not particularly expensive. Putting your life on the line with a pistol though, takes some time to justify, and this one will get additional testing before I would pin that ribbon on it.

Accuracy

I found the GX2’s accuracy to be acceptable for its size and price. Shooting targets at typical 7-10 distances proved to more than adequate to hit what I was aiming at. I really liked the enhanced feeling of the Nutrek Blade red dot.

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a couple groups from our testing

The trigger and standard sights made the GX2 easy to shoot well even without the red dot. And might certainly make it less cumbersome to carry.

Ergonomics

I was very happy with the feel of the GX2 in the hand. Even with full-size man hands the grip isn’t too small, and is still petite enough for my wife’s hands. The square trigger-guard and undercut both look good and function nicely, giving perfect space for a weapon light and its controls. Shaved edges on the slide reduce snag factor, while making the pistol more comfortable to tuck into your jeans.

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13-round magazines is nice to have in a small pistol

Value

Taurus firearms are known for their affordability, sometimes to a fault. The GX2 does a great job at improving the quality impression and the shooting performance of the brand. And yet it is still impressively affordable. With street prices around $230 it is hard to argue against this little pistol as good of a time as I’ve had with it.

Pros and Cons

Great Ergonomics and Grip FeelPerceived Low Quality Price 
Smooth and Clean Breaking TriggerSafety (for those that don’t like safeties)
Robust Optics Ready Slide
13-Round Capacity in a Compact
Safety for Those Who Want it
Picatinny Accessory Rail
Dual Front & Rear Slide Cuts
Loaded Chamber Indicator

Read my GX2 Verdict Here

Check out the TX22 Review here, and the Taurus TX9 Review here

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, modular frame, gideon optics, Omega red dot, surefiire x300, walkers game ear, razor hearing muffs,

Modular Duty with the Taurus TX9 9mm pistol

pistols, Product review, , , ,

Introduction

The market for modular 9mm duty pistols continues to diversify, and today I am here to bring you another. Our topic today is the new Taurus TX9 9mm pistol. We will test and review the pistol to see how it stands up to other duty pistols. 

taurus, taurus usa, tx9, tx22, 9mm, 22lr, pistol,
the TX9 (top) next to one of my TX22 pistols, you can see some similarities between them. The obvious difference of the interchangeable backstrap on the TX9 stands out.

I have been a big fan of the Taurus TX22 since it first came out years ago. So when I heard that Taurus had brought the TX design to a full-size 9mm service pistol design, I was curious for sure.

TX9 Specifications

Taurus USA TX9 
Caliber9MM Luger
Capacity17 Rounds
Barrel Length4.5 Inches
Frame SizeFull Size
Height5.2 Inches
Width 1.28 Inches
Length7.75 Inches
Weight25 Ounces (empty)
Barrel Twist 1:16.5
SafetyFiring pin block, trigger safety
Optics MountingWith Taurus T.O.R.O. system (mounting plates)
ActionSingle Action Only striker fired
Frame materialStainless Steel
Available Additional SizesCompact 4.0in, Sub Compact 3.4in
SightsDrift adjustable rear, White dot front
Magazines2 Included (Mec-Gar)

TX9 Background

Taurus has a rich history in firearms manufacturing dating back to pre-war times. Making parts and firearms for various countries over the last century. The company has changed ownership various times during that period, which is not uncommon in the firearm world. Ownership and partnerships over the years have resulted in popular products closely mimicking guns from Smith & Wesson and Beretta.

Like most new firearms, the TX9 is a combination of other designs merged into a new one. The Taurus TX22 has long been praised as a great rimfire pistol, with good ergonomics and other features. Some of these features were fused with other designs from the company’s popular GX pistols to create the TX9. In our review today, I hope to see if the best features from these two pistol families have been distilled into one.

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While the TX9 ships out of the Taurus USA Bainbridge Georgia factory, I expect at least some of its component parts are manufactured in their Brazilian factory. You can certainly feel better knowing that American hands are part of both production and quality control. 

While Taurus has produced service pistols for various agencies worldwide for many years, it seems that the TX9 is their most modern attempt. By incorporating their modular frame system and features very similar to the popular Sig Sauer P320, it seems they are onto something good.

TX9 Features

  1. Modular Frame – Removable trigger/sear pack allows user frame customization
  2. Ambidextrous Controls – Can be configured for both right and left-handed shooters
  3. Interchangeable Backstraps – Easily changed to enhance grip
  4. Optics Ready – Red dot sights can be added using the T.O.R.O. system
  5. 17+1 Capacity – Two included magazines provide 17+1 capacity
  6. Trigger and Firing pin block – For safe operation
  7. Picatinny Accessory rail – To add weapon light
  8. Loaded chamber port- to confirm round in the chamber

Taurus TX9 Models

The TX9 is available in various sizes besides the full-size 4.5-inch model we are testing today. There is also a Compact model that features a 4-inch barrel, as well as a sub compact model with a 3.4-inch barrel. There are also 10-round models for states that misunderstand the second amendment. All these models are available in any color as long as it’s black. Though it looks as though an FDE model is coming soon.

