Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2: How Taurus Made a Good .22 Pistol Better

Quick Answer

The Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 takes one of Taurus's most successful modern rimfire concepts and brings it closer to what shooters now expect from a full-size training and recreational pistol.

The basic idea behind the TX22 hasn't changed much, and that's a good thing.

Instead of designing a .22 LR handgun that feels distinctly like a traditional rimfire pistol, Taurus built the TX22 around centerfire-style ergonomics, familiar controls, useful magazine capacity, and a full-size grip. That made the original TX22 particularly appealing for inexpensive range practice, introducing newer shooters to semiautomatic handguns, and simply spending an afternoon shooting .22 LR.

The Gen 2 T.O.R.O. builds on that formula with an optics-ready configuration while incorporating the updates Taurus made to the second-generation TX22 platform.

"T.O.R.O." stands for Taurus Optic Ready Option, and that's arguably the most important distinction for buyers looking at this particular version. Rather than treating a rimfire pistol as something that should automatically remain iron-sight-only, Taurus recognizes that many shooters now want to practice with the same general sighting system they use on their centerfire handguns.

That gives the TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 a clear purpose:

It's an affordable .22 LR pistol designed to feel and function more like the modern handguns many shooters already own.

Key Takeaways

• The TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 is a full-size .22 LR semiautomatic intended primarily for recreational shooting and training.
• The T.O.R.O. configuration adds factory optics capability, making the pistol more relevant for shooters who regularly use handgun-mounted red dots.
• Gen 2 retains the TX22's familiar centerfire-style ergonomics while adding a heavier-profile barrel, updated slide design, and expanded magazine-capacity options rather than completely redesigning the platform.
• Magazine capacity remains one of the TX22 family's major attractions. Full-size Gen 2 configurations are offered with higher-capacity magazines, including 22-round versions, while restricted-capacity models are also available depending on SKU and jurisdiction.
• The TX22's strongest argument isn't that it replaces a centerfire pistol. It's that it provides a lower-cost, low-recoil platform for high-volume practice and recreational shooting while retaining familiar modern-pistol characteristics.

Why the Original TX22 Worked

When the original TX22 arrived, Taurus took a somewhat different approach from many established .22 LR semiautomatics.

Traditional rimfire pistols such as the Ruger Mark series and Browning Buck Mark are excellent examples of designs built specifically around the .22 LR cartridge. They have their own grip angles, controls, balance, and overall shooting characteristics.

Taurus instead made the TX22 feel more like a contemporary centerfire handgun.

That distinction mattered.

The grip filled the hand more like a service-style pistol. Controls were positioned where modern semiautomatic-pistol shooters expected to find them. The slide profile and overall handling didn't make the shooter feel as though they had switched into an entirely different category of firearm just because the cartridge changed.

For recreational shooting, that made the TX22 approachable.

For training, it made the pistol considerably more interesting.

A shooter could work on basic sight alignment, trigger control, grip consistency, target transitions, and manipulation using inexpensive .22 LR ammunition while handling something that felt more familiar than many traditional rimfire designs.

It wasn't intended to perfectly duplicate the recoil or operating characteristics of a centerfire carry pistol.

It didn't need to.

The TX22 succeeded because it made .22 LR practice feel familiar without pretending .22 LR and 9mm are the same thing.

What Gen 2 Changed

The second-generation TX22 isn't a ground-up replacement for the original pistol. Taurus kept the basic full-size polymer-frame architecture and concentrated on updating the components surrounding it.

One of the most significant changes is the barrel. Gen 2 moved to a heavier-profile barrel while retaining the threaded-muzzle capability associated with the platform.

Taurus also revised the slide, incorporating lightening cuts that become particularly relevant on the T.O.R.O. model because adding an optic increases reciprocating mass.

Current full-size Gen 2 configurations use a 4.1- or 4.6-inch barrel depending on SKU, weigh roughly 19 ounces, and are offered with 10-, 16-, or 22-round magazines.

Capacity also increased. While the original full-size TX22 became well known for offering more capacity than many traditional rimfire pistols, Gen 2 expanded the concept with higher-capacity factory magazine options, including 22-round configurations alongside lower-capacity versions where applicable.

The important point is that Taurus didn't abandon the formula that made the original TX22 successful.

