Tag Archives: Taurus

Taurus GX4 Carry: A .380 with Attitude

September 28, 2026pistols, Product review.380acp, .380auto, 9mm, ccw, compact, GX4, Taurus, taurus usacoldboremiracle

Preface

I’ve been around the firearms market for all of my adult life, and its been very refreshing to see some brands turn their ship around. While I’ve seen both the good and bad, as well as even some ships sinking outright. Today we are looking at one of the happy stories. Taurus firearms had been considered sort of a bargain product, and their performance would sometimes leave much to be desired. It seems at least to me that Taurus USA has turned a page, as I have now had four new products from the manufacturer that have surpassed my expectations. Despite my good experiences, they still maintain a very affordable price. Today I bring you one of them, a review of the Taurus USA GX4 pistol, chambered in .380ACP.

The Taurus GX4

The Taurus USA GX4 seems to follow the same pattern as several other polymer framed striker fired pistols made in their Bainbridge Georgia facility. Besides the GX4, I have also recently reviewed the GX2, and the TX9 pistols. All of them have some commonality, such as divorced frame and trigger/sear pack. I expect this helps keep manufacturing the pistols cost down, and in some cases allows you to change the frame and swapping in the trigger/sear pack.

Additional modularity is incorporated into the GX4 design, using an interchangeable grip backstrap. Allowing you to customize your grip feel. Also like the others, the GX4 is optics ready using Taurus’ Optics Ready Option (T.O.R.O). This allows drop in fit for Holosun K series and similar optics, which I was sure to do.

top: removing the polymer optics footprint cover. Bottom: adjustable rear sight

Other neat little features like a loaded chamber indicator, accessory rail for weapon lights, and 15-round capacity make it handy for a concealed carry enthusiast. I was also intrigued as they left as many things as possible out, like a manual safety, and even a disassembly lever. Making the frame of the GX4 less obstructive with fewer things to snag while drawing.

the takedown lever was omitted from the GX4

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Caliber	.380 ACP / .380 Auto
Action	Striker-fired
Capacity	15+1 rounds
Barrel Length	3.70 inches
Overall Length	6.56 inches
Width	1.0 inch
Height	5.16 inches
Weight	21 oz., unloaded
Frame	Polymer
Backstraps	3 interchangeable
Trigger	Flat-faced, serrated
Front Sight	Fixed white-dot
Rear Sight	Fully adjustable
Optic Ready	Yes
Optic Cut	T.O.R.O., Holosun K-series footprint
Accessory Rail	MIL-STD-1913
Magazines	2 × 15-round
Slide Finish	Gas nitride
Barrel Finish	Satin black DLC
MSRP	$340.99

Unboxing and Setup

Lifting the GX4 from its polymer case, I felt that familiar grip texture like my other Taurus pistols. My immediate impression was that the grip felt a little square, something I could remedy to some degree changing the backstrap. This was easily done by pushing out a pin and lifting the backstrap from the bottom.

changing out the different backstrap options

With the GX4 came two 15-round steel magazines made by magazine giant Mec-Gar, which gives a nice sense of confidence. Because this pistol is a .380 Auto, there is a small spacer at the rear of the magazine to space the cartridges forward.

note the small spacer that sits behind cartridges in the magazine

I decided to mount both a red dot and for some purposes a weapon light. Removing the two screws that hold the polymer optics footprint cover, I found a clean spot to mount my Nutrek Optics Blade red dot sight. The rear sight has a very slight occlusion with the red dot housing, which required a tiny bit of Dremeling to allow it. I don’t cast that at the feet of either Taurus or Nutrek, sometimes things are a bit different. But after that it mounted perfectly using the two anchor pins in the slide, and the included screws. I expect the issue depends on the red dot used. For carrying in the dark, I would also use the Streamlight TLR-8 light laser combo.

Taurus, taurus USA, gx4, compact, carry, pistol, .380 auto, .380acp, Nutrek Blade, red dot, streamlight, tlr8, — the **Streamlight TLR8** was a perfect match for the Taurus GX4

All that was left was getting a few boxes of ammunition. for that I grab a few boxes from Winchester, Fiocchi, and PMC featuring 90 and 95-grain bullets. This is actually the first .380 I’ve ever owned, so I was interested in the old power discussion about whether the little 90’s would do when it mattered.