Shooting the Taurus TX9

With some excitement I headed to my shooting spot to get the TX9 on the firing line. I brought along a few accessories, and a broad selection of ammunition to see how finicky the TX9 might be. As always I brought a couple extra shooters and comparable pistols to evaluate differences. 

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the TX9 is seen here with the Nightstick TW-30 Weapon Light

Shootability

Almost immediately I found something about this pistol that caught me off guard. While the trigger breaks much like you’d expect a duty pistol to feel, the reset was very muted. So much so that I had to double check. When compared to other striker pistols, the reset on the TX9 is barely noticeable. There is a click, but you can only feel it if you focus on it. And maybe if you turn up your ear pro you might hear it. This may be a concern for some, but I simply got used to it during shooting. 

The TX9 points extremely well, I love that everytime I present the pistol the sights are almost perfectly lined up. This makes aiming the gun very quick and natural. After very little time I hardly even needed to look at the sights because they lined up with my natural point of aim. 

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There isn’t a large flare on the magwell, but because the mouths of the Mec-Gar magazines are narrowed it doesn’t need much. Blindly seating magazines during reloads became second nature in no time. 

Reliability

As expected the TX9 functioned flawlessly for the most part. We had a single hiccup that manifested as a failure to go into battery. This happened in the first couple magazines, and I’m not even convinced it wasn’t induced by the shooter. It was a singular event that never recurred, so I think it may have been a fluke. 

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, loading, magazine, mec-gar magazine,

Other than that, the TX9 ran like a typewriter for hundreds of rounds. As a new design I would probably hold my final judgement on its overall durability until I’ve surpassed a thousand or two additional rounds to get a better perspective.

Ergonomics

As an early adopter of the TX22, I was very pleased with its feel in my hand. And I was glad to see that this design feature made its way into the TX9 as well. It feels good in the hand, filling the palm nicely while also allowing your fingers to close tightly around it.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa,
the Surefire X300 Weapon light family also fits perfectly on the TX9 accessory rail

The interchangeable backstrap of the grip area was icing on the cake. I swapped between a couple of the options until it felt just right. No special tools are required, just something narrow you can reach the anchor pin and push it through. It is retained by a spring under the backstrap that engages a groove in the pin.

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There is a small shelf above either side of the trigger guard for you to rest your thumbs against. The textured surface gives additional purchase to help control the pistol. In general the TX9 had a general feel very similar to a Sig P320, actually more like a cross between the P365 and P320. 

Accuracy

I mentioned the TX9 points very well, and because of that it came as no surprise that I could hit what I was aiming at. The sights, while not particularly large, were perfectly serviceable and worked well. But I much prefer using red dots, so I installed the Gideon Optics Omega as soon as the T.O.R.O. system mounting plate arrived.  

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a typical five shot group from 7 yards

I found the accuracy to be perfectly acceptable for a duty pistol, with 7 yard groups averaging around 1.5-inches. And at 20-yards, even under rapid firing strings I could keep groups under 12-inches.

Modularity

With various TX9 models already available on the market, its nice to know that a guy can swap things around. I have a Ruger RXM that I frequently switch back and forth between a compact and full-size frame depending on the day’s activities. As soon as I find some different frames to buy, I look forward to someday doing the same with the TX9.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, disassembly,

It is apparent that the TX9 is much easier and quicker to pull the trigger pack out. I have done both P320’s and RXM’s many times, and the TX9 is much quicker. Almost as fast as field stripping the pistol. To be completely honest, I’m unsure if thats a good thing, as I like how tight and snug the others fit into their grip frame. Adding to that concern is this one, the TX9 trigger pack has pins that are held in only by interference when inside the grip frame. So you have to be careful while the trigger pack is outside the grip frame to avoid knocking the pins out and losing them.

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here you can see how the backstrap is dovetailed into the grip frame, secured by a cross-pin, the cross-pin itself has a spring detent seen in the grip

The interchangeable backstrap of the grip on the TX9 is solid gold, perfectly executed, and barely noticeable if you aren’t looking for it. The whole grip frame feels like one solid piece.

I love that the TX9 is optics ready, but slightly annoyed that I had to get one of their T.O.R.O. optics plates to mount it. I get it though, they already had the system for their other pistols, so it made sense to make them all use the same system.

