What model is my Taurus TX22?

Posted by Joe on 4th Sep 2026

Published Sept 4, 2026 | Lakeline LLC Staff | Buyer's Guides | .22 LR

What Model is My Taurus TX22 - Determining the Differences in Model Types

The Taurus TX22 is an affordable and fun .22 LR pistol that is great for training and plinking. The popularity of the TX22 has been high becasuse there are Forced Reset Trigger options available for sport shooters. Rapid fire reasons to get in on the fun, for sure!

We get a lot of questions from customers looking to upgrade parts and components to improve the performance of their TX22s - both with and without the use of an FRT. Many parts are compatible across models, but several key components are not. Many shooters are confused about what model TX22 they have (rightly) and it is easy to become even more confused when a google search sends you down a Reddit rabbit hole (rightly or wrongly).

We want to try to make this easy! This is a comparison of the TX22 model family in factory configuration.

The Original: Taurus TX22 Standard (aka Gen1)

Identifying Features

Full Sized Grip — Bottom of the trigger guard to the top of the magwell is approximately 2-1/2".
Pencil Barrel — This barrel is approximately 3/8" in diameter and comes in both standard and threaded; the threaded Gen1 barrel requires an adapter to convert it to the 1/2"x28 RH (1/2" standard, 28 threads per inch with a right hand twist) common standard that is typically used on compensators and suppressors.
Wide "Taurus Style" rear sight — Width is approximately 3/4".
Closed Top Slide — No lightening windows
Picatinny Rail — Two slot Pic Rail.

Taurus TX22 Gen1

The Next Generation: Taurus TX22 Standard Gen2

Identifying Features

Full Sized Grip — Bottom of the trigger guard to the top of the magwell is approximately 2-1/2".
Bull Barrel — This barrel is approximately 5/8" in diameter and protrudes about 1/2" out of the slide muzzle.
Narrow "Glock Style" rear sight — Width is approximately 1/4".
Open Top Slide — Open top slide and lightening windows
Picatinny Rail — Two slot Pic Rail.

Taurus TX22 Gen2

The Little Guy: Taurus TX22 Compact

Identifying Features

Compact Sized Grip — Bottom of the trigger guard to the top of the magwell is approximately 2".
Pencil Barrel — This barrel is approximately 3/8" in diameter and comes in both standard and threaded; the threaded Gen1 barrel requires an adapter to convert it to the 1/2"x28 RH (1/2" standard, 28 threads per inch with a right hand twist) common standard that is typically used on compensators and suppressors.
Narrow "Glock Style" rear sight — Width is approximately 1/4".
Open Top Slide — Open top slide and lightening windows
Picatinny Rail — One slot Pic Rail.

Taurus TX22 Compact

The Serious Dude in the Corner: Taurus TX22 Competition

Identifying Features

Full Sized Grip — Bottom of the trigger guard to the top of the magwell is approximately 2-1/2".
Bull Barrel — This barrel is approximately 5/8" in diameter and protrudes about 1/2" out of the slide muzzle.
Wide "Taurus Style" rear sight — Width is approximately 3/4".
"Topless" Slide — No lightening windows
Picatinny Rail — Two slot Pic Rail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .22 LR good for self-defense?

.22 LR is not a recommended caliber for primary self-defense use. Modern 9mm defensive ammunition significantly outperforms .22 LR in terminal ballistics. A .22 pistol is excellent for training, target shooting, and plinking — but for home defense or concealed carry, 9mm is the appropriate choice for most shooters.

How often do .22 LR pistols need to be cleaned?

.22 LR is a dirtier cartridge than centerfire ammunition because rimfire priming compounds leave more residue. Most .22 pistols benefit from a basic cleaning every 500 rounds, and a thorough cleaning every 1,000 rounds. Running the gun too dirty is a common cause of feeding and extraction failures with .22 LR.

What is the best .22 LR pistol for a kid or youth shooter?

The Kel-Tec P17 is an excellent choice for younger or smaller-handed shooters due to its lightweight frame and manageable grip size. The Taurus TX22 is also excellent for youth shooters who have enough hand strength to work a standard striker-fired pistol. Always supervise new shooters carefully and ensure proper hearing and eye protection.

Can I use a .22 LR pistol to train for concealed carry?

Yes — and this is one of the best uses of a .22 pistol. Training fundamentals (grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, draw stroke) transfer directly between calibers. Many experienced shooters do the majority of their training with .22 LR to reduce cost, then confirm their skills periodically with their carry caliber. The Taurus TX22 has ergonomics similar to many 9mm carry pistols, making the transition easy.

Does Lakeline LLC carry .22 LR ammunition?

Lakeline LLC is primarily a firearms retailer — for .22 LR ammunition, we recommend checking local sporting goods stores or online ammunition retailers. We carry the pistols, magazines, and accessories for all three models featured in this guide.

Our Recommendation

We carry a lot of upgrade and maintenance parts for the TX22 Family, but it is helpful to know what model you have. Still confused - Contact our team — we're glad to help new shooters get started on the right foot.

All firearm sales subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws. Customers must be legally eligible to purchase a firearm. Always supervise new and youth shooters. Prices and availability subject to change. California Proposition 65 Warning: Firearms and related accessories can expose you to lead and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.