The full-size grip, polymer frame, familiar controls, accessory rail, Performance Trigger System, and centerfire-style handling philosophy remain recognizable.

Gen 2 instead modernizes the platform around how shooters increasingly use contemporary semiautomatic pistols.

The T.O.R.O. version takes that evolution one step further by adding direct factory support for a slide-mounted red-dot optic.

Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2

The TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 is the model we'd focus on if the goal is getting the most contemporary version of the full-size TX22 concept.

Its appeal begins with the same ergonomics that made the original successful.

This is still a lightweight, polymer-frame .22 LR pistol with a full-size grip and controls arranged around the expectations of modern semiautomatic-pistol shooters. It isn't trying to become a dedicated bullseye pistol or specialized competition gun.

The T.O.R.O. system adds another layer to that trainer-oriented identity by providing a factory optic cut for compatible micro red-dot sights.

That's more significant today than it would have been when the original TX22 appeared.

Red dots have moved steadily into mainstream handgun use. Carry pistols, full-size duty-style handguns, competition guns, and recreational pistols are increasingly offered optics ready from the factory.

For someone learning to use a pistol-mounted optic, practicing exclusively with centerfire ammunition can become expensive.

A .22 LR platform gives the shooter another way to spend substantial time working with the visual aspects of a dot-equipped handgun.

There are limits to that comparison.

The TX22's recoil impulse, slide movement, weight, trigger, and overall balance aren't identical to a centerfire pistol. It shouldn't be treated as a perfect substitute for practicing with the firearm you actually carry or otherwise rely upon.

But it can supplement that practice.

And that distinction is central to understanding why the T.O.R.O. model is useful.

The Optics-Ready Slide Is More Than a Feature-List Upgrade

It's easy to dismiss optics readiness as something manufacturers now add simply because the market expects it.

On the TX22, it has a particularly logical application.

A rimfire pistol can consume hundreds of rounds during a normal range session without the ammunition expense or fatigue associated with equivalent volumes of many centerfire cartridges.

That makes it a natural platform for becoming more comfortable finding and tracking a red dot.

Shooters should still verify the exact optic footprint, screw requirements, and installation specifications for the specific TX22 T.O.R.O. configuration before mounting an optic.

But having the capability from the factory is preferable to treating optics as an aftermarket afterthought.

It also broadens what the TX22 can be.

With iron sights, it remains a straightforward recreational .22.

With an optic, it becomes a more relevant trainer for the increasingly large number of shooters using red dots elsewhere.

Capacity Is Still Part of the TX22 Appeal

The TX22 also helped move rimfire pistols away from the assumption that roughly 10 rounds was simply what a .22 LR semiautomatic magazine should hold.

The Gen 2 family continues that emphasis on useful capacity, with current full-size configurations offered in 10-, 16-, and 22-round magazine capacities depending on SKU and jurisdiction.

For recreational shooting, additional capacity primarily means less time loading magazines and more time actually shooting.

That's not glamorous, but on a .22 LR pistol it's genuinely useful.

A typical TX22 owner may shoot several hundred rounds during one outing. Magazine capacity becomes much more noticeable in that context than it does when someone fires only a box or two of ammunition.

Buyers should still check the exact SKU rather than assuming every TX22 Gen 2 package ships with identical magazines.

A .22 LR Pistol Still Has .22 LR Characteristics

This is where expectations need to remain reasonable.

The TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 may look and handle like a modern centerfire pistol, but it still operates with rimfire ammunition.

.22 LR ammunition varies considerably across manufacturers, bullet designs, velocities, and quality levels. Rimfire priming itself is also fundamentally different from centerfire ammunition.

That means ammunition choice can have a noticeable effect on how any semiautomatic .22 behaves.

A pistol functioning well with one load doesn't guarantee identical results with every inexpensive bulk load available.

For someone buying a TX22 primarily as a high-volume trainer, ammunition compatibility is therefore worth establishing early.

Follow Taurus's recommendations, try reputable factory loads, and determine what functions consistently in the individual pistol.

That isn't unique to Taurus.

It's part of owning a semiautomatic rimfire.

Current Testing Gives the Full-Size TX22 a Strong Showing

Recent 2026 testing provides a useful data point.