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Value

Street prices for the TX9 hover just under and above the four-hundred dollar mark. Which seems pretty affordable compared to popular duty pistols like the Glock and Smith & Wesson. Some of the lower priced P320 pistols are still only a little bit higher priced than the TX9. Of course demand for them has gone down recently. 

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
LightweightSoft trigger reset
Modular grip frame systemRequires optics adaptor plate
Optics ready
Ambidextrous
Modular grip backstrap

Report Card

Shootability (B+) Excellent grip angle and controls, trigger could be better

Reliability (A- ) The only malfunction was insignificant and possibly shooter

Ergonomics (A- ) Great modular frame, feels good and controls to match

Accuracy (B+ ) Duty gun accuracy, no problem hitting where I aimed

Value (A) Very affordable compared to some other duty pistols

Ammunition Preference

I shot several hundred rounds of both Winchester and Remington branded 9mm, provided by Ammotogo.com. Both were the 115 grain variety, and worked flawlessly. I’m not sure if one of them was particularly more accurate than the other, but both of them were brass cased and cleaner than others I shot. I also shot a bunch of zinc plated ammo from Magtech, which also worked well. 

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Must have Upgrades and Accessories

I was surprised how peppy this gun felt at first. Adding a red dot and weapon light definitely seemed to calm it down a little bit. I like the Surefire X300  for this purpose, but I’d say a duty pistol could use any good light. 

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The T.O.R.O. system optics mounting plates are about $20 a piece, and are available for most popular red dot footprints. I went with an RMR plate so I could mount my Gideon Omega red dot. And that worked out to be a great option for me, the big window allowed rapid target acquisition and a fine aiming point. 

My Verdict on the Taurus TX9

Before picking this gun up, I didn’t even know that it was meant to have a modular frame. Which only adds to value for me with this pistol, as I can change out frames and slide to whatever combination I choose. All this without ever filling out another form 4473. 

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I also used my US Optics red dot sight during testing

My initial impressions of the Taurus TX9 are pretty positive, I love how the gun handles and it shoots great. As I mentioned, with any new design it may take a few more range trips before I am completely convinced of the durability of this design. But that is something I fully welcome and look forward to. Follow me if you’d like to see how that plays out.

-CBM

Check out more handgun reviews here

Taurus Judge revolver

Taurus Judge Revolver

pistols, Product review, ,

Introduction

Taurus has made too many different handgun models to mention in their time. But their typical popular handgun is usually a close copy of something existing already in the market. In a strange turn of events, today we are discussing an original model from Taurus that has actually been copied by others in the market. The Taurus Judge is a unique revolver that shoots both .410 shotgun shells, as well as 45 colt pistol cartridges. We’ll put the Judge to work and see if it rules the shooting bench and the field.

taurus Judge revolver
the Taurus Judge with its diverse ammo selection

The Taurus Judge

Since its release over a decade ago, the Judge line of pistols has broadened significantly. With models ranging from the Raging Judge 6.5 inch magnum revolver, to the Judge Public Defender with a 2.5 inch polymer frame. Both stainless and blued models are also available, as well as the newer TORO models that are optics ready to mount your favorite red dot.

Leaving the various models aside, what makes the Taurus Judge different from other revolvers? The curious appearance of the Judge is due to the elongated cylinder used to accommodate the .410 shotgun shells. Why would you want shotgun shells in a pistol you might ask? I’ve stopped asking similar questions as I’ve aged. Some people don’t like the things I like, and that’s fine because that leaves more room for me to do what I like. Besides, this is America, and if somebody wants a palm-shotgun, that’s fine by me.

taurus Judge
Hornady 45 Colt drops neatly into the Judge cylinder

The Taurus Judge not only has the ability to shoot .410, but it also can shoot traditional pistol cartridges as long as they are 45 Colt. This hybrid ability to shoot these different ammunition types makes the pistol useful for a variety of things. Shooting moving targets is easier with shot-shells, but deep penetration is better accomplished by heavy bullets. The Judge gives you the option for both.

Continue Reading Here

taurus judge
bright fiber optic front sight pops great in any light
taurus judge
loading .410 shotshells into the long cylinder
taurus judge
Taurus TX22 TORO

Taurus TX22 TORO Pistol

pistols, Product review, , ,

Preface

Twenty-two rimfire semi-automatic pistols have been a touchy subject for as long as I can remember. Sure, you can get something like a Ruger MK IV or a Browning Buckmark, but those are the same pistols my grandpa used. I want something more modern, something that has the handsome looks and function of modern semi-automatic pistols. Today I bring you the latest chapter in the saga of the Taurus TX 22 TORO.

