When Taurus announced the TX22 T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optics Ready Option), my reaction was a mix of excitement and hesitation. Excitement because the TX22 is already my go-to .22 pistol and arguably the best suppressor host in its class. Hesitation because, letโs face it, how could they improve on something so good without overcomplicating it? But as details about the T.O.R.O. trickled in, it became clear this wasnโt just a rehashโit was a thoughtful evolution of an already stellar platform.
Now Iโm left wondering if itโs time to double up on TX22s. Let me walk you through why this pistol has me reaching for my wallet again.
Before diving into whatโs new with the T.O.R.O., letโs take a quick stroll down memory lane to when the TX22 first hit the scene in 2019. Taurus rolled out this pistol with a bang, boasting features that set it apart from the sea of .22 pistols on the market. As someone who got to test it right out of the gate, I can tell you the hype was justified.
The TX22 was designed in Bainbridge, Georgia, by Taurusโs U.S.-based engineering team. At the time, I got a chance to chat with the folks behind the design at SHOT Show. Their pitch was simple: they wanted a .22 that wasnโt ammo-picky, had modern ergonomics, and offered exceptional value. I was intrigued but skeptical. Any seasoned shooter knows that .22 pistols, for all their fun, can be finicky, especially with cheap ammo.
Thatโs when they dropped the bombshell. Their testing regimen included buying every box of .22 ammo they could find at Walmart, from budget bulk packs to premium brands, and ensuring the TX22 ran reliably on all of it. That kind of real-world testing sold me immediately.
I lined one up for review after the show, and it didnโt take long for the TX22 to win me over. It was light, accurate, and boasted incredible ergonomics. The grip wasnโt just comfortable; it felt purpose-built for my hands. Thatโs no accidentโTaurus worked with kinesthetic specialists to design a grip that fit a wide range of users. Add to that the inclusion of a threaded barrel adapter right out of the box and two 16-round magazines, and you had a package that was hard to beat.
Fast forward to today, and my TX22 is still a range favorite. Paired with a Surefire Ryder suppressor, it cycles flawlessly with subsonic ammoโa feat many .22 pistols canโt manage. Itโs reliable, quiet, and just plain fun.
Now that you know Iโm firmly in the TX22 fan club, letโs talk about the T.O.R.O. and why itโs tempting me to expand my collection.
The most obvious upgrade is in the name: the T.O.R.O. is optics-ready. The original TX22 already came equipped with a MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail for lights or lasers, but if you wanted to mount an optic, you were out of luck unless you opted for the competition model. With the T.O.R.O., that limitation is gone.
An optics-ready slide on a .22 pistol is a game-changer, especially for those looking to use the TX22 as a training tool. Red dots have become increasingly popular across all firearm platforms, and having one on your .22 means you can practice your optic shooting skills without burning through expensive 9mm or .45 ammo.
The iron sights have also seen an upgrade. The T.O.R.O. features a white front dot and a serrated rear sight, offering a clearer sight picture. Whether you stick with irons or throw on an optic, the new setup is a win.
One of the standout changes in the T.O.R.O. is the new Performance Trigger System (PTS). Taurus promises a short, smooth, and repeatable pull, and while Iโve always been satisfied with the original TX22 trigger, Iโm curious to see how much better this one is. A good trigger can make a world of difference, especially for precision shooting.
The original TX22 trigger was already a high point for me. It had a clean break and a consistent reset, which isnโt something you can say about every .22 pistol. If the PTS lives up to its promise, it could elevate the TX22 from โgreatโ to โoutstanding.โ
Adding an optic to a .22 slide introduces extra weight, which can affect reliability. Taurus addressed this by incorporating lightening cuts into the T.O.R.O.โs slide. This ensures that the pistol maintains the same reliable cycling that made the original TX22 so impressive.
Reliability has always been a hallmark of the TX22. From day one, it ran flawlessly with every ammo type I fed it. The inclusion of lightening cuts shows that Taurus isnโt resting on its laurelsโtheyโre committed to maintaining that same level of performance, even with the added complexity of an optic.
Hereโs a feature that will bring a smile to any shooterโs face: the T.O.R.O. comes with not only the standard 16-round magazine but also an extended 22-round magazine. If youโve ever spent a day at the range with a .22, you know that more rounds mean more fun and less time reloading.
Iโve used these extended mags with my original TX22, and theyโre fantastic. They work seamlessly, and 22 rounds of .22 LR in a single mag feels like an endless supply of plinking joy. Taurus including one right in the box with the T.O.R.O. is a thoughtful touch.
The MSRP for the TX22 T.O.R.O. is $363.99, which is already a competitive price point for an optics-ready pistol. Given Taurusโs history of offering great value, street prices are likely to be even lower. When you compare this to other options in the .22 pistol market, the T.O.R.O. stands out as a high-quality, budget-friendly choice.
If you already own a TX22, the T.O.R.O. might seem like an unnecessary upgrade at first glance. But if youโre a fan of optics or just want the latest and greatest version of an already stellar pistol, itโs hard to argue against picking one up.
For newcomers to the TX22 platform, the T.O.R.O. is an easy recommendation. It takes everything that made the original TX22 great and adds modern features that make it even more versatile. Whether youโre looking for a reliable range gun, a suppressor host, or a trainer pistol, the T.O.R.O. delivers.
Taurus has a winner on its hands with the TX22 T.O.R.O. Itโs a smart evolution of a pistol that was already at the top of its class. The optics-ready slide, upgraded trigger, and included extended magazine make it a compelling package, while the lightening cuts ensure it maintains the reliability that put the TX22 on the map.
For me, the T.O.R.O. isnโt just another .22โitโs a pistol that raises the bar for what a .22 can be. Now, if youโll excuse me, I need to start shopping for a new red dot. This T.O.R.O. isnโt going to shoot itself!
