Design and Handling: A First Look
From the moment you pick up the Taurus TX22 Full Size, the design immediately captures your attention. The pistol embraces a modern aesthetic, combining functionality with a sleek, contemporary look. The polymer frame feels substantial and well-constructed, a welcome contrast to some competitors who can feel a bit flimsy.
The grip is perhaps one of the strongest features of the TX22. The textured surface provides excellent purchase, even with wet or sweaty hands. The overall grip circumference is comfortable for a variety of hand sizes, promoting a natural and secure hold. Taurus wisely avoided overly aggressive texturing, allowing for extended shooting sessions without discomfort. While the pistol doesn’t come with interchangeable backstraps, the grip profile is generally well-suited for most shooters, a testament to Taurus’ focus on ergonomics.
Examining the controls, you’ll notice they are well-placed and easy to operate. The slide release is positioned in a familiar spot, allowing for quick and efficient slide manipulation. The manual safety, ambidextrous in its design, is intuitive to engage and disengage. The magazine release button is easily accessible, allowing for rapid magazine changes, a key component of maintaining effective shooting.
The weight of the TX22, while not exceptionally light, is well-balanced, contributing to a feeling of control and stability. This balance makes it easier to maintain a steady sight picture, especially during rapid firing. The pistol’s weight is enough to absorb some of the minimal recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot for extended periods.
The overall visual design of the Taurus TX22 Full Size is appealing. The lines are clean and modern, reflecting the current trends in handgun design. The frame and slide are finished in a durable matte black or other available colors, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Taurus has chosen a design that avoids being overly flashy but still stands out amongst its competition.
Exploring the Key Components: Slide, Barrel, and Sights
The slide of the TX22 is made of a lightweight yet durable aluminum. This choice is a significant factor in reducing the overall weight of the pistol, enhancing its handling characteristics. The aluminum slide is coated with a finish that appears to offer good resistance to wear and tear. The slide’s profile is designed to facilitate easy racking, even for shooters with smaller hands.
The barrel length contributes significantly to the overall performance. The Taurus TX22 Full Size features a barrel that strikes a good balance between accuracy and maneuverability. The barrel is rifled to enhance accuracy, ensuring bullets travel with greater stability.
The sight configuration is also an important factor. The TX22 comes equipped with a standard three-dot sight system. The sights are easy to acquire and align. The front sight is a fixed blade, while the rear sight is adjustable for windage. The sight picture is clear and uncluttered.
Peering Inside: The Trigger and Magazines
The trigger is an essential component of any handgun. The TX22 features a single-action trigger. The trigger pull is relatively light and crisp, offering a decent break and reset. The trigger pull is not the finest in class, but it provides a good balance of responsiveness and safety.
The magazines are another key feature. The TX22 utilizes magazines, which offer a generous capacity. This higher capacity allows shooters to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. The magazines are constructed from a sturdy polymer, ensuring durability and resistance to damage. The magazine design allows for easy loading, a feature appreciated by many shooters. Reliability in magazine function is a critical factor, and the Taurus TX22 performs well in this area.
Testing the Capabilities: Accuracy and Reliability
Accuracy testing is a key aspect of any firearm review. During testing, the Taurus TX22 Full Size consistently demonstrated impressive accuracy. At a distance of twenty-five yards, it was possible to achieve tight groupings. The TX22 proved capable of consistently producing accurate results, making it a strong contender.
Reliability is also important. The Taurus TX22 Full Size has a good reputation for reliability. During testing, the pistol proved remarkably reliable, cycling a variety of .22 LR ammunition. Malfunctions, such as failures to feed or failures to eject, were extremely rare, a testament to the pistol’s design and construction.
The shooting experience is enjoyable. The minimal recoil of the .22 LR round, combined with the pistol’s ergonomics and weight, makes the TX22 easy to handle. The pistol is a great choice for new shooters. The comfortable grip, manageable recoil, and intuitive controls contribute to a positive shooting experience.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages: Pros and Cons
The advantages of the Taurus TX22 Full Size are clear. The pistol’s affordability is a significant draw. For the price, the TX22 offers exceptional value, delivering impressive performance and features. The accuracy is another notable strength. As previously discussed, the pistol consistently produces accurate results. The ergonomics of the TX22 are also a major plus. The comfortable grip and easy-to-use controls contribute to an enjoyable shooting experience. The high-capacity magazines provide extended shooting sessions. The availability of aftermarket support allows users to customize the pistol.
No product is perfect, and the TX22 does have its downsides. While the trigger is good, it is not the best in class. Some users may find that the trigger pull is not as refined as that of more expensive pistols. The materials used are not as premium as those found on some higher-end firearms. However, considering the price point, the quality is perfectly adequate. Some people may encounter issues related to the reliability. It is important to note that these issues are uncommon and can often be resolved with proper maintenance.
Value Proposition: Competitive Comparison
The Taurus TX22 Full Size presents an impressive value proposition. When compared to competing .22 LR pistols, the TX22 stands out for its combination of features, performance, and affordability. The price point positions it competitively in the market, making it accessible to a broad range of buyers.
When compared to the Ruger Mark IV, a well-respected .22 LR pistol known for its accuracy and reliability, the TX22 offers a similar level of performance at a more accessible price. The Mark IV might have a slight edge in overall fit and finish, but the TX22’s ergonomics and higher magazine capacity give it an advantage.
The Glock 44 is a popular choice among those who prefer the Glock platform. However, the Glock 44 often comes at a higher price. The Taurus TX22 offers similar performance, while providing more value for the money.
Conclusion: A Final Assessment
In conclusion, the Taurus TX22 Full Size is an outstanding .22 LR pistol that excels in several key areas. It’s accurate, reliable, comfortable to shoot, and offers exceptional value. The pistol is an excellent choice for both new and experienced shooters who are looking for a fun and affordable way to enjoy recreational shooting or practice fundamental skills. It is an ideal training pistol and a reliable companion for plinking and target practice.
The Taurus TX22 Full Size represents a significant achievement for the company. It is a testament to their ability to deliver high-quality firearms at a competitive price.
Ultimately, the Taurus TX22 Full Size is a highly recommended .22 LR pistol. Its blend of affordability, performance, and user-friendliness makes it a top contender in its class. If you are in the market for a .22 LR pistol, the Taurus TX22 Full Size should be at the top of your list.