Taurus TX22 TORO
the TX22 TORO kitted out with the Holosun 407k and the YHM Phantom 22 suppressor

I got one of the very first TX22’s years ago, and it was love at first brick for me. I have since bought four more, with the latest being this new model the TX22 TORO. The TORO model incorporates all the best features from every model prior. It has the slide cuts of the TX22 Compact, the optics cut of the TX22 Competition model. And not to be outdone, the TORO model uses a thicker heavy barrel which of course is threaded. And an impressive magazine capacity of 22 rounds.

The Taurus TX22

I mentioned I am no stranger to this pistol, but there is more to it than that. I had a bit of a sour opinion of Taurus until I met the TX22, and while there are plenty of you out there doubting me, I can tell you the TX22 is probably the best overall 22 pistol out there. At first I thought maybe I was just lucky, but the resounding echo of popularity everywhere tells me I am not the only one who enjoys my TX22’s.

Hours of fun and gun handling training have been done at our house with the TX22. All of my children are huge fans, and it never fails when we head into the mountains “did you bring the Taurus Dad?”.

Continue Reading Here

loading the TX22 magazines with Federal Auto Match

TX22 TORO Specifications

Caliber22LR
Capacity16 round and 22 round magazine included
Length7.06 inches
Height5.44 inches
Width1.25 inches
Barrel Length4.6 inches
Twist1-10 inches
Slide MaterialAluminum
Barrel MaterialAlloy Steel
Action TypeSingle Action Only Striker Fired
Safety FunctionManual Ambi and Trigger Safety
SightsFixed Front, Driftable Rear

Taurus TX22 TORO
the Holosun 407K makes a great companion to the TX22 TORO

Taurus TX22 TORO

taurus TX22 TORO, Vortex defender red dot

suppressed Taurus TX22 TORO
the Vortex Defender red dot also was a perfect fit for the TX22

suppressed 22 pistol
adding a suppressor is the best thing I can recommend

Taurus expedition 308 winchester

Taurus Expedition Rifle

Product review, Shooting hardware, ,

Introduction

Taurus is a well known firearm manufacturer, well known for pistols that is. The company manufactures a variety of clones and unique handguns but today we bring you something new from Taurus. Our subject today is the brand new Taurus Expedition bolt action rifle, we will review this rifle chambered in 308 Winchester as it currently is available from the factory.

Taurus Expedition 308 winchester

The Taurus Expedition

On the cover of the box, there is a large hunting logo. I think it is pretty safe to assume that Taurus is going after the hunting market with this rifle. And with its short barrel, light weight and 308 chambering I can see it being a hit with many hunters. 

Today’s Taurus USA has new goals and culture, one of them being to create guns that they themselves would use. As hunters, some of the folks at Taurus wanted to bring the technology they’ve invested into a hunting rifle. Something they could be proud of and successful with. 

I must say, as a hunter, and a precision rifle junkie, if I had been in charge of the Expedition’s development, I probably would have done things almost the same way. The incredible suite of features is matched by lightweight, and a handsome package. And at a price point below what I’d expect for all that.

Specifications

Caliber308 Win
Barrel Length18 Inches, Cold hammer forged
Barrel twist1:10
Action typeBolt-action Remington 700 clone
Overall Length38 inches
Overall height6.67 inches
Width3.12 inches
Weight7.06 lbs
MagazineDetachable box AICS type
Capacity5 round factory
Receiver/barrel materialStainless steel
Receiver/barrel finishDiamond Like Coating
Taurus Expedition

Features

Taurus’s Expedition rifle boasts a significant list of features. When I say significant I mean for a rifle priced in this range, as well as being an introductory model. First off, the Expedition uses the very popular Remington 700 footprint which means you can use the huge aftermarket supply of parts. But wait, there’s more.

The Expedition also incorporates many of the same features that more expensive custom actions offer. Things like a three-lug bolt, M16 style extractor, dual plunger ejectors, and a Savage-like barrel nut system that allows easier barrel changes and assembly. Surprisingly it doesn’t end there either, the Expedition comes with a muzzle threaded ⅝-24 for all your muzzle accessories.

The stock of the rifle also incorporates some additional things. There is a Spartan Precision tripod mounting socket in the front of the stock, allowing use of those support devices. Additionally there is an M-Lok slot at the six o’clock position to add other things like ARCA rails or a tripod foot in my case. Feeding the rifle is done via AICS style magazines. The rifle comes with a polymer five-round mag, but I also intended to use both polymer and metal ten-round models as well. 

At the back of the stock, there is a “butt-hook” that allows good purchase for your support hand to keep the rifle steady. The whole thing is finished in a gray textured paint that looks pretty good IMO.

Keeping the bolt secured in the action is done by a left-side spring-loaded stop, very much like those found on custom actions. I like and prefer this design over other designs due to its higher strength. The bolt-handle is skeletonized which reduces weight, and it also appears to have a removable bolt knob for customization.