In Lucky Gunner's June 2026 Project Rimfire evaluation of the TX22, the reviewer fired 500 rounds through a full-size TX22 T.O.R.O. without a malfunction, consisting of 200 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity and 300 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag.

In Lucky Gunner's broader June 2026 comparison of 11 current .22 trainer pistols, the full-size TX22 T.O.R.O. was the reviewer's overall top pick and also placed first in the speed test.

That shouldn't be interpreted as a guarantee that every TX22 will run 500 rounds without interruption.

One pistol, two ammunition types, and one test cannot establish universal reliability.

But it's useful current evidence because rimfire reliability is one of the first questions prospective TX22 buyers are likely to ask.

It also reinforces an important point:

The Gen 2 T.O.R.O. isn't interesting because Taurus completely reinvented the TX22.

It's interesting because Taurus continued refining a formula that was already unusually well suited to inexpensive, high-volume handgun practice.

TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 vs. TX22 Compact

The full-size TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 isn't the only way into the TX22 family.

Taurus also offers the TX22 Compact, which takes the same general idea, an approachable, modern .22 LR semiautomatic, and puts it into a smaller package.

The distinction matters because these pistols serve slightly different buyers.

The full-size T.O.R.O. Gen 2 provides more gripping surface and maintains the service-pistol-like dimensions that make the TX22 useful as a general trainer.

The Compact prioritizes reduced dimensions while remaining optics ready.

That means the choice isn't simply optics versus no optics.

It's primarily about overall size, grip dimensions, capacity, and the optic ecosystem each configuration supports.

If training is the primary objective, we'd lean toward the full-size T.O.R.O. for most buyers.

A larger grip and full-size format generally make it a better stand-in for the contemporary centerfire pistols many shooters are trying to supplement.

If portability and minimum dimensions matter more, the Compact deserves consideration.

Neither approach is automatically better.

The question is whether you want the TX22 primarily to be a full-size training pistol or a smaller recreational rimfire.

Reliability Matters More Than the Spec Sheet

A .22 LR pistol can have excellent ergonomics, high capacity, and an attractive price and still become frustrating if it doesn't run consistently.

That's why reliability deserves more attention with the TX22 than another paragraph about grip texture or slide serrations.

As noted earlier, Lucky Gunner's June 2026 testing produced an encouraging result with the full-size TX22 T.O.R.O.: 500 rounds without a malfunction using CCI Standard Velocity and CCI Mini-Mag ammunition.

Interestingly, the same review didn't have an equally trouble-free experience with its particular TX22 Compact.

The reviewer reported roughly two or three extraction-related failures per 100 rounds with the Compact and suspected an issue with that individual pistol's chamber.

That doesn't establish that all full-size TX22s are reliable or that TX22 Compacts aren't.

It illustrates something much more useful for prospective buyers:

Rimfire reliability should be evaluated with the individual firearm and ammunition you actually intend to use.

A 500-round trouble-free sample is encouraging.

It isn't a guarantee.

Don't Judge a Rimfire Pistol With One Box of Ammunition

.22 LR can vary substantially between loads.

Different ammunition can use different projectile profiles, velocities, lubrication, and overall quality.

Semiautomatic rimfires can consequently show stronger preferences for certain ammunition than many centerfire pistols.

If a new TX22 struggles with one inexpensive bulk load, that doesn't necessarily establish that the pistol is fundamentally unreliable.

Conversely, running flawlessly through a few magazines doesn't prove that it will function equally well with everything.

For a pistol intended to consume large quantities of ammunition, it makes sense to determine which reputable factory loads operate consistently in your particular example and follow Taurus's maintenance and ammunition recommendations.

Why the T.O.R.O. Makes Sense as a Red-Dot Trainer

This may be the strongest argument for choosing the T.O.R.O. over a basic rimfire pistol.

Learning a handgun-mounted red dot involves more than simply putting the dot on the target.

A shooter needs to develop a consistent presentation so the dot appears naturally in the optic window rather than requiring the pistol to be moved around searching for it.

Maintaining visual focus and tracking the sighting system through repeated presentations also take practice.

A .22 LR pistol can provide an economical way to accumulate those repetitions.

The TX22 T.O.R.O. is particularly well suited to that role because the rest of the handgun already resembles a modern centerfire semiautomatic more closely than many traditional rimfire designs.