On the Range with the Taurus GX4

My testing of the GX4 would involve carrying the pistol daily between various range trips of my own as well as with my kids. All my children grew up shooting the Taurus TX22 which has been a home run of a product, so when they see another Taurus they just assume it will be the same way.

the kids had a great time shooting the GX4

Shootability

I got used to grip of the GX4 pretty quick, the squareness feeling I mentioned didn’t seem to affect my shooting or opinion of the gun. I initially thought I would prefer the GX4 in 9mm versus the .380, and the jury is still out on that at the moment. But one thing is for sure, my kids and wife all found the GX4 much easier to operate than other compact 9mm pistols with their stiff recoil springs. The GX4’s spring is surprisingly soft.

The trigger safety is simple and effective, and the trigger feel overall is good. Predictable breaks without too many jumps or bumps in the pull. Shooting with my red dot gave a great sight picture without loosing the factory sights.

I did find with a full mag you need to make sure the mag is well seated, as it fell out on us more than once for not being seated fully.

Reliability

We had no malfunctions during testing of the Taurus GX4. The only concern I had was that it seemed a little weak on ejection, throwing brass right at you feet almost. But it never skipped a beat.

Disassembling the Taurus GX4 does require either a tool or some improvisation. Since there is no take-down lever, you’ll need either a screwdriver or something similar to rotate the take-down cam. Not a big deal but needs to be said.

I also noticed that the pistol incorporates a magazine safety. Locking out the trigger unless the magazine is seated. I understand some folks like these safety features, for me I think I’d rather not have it. But to each as they desire.

Accuracy

A good CCW pistol needs to hit where you aim, and I didn’t seem to have any trouble hitting my targets. Typical groups from 10-yards averaged around 2-3 inches. Nothing to win any competitions or anything, but suitable for many purposes.

The factory iron sight that come on the GX4 are adjustable for both elevation and windage. The rear is a serrated type to reduce reflection, and the front is a simple white dot.

Ergonomics

I already mentioned the convertible grip of the GX4, but I hadn’t mentioned the undercut trigger-guard. And there is also a single finger rib on the front, and the whole grip area features a nice texture similar to a sandpaper feel.

The magazine release is fairly small, and low profile. But I had no issue finding and pressing it during reloads. This is nice to prevent accidentally releasing the mag while carrying or manipulating it. Releasing the slide was a touch stiffer than I expected but not bad.

here you can see the loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide

Value

Again I feel a bit crazy saying this, but for as little as $260 you can get into one of the Taurus GX4 pistols. And I must say it feels like a good buy to me. It shoots well, cycles without issue, and is just plain fun to shoot. For the 9mm version you will pay a little bit more, but I am quite happy with the price to performance ratio of the Taurus GX4.

Pros and Cons

Very affordable	Red dot fitment on footprint
No malfunctions experienced	Magazine safety (maybe its just me)
Configurable grip
Simplified controls
15-round capacity
Optics ready
Loaded chamber indicator
Adjustable sights

So should you buy a Taurus GX4?

When compared to other pistols like the S&W Bodyguard or the Ruger LCP Max, the GX4 has a little competition. While it is significantly cheaper than the Bodyguard or the Glock 42, it is very comparable in price to the LCP Max. However, the GX4 offers better capacity than all the others mentioned. And to be honest, I like the looks of the GX4 better than the LCP by a hefty margin.

The Taurus GX4 .380 offers a step-up in capacity over most compact .380ACP pistols. And it both shoots and handles well, allowing smaller framed individuals an easily operated option. Its also a blast to shoot, so if you are looking for all that in a .380 pistol, you should consider this one.