Taurus Expedition
The Expedition mounted to my Precision rifle Solutions tripod

Taurus Expedition Rifle review

I had planned on mounting a brand new Steiner T6Xi 3-18X56 riflescope on the Expedition. For that I installed a Nightforce 20 MOA one-piece scope base on the Expedition receiver. Then using some Vortex 34mm medium rings I leveled and mounted the Steiner in place. It was a good look, but I wanted to add more, to fully equip the Expedition. So I also grabbed a Maxim Defense PRS 30 suppressor, a Harris Bipod, and my Precision Rifle Solutions tripod. The latter of which uses a foot that can be attached to the bottom of the rifle stock by M-Lok. 

With an assortment of ammunition in hand, I headed out to my shooting spot. I fired a few shots through the rifle to ensure function, then it was time to zero the scope. After a few shots into the berm, I moved to paper and fired a few groups with a good zero.

Taurus Expedition
note stock details, with Precision Rifle Solutions tripod foot installed

Shootability

Having put several hundred rounds through the Expedition at this point, I am quite confident with its capabilities. I really like the three-lug bolt throw, it makes a much shorter throw and therefore faster operation of loading the rifle. 

Taurus expedition
testing an assortment of 308 Winchester ammunition

The trigger feels fine, though I wouldn’t be opposed to swapping it out for one of my Trigger Tech Diamond’s. Anything that uses AICS magazines is better in my opinion, and the Expedition worked great with every magazine I tried. Shooting from the tripod was very convenient and easy to go back and forth with QD tripod attachments. 

Taurus expedition 308 winchester, steiner t6xi 3-18x56
Extraction of rounds was flawless and very consistent

The ejection of the rifle is very consistent, and positive. In fact, feeding cartridges was very smooth all the way around. The lightweight bolt handle and knob worked great, but I do think they may be a touch delicate if you had some sticky rounds from hot loads. 

Overall the rifle felt great, shooting at targets from one to nine-hundred yards was very doable. And I would feel very confident hunting these wide open Rocky Mountains with the Expedition.

Reliability

At no time did I experience any failures or malfunctions during my shooting. As mentioned, the magazines and cycling of rounds was great. The only thing I could complain about on the rifle was a screw that sat slightly high in its countersink. This resulted in some excess tension while running the bolt, but after properly seating the screw the problem went away.

Taurus Expedition
I also tested the Expedition with a Kahles 318i riflescope, and YHM R9 suppressor

Ergonomics

The Expedition stock doesn’t look particularly amazing to me, but it is perfectly comfortable. I attached a stock pack to get a better sight picture but that is more about my scope mounting than anything. I like the grip angle and the butt hook at the rear. The foregrip area is also quite easy to hold while hiking. The bolt throw takes a second to get used to. And I did notice that I would frequently engage the safety by accident by bumping it with my hand as I pulled the bolt back. This is likely something easily corrected with training.

I may use the rifle for some of the younger shooters in my family this fall, the rifle is short enough for some of the smaller statured shooters. Which is an added bonus.

Accuracy

My biggest concern for this rifle was the accuracy because without accuracy I’d have no further interest. After a few boxes of ammo were spent, I setup a target at one-hundred yards. Shooting the DTM 175 match ammunition I fired two 5-shot groups. The first one included a cold bore shot that hit about 3/4 inch high. If you were to throw that shot out, the following nine shots would have still gone in around .5 MOA. That is pretty good in my opinion, and exactly what I was hoping to see from this rifle.

target
Two five-shot groups fired at 100 yds, the left group has the high cold bore impact

Pros & Cons of the Taurus Expedition

I’ve spent a few months shooting the Expedition now, and I have yet to find something about it I can say I dislike. The closest thing I can come to a negative with this rifle is the way the bolt handle is bolted onto the bolt body. I can’t say it’s a bad thing because it hasn’t failed. But my guess is that it would be the first thing to break under heavy use. 

I can however say a lot about the things I like. I love the short eighteen-inch barrel, it reduces the rifle weight and makes it much more maneuverable. The short throw of the bolt makes it easy to shoot quickly, and the AICS magazines are a must have nowadays. Bolting on parts that I already had on hand is nice, and that feature continues to shine as time goes on. 

Accuracy from the little rifle is excellent, and makes the icing on the cake.

the factory Expedition magazine

Preferred Ammunition

The best accuracy experienced while shooting the Taurus Expedition came from Hornady 168 Match and Desert Tech 175 Match. I have no problem hunting with those loads, but I’m sure you could also use Hornady’s Precision Hunter 178 ELDX with similar performance. 

Accessory Options

Any hunting rifle needs a good sling, and for a lightweight rifle like this I love the Butler Creek stretchy type slings, they are comfortable and stay on your shoulder.