That still doesn't make it a substitute for centerfire practice.

A shooter using a 9mm carry pistol should still train with that firearm.

Recoil management, trigger characteristics, controls, grip dimensions, and overall handling aren't going to be identical.

Think of the TX22 as a supplemental training tool, not a replacement.

Where the TX22 T.O.R.O. Fits in the Taurus Family

The full-size T.O.R.O. occupies what may be the most versatile position.

It preserves the larger format that made the TX22 useful as a trainer while adding the optics capability increasingly relevant to modern handgun owners.

The Compact has a reason to exist, but smaller isn't necessarily better for a pistol primarily purchased to shoot inexpensive ammunition at the range.

How Does the TX22 Compare With Traditional .22 Pistols?

The TX22 isn't necessarily trying to beat firearms such as the Ruger Mark IV or Browning Buck Mark at their own game.

Those platforms represent a more traditional dedicated-rimfire approach and have long histories among recreational and target shooters.

The TX22 takes a different path.

Its controls, grip, slide, and overall layout deliberately feel closer to a contemporary centerfire semiautomatic.

That makes the buying decision easier than trying to declare one design universally superior.

If your priority is a dedicated rimfire target pistol, traditional .22 designs deserve serious consideration.

If you want a rimfire that behaves more like the modern semiautomatic handguns already occupying your range bag, the TX22's design philosophy becomes much more attractive.

Is the Gen 2 Worth Choosing Over an Original TX22?

For someone buying new today, the Gen 2 is generally the version we'd investigate first.

Taurus retained the original TX22's full-size polymer-frame layout, familiar controls, accessory rail, and trainer-oriented ergonomics while revising the barrel, slide, and magazine-capacity options for Gen 2.

The T.O.R.O. configuration strengthens that argument for shooters who use pistol-mounted optics because it adds a factory optic cut without abandoning the full-size TX22's established ergonomics.

Existing original-TX22 owners have a different decision.

If your pistol functions reliably and does everything you want, there's no reason to treat it as obsolete simply because Gen 2 exists.

The upgrade becomes more compelling when the newer configuration or factory optics capability solves something your current pistol doesn't.

Replacing a perfectly satisfactory rimfire solely because a newer generation exists is a much harder value proposition.

Who Should Consider the TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2?

The strongest candidate is someone who expects to shoot a lot of .22 LR.

That could be an experienced handgun owner wanting an inexpensive supplemental trainer, a red-dot shooter looking to accumulate more repetitions, or a recreational shooter who simply wants a modern semiautomatic rimfire with useful capacity.

It's also worth considering for newer shooters.

The relatively mild recoil of .22 LR can make learning basic handgun fundamentals more approachable, although appropriate eye and hearing protection remain essential.

However, new shooters still need appropriate supervision and instruction, and the TX22's light recoil shouldn't encourage casual firearm handling.

The T.O.R.O. version makes particular sense if optics are already part of the plan.

If you know you'll never mount a red dot, paying specifically for optics capability becomes less important.

Who Should Look at Something Else?

A dedicated precision-oriented rimfire shooter may prefer a pistol designed more explicitly around target shooting.

Likewise, someone wanting a rimfire that closely duplicates a specific centerfire handgun may be better served by a .22 LR version or conversion designed around that particular platform, where available and appropriate.

And buyers expecting .22 LR to provide a perfect substitute for centerfire practice should reconsider the premise.

The TX22 can help build repetitions economically.

It cannot reproduce centerfire recoil.

What to Consider Before Buying

Start with the intended purpose.

If this will primarily be a recreational range pistol, prioritize reliability with readily available ammunition, ergonomics, magazine availability, and overall value.

If you're buying it specifically as an optics trainer, verify the exact T.O.R.O. SKU and optic interface before ordering a sight. Not every micro red dot uses the same mounting footprint or hardware.

Magazine configuration also deserves attention. Taurus offers multiple TX22 configurations, and capacities can differ by SKU or jurisdiction.

Finally, budget for ammunition.

That may sound obvious, but the entire appeal of a pistol like the TX22 is that it encourages high-volume shooting.

A slightly more expensive firearm that you can afford to practice with frequently may ultimately provide more value than a centerfire handgun that rarely leaves the safe because every range trip costs considerably more.