-CBM

If you like this pistol, you might also like the Taurus GX2 here

Rolling Out Hits with the Taurus RPC 9mm

September 23, 2026Product review, Shooting hardwarepistol caliber carbine, RPC, Taurus, taurus usacoldboremiracle

Introduction

Taurus USA continues to charge horns first into additional firearms markets in an interesting way. I have been impressed with several of their recent additions, and am certainly interested with the growing variety of their offerings. Taurus has long been a pistol manufacturer, but in the last few years they have brought everything from a hunting rifle to their very own cartridge (the .38 TPC). So I shouldn’t have been surprised when they brought out the new Taurus RPC 9mm, a roller-delayed pistol caliber carbine (PCC). It’s sold as a pistol, but we all know that these “pistols” are meant as a way to negotiate around the NFA SBR baloney.

taurus, taurus usa, RPC, pistol caliber carbine, 9mm, ammunition, strike industries, pistol brace, box, unboxing,

The RPC incorporates a great variety of features and with that classic Taurus price tag it can be quite appealing to those who enjoy the cheap plinking of a 9mm PCC. There are few guns that don’t interest me, so I am excited to bring you my presentation of the Taurus RPC today.

The Taurus RPC PCC

The RPC came to me after I had already seen it in your typical firearms media. My first impression was; how about that, a Taurus PCC. That was before i had picked it up of course, and before I found out it uses a tried an true roller-delay operating system. I actually seek out new products because I enjoy forming my own opinion without anyone else’s input.

Besides its rollers, the RPC also incorporates an AR15 style pistol grip. Which is handy should you wish to change it. A full-length picatinny rail runs the length of the receiver crest, and a small M-Lok compatible handguard extends around the small portion of barrel beyond the trunnion. The barrel itself can be swapped out using a locking cam.

Ambidextrous controls including a last-round bolt-catch and safety are handy for the left-handed. And the charging handle can be swapped from one side to the other. Perhaps somewhat controversially, the RPC uses its own 32-round polymer magazines. Many other PCC’s are designed around existing magazine designs, but there are pros and cons to each. A folding Strike Industries pistol brace comes installed on the back, which I found to be quite suitable for a stock .

taurus, taurus usa, RPC, pistol caliber carbine, 9mm, trigger, sear, lower receiver, — here you can see the details of the trigger and sear components

I was excited to see how this little “handgun” worked and performed. So it didn’t take me long to get it to the range after receiving it.

Specifications


Caliber	9mm Luger
Action	Roller-delayed blowback
Capacity	32 rounds
Barrel Length	4.5″
Barrel Thread	1/2×28
Barrel System	Quick-change
Receiver	Aluminum
Fire-Control Housing	Polymer
Controls	Fully ambidextrous
Safety	Ambidextrous
Charging Handle	Forward-mounted, non-reciprocating, reversible
Trigger	Single-stage, flat-faced
Grip	AR-15-compatible, soft rubber overmold
Handguard	M-LOK-compatible
Top Rail	Full-length M1913 Picatinny
Rear Rail	Picatinny rail section
Sling Attachment	Three QD sling points
Standard Magazine	32-round proprietary magazine
Other Magazine Options	20- and 10-round
Brace	Folding Strike Industries FSA stabilizing brace available
Weight, Without Brace	72.3 oz.
Weight, With Brace	78.7 oz.
Length, Without Brace	12.2″
Length, With Brace Extended	21″

Unboxing and Setup

Taurus packages the RPC in a cardboard box, that comes with the typical literature, action lock, and extra magazine. i pulled the gun from the box, and was immediately surprised by both the weight and size of the RPC. It was significantly lighter than I expected, and smaller too. Many blowback PCC’s are quite heavy due to their massive bolts required for the operation. The RPC clearly doesn’t need that with its roller system.

Initial thoughts went like this; The rubberized grip felt fantastic, giving excellent purchase on the gun. The magazines slip in nicely and lock-up tight, and all the controls felt perfectly serviceable. The one thing I did not like was how stiff the charging handle was. Without shouldering the brace it was borderline uncomfortable to pull the charging handle back.

The short barrel was threaded 1/2-28, and included a petite thread protector complete with a built-in O-ring to keep it secure when tight. I was eager to remove it, and get a suppressor and other accessories onto the RPC.

I installed a Vector Optics Paragon 1x prism on the top rail, it gives a nice clear view of targets and has both red and green illumination when needed. Up front I would install the brand new Anechoic Fibonacci 9mm suppressor, and extremely light and simple suppressor. Its meager 3 ounces would be barely noticeable on the already lightweight Taurus RPC.