Next up I would for sure put a bipod on the rifle, and it is hard to go without a Harris SL bipod here. It’s a perfect match for the rifle.

I also put my Quake Industries stock pack on the Expedition, this helped my sight picture with the elevated scope. And it also gave me a place to stash some extra rounds.

I for sure would put a suppressor on the Expedition, it is a great host. I used the Maxim Defense PRS 30, but any good 30 cal suppressor would go well with the rifle.

Final Thoughts on the Taurus Expedition

Taurus’ Expedition is jumping into a very competitive space in the rifle market. With other manufacturers offering affordable accuracy as well. Rifles from Tikka, Ruger, and Savage will all undoubtedly give the Expedition a run for the money. But in defense of this rifle, it has a lot going for it as well. I liked this rifle even more than I expected to the first time I picked it up.

I intend on enduring with this little Expedition for as long as possible. Long-term endurance over the course of a couple hunting seasons will surely show if this rifle is worth its asking price. In my opinion so far, I would say if you are looking for a rifle in this price point it is definitely worth having a look at. Taurus has changed my mind once already, so it could happen again.

CBM

The Taurus USA TX22 Compact pistol

pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware, , , , ,

Introduction

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.

Get bulk packed ammo from Ammo.com

Unboxing

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 Holosun 407 was a great choice

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 Yankee Hill Phantom 22 suppressor is a perfect companion to the TX22

Optics Cuts

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.

suppressed taurus TX22
the YHM Phantom 22 was an outstanding addition

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.

Get the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 suppressor here

Value (10-10)

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.

For more information on the TX22 Compact Click Here

Conclusion

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.

Check out more Vortex Optics

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.

-CBM

Taurus Defender 856 TORO 38 Special Revolver

pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware, , ,

Introduction

For years I’ve had a very challenging relationship with Taurus firearms, I have had in the past an experience that left me quite displeased. But after some time I have meandered back into a place where I would try again, the TX22 line of rimfire pistols got me quite hooked on 22’s. And years later I’ve got four of them. But today we are looking at a new product from Taurus, the Taurus Defender 856 TORO 38 Special Revolver. The TORO is according to Taurus the first ever optics ready revolver, and being a sucker for red dots and pistols I had to try it.

The Defender 856 TORO

The 856 model has been around for a few years now, and it seemed a good host for optics I suppose because that’s where they went with it. The Defender 856 is a double-action revolver that holds six rounds in its stainless steel cylinder. The pistol uses a three-inch barrel and a target-style trigger for optimal performance. I was expecting a 357 Magnum but the TORO comes with 38 Special chambers, which is fine because I was probably going to shoot a lot of 38 Spl anyways.

taurus 856 toro defender
the pistol worked great with the 407K red dot

What sets the TORO apart is its optics platform that mounts to the top of the sight rail and is affixed with two screws. The plate itself uses the Holosun K footprint, which is also good because I have a Holosun 407K that would fit perfectly. The TORO is finished in a matte black, which turns out is pretty sexy in my opinion.

Unboxing the Taurus Defender 856 TORO 38 Special Revolver

Upon opening the box I was surprised a bit, as I was expecting something a bit different like I’d seen on the floor at SHOT Show. This model actually looked better in my opinion and as I lifted it from the box my first thoughts were about how handsome a little gun it was.

After opening the cylinder and checking everything out, I held the gun and pulled the hammer a few times. Like most revolvers I’ve ever shot, I found something romantic about the drawing back of the hammer. The trigger felt good as well, nothing fantastic or extraordinary but certainly good. Everything fits tightly and rolled like it was on bearings.

I pulled the optics kit from the box, and found the plate and mounting screws. I took it to my bench to get it mounted using a drop of Loctite to secure the screws. I then installed my Holosun 407K and secured it with its own two screws. I again lifted the pistol into the shooting position to see how the Holosun showed; “pretty slick” I muttered to myself. So I grabbed a sack of 38 Spl hand loads I had sitting on my bench and headed out the door.

taurus 856 toro

To the Range!

As I lined up at my shooting spot, I contemplated what this little revolver would be good for. It’s certainly small enough to easily conceal and use as a CCW, though I am one of those that feel much better about carrying 15+ rounds for such purposes. But it still would be a great little pistol to have in a pinch.

I loaded a handful of cartridges into the cylinder and snapped it closed. I like how tight and timed this gun feels, the cylinder doesn’t have any slop and locks securely closed. I tapped the button to power up the Holosun, and it looked close enough to not even mess with it until after shooting a few shots. So that’s what I did, I fired the first cylinder of cartridges and as I expected I loved every minute of it.

taurus 856 defender
I also installed the new Vortex Defender red dot, it was a perfect match.