Did Taurus Actually Make the TX22 Better?

That's the question behind this entire article.

So far, the answer looks like yes, but largely because Taurus resisted changing the things that already worked.

The original TX22 established the formula: modern ergonomics, useful capacity, approachable .22 LR recoil, and a design that felt more like a contemporary semiautomatic handgun than a traditional rimfire target pistol.

Gen 2 refines that platform.

The T.O.R.O. configuration then adds a feature that has become increasingly relevant to today's handgun market: factory support for a red-dot optic.

None of that makes the TX22 revolutionary.

It doesn't need to.

The original pistol already had a strong identity.

The TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 succeeds by making that identity more useful for the way people are shooting handguns today.

Final Thoughts: The TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 Keeps the Formula Focused

The Taurus TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 works because Taurus didn't try to turn the pistol into something it was never meant to be.

It remains a lightweight, modern .22 LR semiautomatic built around high-volume recreational shooting, approachable training, and familiar centerfire-style ergonomics.

The Gen 2 updates refine the platform, while the T.O.R.O. configuration adds factory optics capability that makes the pistol more relevant to shooters using red dots on their centerfire handguns.

That doesn't mean it replaces a 9mm trainer, carry gun, or dedicated target pistol.

It fills a different role.

For someone who wants to shoot a lot, spend less on ammunition, work with a familiar semiautomatic layout, and optionally add a red dot, the TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 makes a strong case.

The biggest caveat is the same one that applies to any semiautomatic rimfire: ammunition and individual-firearm reliability matter.

The recent 500-round trouble-free test of a full-size T.O.R.O. is encouraging, but buyers should still verify function with their own pistol and chosen ammunition.

The original TX22 was already a good idea.

The Gen 2 T.O.R.O. simply makes that idea more complete for the way many shooters train and plink today.

The TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 demonstrates how far the modern .22 LR pistol has moved beyond the traditional plinker. Its centerfire-style ergonomics, accessory rail, generous magazine capacity, and optics-ready configuration allow shooters to build a rimfire setup that more closely resembles the equipment and handling characteristics of today's centerfire handguns.

If you're interested in the larger trend behind pistols like the TX22, our look at the rise of modern rimfire trainers explores why .22 LR training platforms have become increasingly appealing to modern shooters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does T.O.R.O. mean on the Taurus TX22?

T.O.R.O. stands for Taurus Optic Ready Option. On the full-size TX22 Gen 2 discussed here, the T.O.R.O. configuration uses a factory optic-ready slide designed for compatible micro red-dot sights. Buyers should verify the exact mounting footprint and hardware for the specific SKU and optic.

Is the TX22 T.O.R.O. Gen 2 good for training?

It can be an excellent supplemental trainer because of its low recoil, affordable .22 LR ammunition, modern controls, and centerfire-style ergonomics. It should not replace practice with the actual centerfire pistol you intend to use.

Is the TX22 Gen 2 reliable?

Recent testing of one full-size TX22 T.O.R.O. produced 500 rounds without a malfunction, but rimfire reliability can vary by pistol and ammunition. Buyers should test the specific loads they plan to use.

Is the full-size TX22 better than the Compact?

Not universally. The full-size T.O.R.O. makes more sense for many shooters focused on training and range use, while the Compact is better suited to buyers prioritizing smaller dimensions.

Should I buy the optics-ready version if I plan to use iron sights?

It can still make sense because it preserves the option to add a compatible optic later. If you know you will never use a red dot, a non-optics-ready configuration may offer better value.

About the Author

The ProArmory editorial team includes experienced hunters, competitive shooters, military veterans, firearms instructors, and firearms industry professionals committed to producing accurate, practical, and research-based content. Our articles draw on manufacturer specifications, current industry information, and real-world shooting experience to help readers make informed decisions about firearms, ammunition, optics, and related equipment.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Product specifications, magazine capacities, optic compatibility, and availability can change, so verify the exact current Taurus model before purchasing.

Always use ammunition of the correct caliber and specification for the firearm, follow Taurus and ammunition manufacturer instructions, and verify optic and mounting compatibility before installation.

Firearm ownership, transportation, magazine capacity, and other requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change. Always follow established firearm-safety practices.