On the Range with the Taurus RPC

Shooting the RPC was at the top of my list, but before I’d even made it to the range, I found something I could improve. Upon disassembling the RPC out of curiosity regarding its operation, I found that part of the reason it was so hard to charge was because it needed some lube. The charging block that pushes the bolt carrier back is a short piece, that is torqued in its raceway when pulled on. Adding some light gun grease greatly improved the feel.

Once on the range, I ran a few shots through the gun, just to see how everything felt. No issues at all, so I proceeded to zero the Paragon prism to better my hit ratio. After which I ran several magazines through the RPC’s 32-round magazines. It locks back nicely after the last round is fired, and closes neatly with the bolt-catch just like an AR15 would.

Reliability

In my testing so far, I have only had one malfunction. It was a stovepipe kind of jam that was easily cleared by pulling the magazine and running the charging handle. Other than that the RPC has been flawless in its consumption of ammunition. I don’t know if the malfunction was ammo related or not, but its worth mentioning.

The roller delay operating system of the RPC is refreshing. I am used to various blowback designs like the CZ Scorpion, which while reliable and fun but also heavier and more jolting in its operation. The roller delay doesn’t require such a heavy bolt carrier, which also results in less inertia as parts oscillate within the receiver.

Accuracy

Accuracy isn’t usually a huge factor with PCC’s. But still, I was quite happy with the accuracy from the RPC. A hundred yards is really pushing the utility of such a firearm, but I was surprised just how useful the RPC was even at that range. Hitting soda-can sized targets at 100 yards is certainly doable, and great fun when using the RPC.

Ergonomics

Aside from the initial stiff charging handle issue, the rest of the controls were fantastic. The bolt-catch was flawless and easy to use. I really liked that you can reach the right side bolt-catch with your trigger finger, allowing you to lock the action open before the magazine goes dry. The dual safety levers, allow a typical thumb-off and index finger-on function.

Gripping the small RPC was easy with the rubberized grip, and the small handguard was enough room to comfortably control the pistol. There is barely enough room to add a downgrip if you wanted to go that way. I found that due to the light weight of the RPC I didn’t need any more grip.

Shootability

I mentioned how the Taurus RPC was easy to hit targets with, and that is in part because it is designed well and feels good in the hands. The trigger feels great, and the gun points fantastic, due in part to its small size and short barrel.

Value

Despite being higher price than I had initially expected, the Taurus RPC is still cheaper than many other 9mm PCC options. The closest competitors I would say are the Stribog SPA9A3 and the Springfield Armory Kuna. Both of which cost more than the RPC by hundreds, but they also have established durability records as well.

I think the RPC is a great place to start you PCC journey, and its price point reflects that. And even without comparing it to others, the features that the RPC offers are a good value.

Pros and Cons

Light weight	Excessive charging resistance issue
Great Shooting characteristics
Compact size
Roller delayed action
Suppressor ready
Ambidextrous controls
Good magazines
Lots of sight mounting room
M-Lok handguard
A blast to shoot

taurus, taurus usa, RPC, pistol caliber carbine, 9mm, ammunition, strike industries, pistol brace, anechoic suppressor, anechoic, fibonacci suppressor, — the RPC is a blast to shoot with the **Anechoic Fibonacci suppressor**

Should you Buy the Taurus RPC

If you are in the market for a pistol caliber carbine, there are many options on the market now. The Taurus RPC brings a great balance of advanced features like ambi controls and roller-delay operating system without going ham on the price. I have found it to be a very fun little firearm, and one that young and new shooters can learn the basics of handling a gun properly very well. As always, I would recommend trying one before you buy it if you can. But I think the RPC is a great option, and another step in the right direction for Taurus TSA.

-CBM

Check out other PCC’s here

Entry Level Carry with the Taurus GX2

August 27, 2026pistols, Product reviewccw, compact, gx2, pistol, Tauruscoldboremiracle

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.

Taurus, GX2, taurus USA, 9mm, compact, pistol, optics cut, TORO, streamlight, tlr8, — 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.