The Holosun really needed no adjustment for now, so I let it be as I fumble another cylinders worth off cartridges out of my pocket. I also had brought a few boxes of factory ammunition, but I was lucky to have inherited my Grandfather’s supply  of 38 Spl handloads. Grandpa was a huge fan of the little 38, and he cast thousands of 148 grain semi-wadcutters loaded into spent nickel cases he brought home from the police ranges back in the 80’s.

I spent the late afternoon and into the evening shooting the little TORO at just about anything I could. It seemed about as accurate as any other three-inch revolver I’ve ever shot, I can’t help but feel that the red dot allows some additional precision in aiming though that could just be my personal bias.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Comfortable grip
  • Light recoil
  • Quality fit and finish
  • Red dot sight easy to aim

Cons: 

  • Larger grip would fit my hand better
  • Trigger slightly jumpy

I guess I am warming back up to Taurus after all these years, and I have certainly grown to like this little pistol. The grip is very comfortable, and the rubber texture does allow some additional purchase to hold it back. The 38 is not a large recoiling pistol but its not a 22 either. I would have liked a slightly larger grip to fit my hand, but of course that would have made it harder to stash. I let a few friends shoot it as well that had smaller hands than I and they didn’t seem to have any issues with it.

The quality of the TORO was great, the fit and finish looked quite handsome and well put together. The trigger was a little jumpy but I suppose it’s fine, by jumpy I mean there can be felt movements before it breaks sometimes. It seemed perfectly serviceable for a pistol of this type and price point. The added function of the red dot made shooting the TORO quite easy, instead of focusing on the sights I’d just cover the target with the dot as I squeezed the trigger. The red dot lined up pretty closely to the built in iron sights, which made it easy to co-witness and matched my natural aim-point.

Read Conclusion Here…

CONCLUSION

Taurus Defender 856 TORO .38 Special Revolver

The Taurus Defender 856 TORO has turned out to be quite a breath of fresh air for me. When I first saw a red dot mounted on a revolver, I thought maybe we’d reached the bottom of the barrel. I was happy to be proven wrong.

I think it’s a great little handgun. It’s fun to shoot and accurate enough to be useful, especially at the affordable price point. I’d like something a little bigger for my hand size, but I was still able to shoot it well. If you want to try something new, the Taurus TORO revolver is certainly worth a shot.

-CBM

Taurus TX22 Pistol

pistols, Shooting hardware, , , , ,

Introduction

I have long wanted a 22LR pistol, if nothing else just to have some cheap shooting fun for myself and the kids. Its hard to beat the 22 for teaching kids the responsibility that firearms demand, and they are so fun to shoot that anything less than a brick of ammo just wont do.
The only thing that kept me from buying one over the years were concerns of performance. There always seemed to be issues with 22LR pistols, be it malfunctions like a jam, or being finicky when it came to ammunition. All I wanted was a gun that ran perfectly every time, and one that I didn’t have to worry about what to feed it. Today we hit the range with the Taurus TX22 pistol, to see if it can change all that.

The Taurus USA TX22 pistol caught my eye at SHOT Show 2019, I immediately fell in love with the feel of the pistol, the grip did not feel like many of the 22 auto pistols I had held before. It felt like a full size gun in my hand, the grip texture gave an almost sticky feeling in your palm. The well balanced and lightweight TX22 felt much like an M&P, or maybe a Sig Sauer P320.
Another great feature of the TX22 is it’s 16 round magazines, and it comes with two. Most 22 auto pistols are single stack 10 round magazines, it is refreshing to see that barrier being broken.
For the many patrons to the NFA, adding a suppressor to your favorite pistol is a must. Many of the 22 pistols available today come with threaded barrels for suppressors, but the TX22 even comes with the adaptor collar needed to mount the suppressor.

When I picked up my TX22 from my FFL, I already had a box of ammo and suppressor in hand. So it should come as no surprise to you that I didn’t even make it home before shooting this handsome little Taurus.

The TX22 shown with suppressor collar installed, without it, the barrel is flush to the nose of the slide.

A quick stop by my local shooting spot armed with 100 CCI Mini Mags was just enough to wet my whistle. It was the fastest five minutes of my life if I recall, those hundred rounds burned through the TX22 like grain through a goose. I was now addicted to this thing, I temporarily left my range to get two important things; More ammo, and my son. I knew he would love this thing as much as I did.

A few hours later, after Junior and I had stopped by Sportsman’s Warehouse, we were ready to go for round two. I had purchased an assortment of ammunition, a pretty good spread in my estimation. I wanted to try everything, from the cheapest bulk ammunition to the ritzy high end stuff. I even bought a couple different boxes of subsonic ammunition, to see how the TX22 would handle it.

