Taurus PT-22 review

The Taurus PT-22 is a compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry and personal defense. Chambered in a .22 Long Rifle, it has been a popular choice for those seeking a small-caliber firearm for everyday carry. In this review, we will delve into the design, features, specifications, and performance of the Taurus PT-22.

Taurus PT-22

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Overall Length: 5.25 inches
• Height: 3.5 inches
• Capacity: 8+1 rounds
• Frame: Polymer
• Slide: Stainless Steel
• Trigger: Double-Action/Single-Action
• Safety: Manual Safety
• Sights: Fixed
• Weight: Approximately 12.3 ounces (unloaded)

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of the Taurus PT-22:

First Impressions

Upon first handling the Taurus PT-22, its compact and lightweight design immediately captures attention. The polymer frame and stainless steel slide give the pistol a modern and sleek appearance, while its diminutive size and weight make it exceptionally easy to handle and carry. The textured grip panels provide a secure hold, even in adverse conditions, and the overall ergonomics of the pistol are well-suited for individuals with smaller hands.

The double-action/single-action trigger system offers a smooth and consistent pull, a crucial feature for maintaining accuracy. Additionally, the manual safety, located on the left side of the frame, provides an extra layer of security, ensuring that the pistol cannot be fired accidentally. In terms of performance, the Taurus PT-22 impresses with its reliable and accurate operation.

The fixed barrel design contributes to enhanced precision, while the low recoil makes it easy to handle, even for those with limited experience. The 8+1 round capacity is particularly noteworthy, as it is uncommon for a pistol of this size. The inclusion of easy-to-acquire sights further enhances the pistol’s usability, and the tip-up barrel simplifies the loading and unloading process, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.

While the PT-22 may have some minor drawbacks, such as the magazine disconnect safety and occasional feeding issues, its overall reliability, accuracy, and user-friendly design make it a compelling option for individuals in search of a compact and affordable pistol for personal defense.

Features

Frame: Polymer

The Taurus PT-22 features a lightweight and durable polymer frame, which is resistant to corrosion and easy to maintain. This material choice contributes to the pistol’s compact size and portability, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry.

Slide: Stainless Steel

The Taurus PT-22’s slide is crafted from stainless steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. This material choice also makes the pistol easy to clean and maintain, while providing a high level of resistance to wear and tear.

Double-Action/Single-Action Trigger System

The Taurus PT-22 employs a double-action/single-action trigger system, which offers a smooth and consistent trigger pull. The initial shot is fired in double-action mode, while subsequent shots are fired in single-action mode, providing a balance between safety and ease of use.

Magazine Release Button

The Taurus PT-22 features a magazine release button that is conveniently positioned on the left side of the grip. This design element enhances the pistol’s usability, making it easy to access and use.

Compact Size

The Taurus PT-22 is a compact pistol, with an overall length of just 5.25 inches and a height of 3.5 inches. This diminutive profile makes it exceptionally well-suited for discreet carry, whether in a pocket or a purse.

High Capacity

The Taurus PT-22 boasts an 8+1 round capacity, which is impressive for a pistol of its size. This feature makes it a practical choice for concealed carry, as it allows for a sufficient number of rounds to be carried without compromising the pistol’s compact dimensions.

Performance

The Taurus PT-22 delivers reliable and accurate performance, making it a practical choice for its intended purpose. Its fixed barrel design contributes to enhanced accuracy, while the low recoil ensures ease of handling. The trigger pull is smooth and consistent, facilitating precise shot placement. The pistol is equipped with easy-to-acquire sights, further enhancing its usability. Additionally, the PT-22 features a convenient tip-up barrel, simplifying the loading and unloading process.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Taurus PT-22 involves the following key steps:

• Regular Cleaning and Lubrication:
  Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to keep the Taurus PT-22 functioning properly. After each use, the pistol should be field-stripped and cleaned with a solvent and a cleaning brush. The barrel, slide, and other components should be wiped down with a clean cloth and then lubricated with high-quality gun oil. This will help prevent dirt and debris from getting lodged in critical parts, which can lead to safety malfunctions.
• Proper Storage to Prevent Rust and Corrosion:
  Proper storage is important to prevent rust and corrosion, which can affect both internal components as well as the exterior finish of the Taurus PT-22. The pistol should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high humidity. It is also recommended to store the pistol in a gun safe or a locked container to prevent unauthorized access.
• Inspection for Wear or Damage:
  Regular inspection of the Taurus PT-22 is important to identify any signs of wear or damage. The pistol should be inspected for cracks, dents, or other damage to the frame, slide, and other components. The magazine should also be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. Any worn or damaged parts should be replaced with new parts purchased from a reputable source.
• Magazine Maintenance:
  The magazine of the Taurus PT-22 should be well-maintained to prevent feeding problems. The magazine should be disassembled and cleaned regularly with a solvent and a cleaning brush. The spring should also be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. It is recommended to use only factory magazines and to avoid overloading the magazine, as this can cause feeding problems.
• Use of Factory Magazines and Recommended Ammunition:
  The Taurus PT-22 is designed to work best with factory magazines and the recommended ammunition type specified in the owner’s manual. Using non-factory magazines or the wrong type of ammunition can cause feeding problems and other malfunctions. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure reliable and safe operation of the pistol.

Alternative Options

If the Taurus PT-22 does not meet your specific needs, there are several alternative options available in the .22 Long Rifle pistol market, such as:

1. Ruger Mark IV: The Ruger Mark IV is a popular choice among .22 Long Rifle pistol enthusiasts. It features a polymer frame, a 10-round capacity, and a variety of customization options. The Ruger Mark IV is known for its reliability and accuracy.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P22: The Smith & Wesson M&P22 is a compact and lightweight pistol that is designed for concealed carry. It features a polymer frame, a 10-round capacity, and a variety of customization options. The Smith & Wesson M&P22 is known for its reliability and accuracy.
3. Beretta Jetfire: The Beretta Jetfire is a unique .22 Long Rifle pistol that features a blowback action and a 10-round capacity. It is known for its reliability and accuracy. The Beretta Jetfire is a popular choice among those who are looking for a pistol with a unique design.

User Reviews

The Taurus PT-22 has received mixed reviews from users. Some users have praised the pistol for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use, while others have reported issues with feeding problems, magazine disconnect safety, and sticky magazine wells.

• Positive reviews: Users have praised the Taurus PT-22 for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. Some users have reported that the pistol is a great choice for concealed carry and plinking.
• Negative reviews: Users have reported issues with feeding problems, magazine disconnect safety, and sticky magazine wells. Some users have reported that the pistol is not as reliable as other .22 Long Rifle pistols on the market.

Conclusion

The Taurus PT-22 is a compelling choice for those seeking a compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly semi-automatic pistol for concealed carry and personal defense. With its .22 Long Rifle chambering, it offers a blend of affordability, reliability, and ease of use, making it an attractive choice for everyday carry. Despite facing some criticism over magazine issues and a few design choices, its positives such as the high capacity, user-friendly features, and overall performance make it a compelling choice.

FAQs

1. What caliber is the Taurus PT-22 chambered for?
   • The Taurus PT-22 is chambered for the .22 Long Rifle caliber.
2. What is the capacity of the Taurus PT-22?
   • The capacity of the Taurus PT-22 is 8+1 rounds.
3. Is the Taurus PT-22 suitable for concealed carry?
   • Yes, its compact and lightweight design makes the Taurus PT-22 highly suitable for concealed carry.
4. Does the Taurus PT-22 have a safety feature?
   • Yes, it features a manual safety on the left side of the frame.
5. What are the main pros and cons of the Taurus PT-22?
   • Pros include its compact size, affordability, reliable performance, and high capacity. Cons include issues with the magazine disconnect safety, sticky magazine wells, and some reports of feeding problems with certain types of ammunition.
6. How does the double-action/single-action trigger system work on the PT-22?
   • The initial shot is fired in double-action mode, requiring more force to pull the trigger, while subsequent shots are fired in single-action mode, which requires less force.
7. What materials are used in the construction of the Taurus PT-22?
   • It has a polymer frame for lightweight and durability, and a stainless steel slide for longevity.
8. Can the Taurus PT-22 be used by individuals with smaller hands?
   • Yes, its compact size and ergonomic design make it suitable for individuals with smaller hands.
9. How should the Taurus PT-22 be maintained?
   • Regular cleaning and lubrication, proper storage, inspection for wear or damage, magazine maintenance, and the use of factory magazines and recommended ammunition are key to maintaining the PT-22.
10. Are there any known issues with the Taurus PT-22?
    • Some users have reported magazine disconnect safety annoyances, sticky magazine wells, feeding problems with certain ammunition, and reliability issues with the magazines.