Taurus, GX2, taurus USA, 9mm, compact, pistol, optics cut, TORO, — 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


Caliber	9mm Luger
Action	Single-action, striker-fired
Capacity	13+1 rounds
Barrel Length	3.38″
Overall Length	6.14″
Overall Height	4.89″
Overall Width	1.18″
Weight	20.6 oz.
Frame	Stainless-steel alloy chassis with polymer grip/frame
Slide	Alloy steel
Barrel	Stainless steel
Sights	Fixed front; drift-adjustable rear
Trigger Safety	Yes
Firing Pin Block	Yes
Loaded Chamber Indicator	Visual
Manual Safety	Yes
Magazine Release	Reversible
Accessory Rail	MIL-STD-1913 / Picatinny
Finish	Matte black / matte stainless steel, depending on model

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.

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.

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.

Taurus, GX2, taurus USA, 9mm, compact, pistol, optics cut, TORO, flying brass,

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.

Taurus, GX2, taurus USA, 9mm, compact, pistol, optics cut, TORO, disassembly, disassembled,

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.

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.

Taurus, GX2, taurus USA, 9mm, compact, pistol, optics cut, TORO, magazine, 13 -round, — 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 Feel	Perceived Low Quality Price
Smooth and Clean Breaking Trigger	Safety (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

Modular Duty with the Taurus TX9 9mm pistol

June 12, 2026pistols, Product review9mm, duty pistol, Taurus, taurus usa, TX9coldboremiracle

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
Caliber	9MM Luger
Capacity	17 Rounds
Barrel Length	4.5 Inches
Frame Size	Full Size
Height	5.2 Inches
Width	1.28 Inches
Length	7.75 Inches
Weight	25 Ounces (empty)
Barrel Twist	1:16.5
Safety	Firing pin block, trigger safety
Optics Mounting	With Taurus T.O.R.O. system (mounting plates)
Action	Single Action Only striker fired
Frame material	Stainless Steel
Available Additional Sizes	Compact 4.0in, Sub Compact 3.4in
Sights	Drift adjustable rear, White dot front
Magazines	2 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.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, box, case, pistol sitting in the plastic case with accessories and ammunition,

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

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

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, shooting, us optics, red dot, flying brass, — 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.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, reload,

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.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, backstarp, disassembly, grip frame, adjustable,

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.

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.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, backstrap, grip, modular grip, disassembly, interchangeable grip, — 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.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, optics, optics mount, t.o.r.o. optics system, red dot, mounting plate, mounting a red dot on the TX9 using the plate system,

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

Pros	Cons
Lightweight	Soft trigger reset
Modular grip frame system	Requires 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.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, ammunition,

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.

Taurus, tx9, 9mm, pistol, duty pistol, taurus usa, modular frame, gideon optics, Omega red dot, surefiire x300,

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.

taurus, taurus TX9, 9mm, duty pistol, us optics, red dot, nightstick weapon light, — 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

August 2, 2024pistols, Product reviewjudge, revolver, Tauruscoldboremiracle

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.

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.

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Taurus TX22 TORO Pistol

July 22, 2024pistols, Product review22lr, Taurus, toro, tx22coldboremiracle

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?”.

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loading the TX22 magazines with **Federal Auto Match**

TX22 TORO Specifications

Caliber	22LR
Capacity	16 round and 22 round magazine included
Length	7.06 inches
Height	5.44 inches
Width	1.25 inches
Barrel Length	4.6 inches
Twist	1-10 inches
Slide Material	Aluminum
Barrel Material	Alloy Steel
Action Type	Single Action Only Striker Fired
Safety Function	Manual Ambi and Trigger Safety
Sights	Fixed Front, Driftable Rear

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 Rifle

June 25, 2024Product review, Shooting hardware308 winchester, expedition, Tauruscoldboremiracle

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.

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

Caliber	308 Win
Barrel Length	18 Inches, Cold hammer forged
Barrel twist	1:10
Action type	Bolt-action Remington 700 clone
Overall Length	38 inches
Overall height	6.67 inches
Width	3.12 inches
Weight	7.06 lbs
Magazine	Detachable box AICS type
Capacity	5 round factory
Receiver/barrel material	Stainless steel
Receiver/barrel finish	Diamond Like Coating

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

July 21, 2023pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware22lr, compact, pistol, Taurus, tx22, tx22 compactcoldboremiracle

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 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