The next few hours of shooting turned out to be some of the funnest we’ve ever shared, magazine after magazine of plinking fun. We tried every kind of ammunition I brought, the cheap bulk stuff from Remington, the Winchester 333 pack, CCi subsonic, Remington Hornets, and even some Aguila Eley Prime. I was ecstatic with the performance, after shooting six or seven hundred rounds, we hadn’t experienced a single failure (but for the 730 fps subsonics, they will not cycle the gun, even suppressed). My favorite ammo for the TX22 would have been both the CCI subsonic 1050fps, and the Winchester 333 pack. Both of them shot very accurate from the TX22, at least more so than the rest.

The pistol runs flawless whether suppressed or not. There is of course a bit more back-pressure when shooting suppressed, this causes the gun to foul a little more aggressively but that is no surprise. I loved shooting the gun without the suppressor too, it is balanced perfectly, and fit me so well that I found myself hardly using the sights.
The very mild recoil of the 22LR is soaked up nicely by the recoil spring, the gun hardly moves in the hand when fired. Follow-up shots are easily made, and can be done so very quickly.
The trigger of the TX22 features a trigger safety, but utilizes the whole shoe vs. a blade safety like many are accustomed to. The striker fired TX22 trigger is very clean, and resets are pretty short as well. I would love to shoot this gun in some kind of three gun competition or something similar, the inexistent recoil and fast shot to shot time would be a blast.

The sixteen round magazines were nice to have as well, one thing about 22’s is you spend a lot of time reloading. So having sixteen rounds to shoot prolonged the time one spent at the shooting line. The magazines have a small circular pin through the follower that you can pull down slowly as you add rounds to the feed lips until it is full.

The gun is easily disassembled following the directions in the owners manual. With as much ammo as you will go through, you will need to clean it often. Especially as dirty as most 22 ammo is. No tools are needed, except for removing or installing the suppressor collar. And I would suggest removing it after every range session, if only to clean it. I’d hate to see it get stuck on the barrel by all the 22 gunk.

The TX22 has a single magazine release, though it can be switched from side to side. It comes configured for a right handed shooter, but the simple directions in the manual allow lefties to switch it over to their liking. I initially found the magazine release to feel a bit small and perhaps difficult to purchase with my thumb. However I quickly withdrew that observation after shooting the gun, at no point during all my shooting did I find it to be a problem. Mag changes were done quickly and without any issues.

The TX22 with the Silencerco Spectre II suppressor

The easily adjustable sights were another welcome feature. There are two screws you can adjust with a micro flat blade screwdriver, one is for elevation adjustment, and the other for windage.
The TX22 also features an ambidextrous safety, with familiar positioning and function. Up for safe, and pulling down with the thumb puts the gun into the firing mode.
The front of the polymer frame features an accessory rail where you can add you favorite light, laser, or other device.

As it turns out, the Taurus TX22 is everything I hoped it would be when I first held it in a Las Vegas casino. It shoots as good as it handles, it’s function matches it’s handsome looks. It brings some great new features that were long overdue.
I love this little pistol, its been hard to put down. I even left my usual CCW at home, just so I had an excuse to have the TX22 with me so I could look at it, and show it to friends. Not that I would recommend a 22LR for a carry gun, but it sure was nice to have such a light and narrow pistol inside my belt for a change. We had fun shooting the pistol at the range, as well as a little squirrel hunting. The SilencerCo Spectre II made the gun so quiet, we could sneak into acorn distance.

You mess with the bull, you catch these horns.

The only negative things I have to bring up about the TX22 is regarding the magazine design. As I removed them from the box, the floor-plate of both magazines was easily pushed off. The first time resulted in my magazine guts getting shot out across the floor. They aren’t big pieces, so it took a bit to find them all. When I tested the second magazine for the issue, I found it to be the same, the floor-plate retainer didn’t seem to have enough of an anchor to keep them in place.
Oddly enough though, the problem never reoccured. After shooting the gun a few times, I again tried to get the floor-plates to slide off. But even with aggressive pressure they stayed in position. Perhaps the vibration of shooting helped seat them better? Either way, the problem has never been repeated.
Another concern is more of a user problem than a design one. When loading the magazines, it is easy to want to just pull the follower down well ahead of the cartridges you are feeding into the lips. This can cause cartridges to tilt inside the magazine, causing an obvious malfunction which usually requires emptying the magazine and starting anew. This problem is easily remedied by only pulling the follower down to allow the next cartridge to be fed into the magazine. One at a time until all sixteen rounds are loaded.

These are minimal complaints, and surely not something that would inhibit my purchase of another one. The Taurus USA TX22 is a fantastic pistol all around, it is simply done right. It wouldn’t surprise me if its a design they continue to build on for additional pistols, and I will be watching and waiting for it.

-CBM

If you like the TX22, you’ll LOVE the TX22 Compact. Click here to read about it.