Taurus TX22 Competition
The Taurus TX22 Competition is an expanded version of the popular TX22 platform, adding a longer 5.25″ barrel, 16+1 magazine capacity, a factory-optic-ready slide, and a refined match trigger in a full-size competition rimfire pistol that competes directly with the Ruger Mark IV Target and Smith & Wesson Victory at a significantly lower price point. For rimfire competition, plinking, and training, the TX22 Competition delivers features typically found on more expensive guns.
Read our full Taurus TX22 Competition Buying Guide ↓
TX22 Competition vs. Standard TX22: What’s the Upgrade?
The standard Taurus TX22 has a 4.1″ barrel, 16+1 capacity, and a striker-fired trigger suited for general plinking and training. The TX22 Competition extends the barrel to 5.25″ for more velocity and a longer sight radius, adds a factory-threaded muzzle (1/2″–28) for suppressor use, adds an optic cut on the slide for direct mounting of popular red dots, and refines the trigger for a lighter, crisper break suited to competition use. The Competition model is the better buy for any shooter who plans to use the gun in rimfire competition, wants to run a suppressor, or wants to mount an optic. The standard TX22 is sufficient for casual range use and training.
TX22 Competition for Rimfire Competition: USPSA and NRL22
The TX22 Competition is legal and capable in USPSA Rimfire Open and Rimfire Limited divisions, and in NRL22 rimfire precision competition. Its 16+1 capacity is among the highest of any production rimfire pistol, which minimizes reloads in high-round-count stages. The factory optic cut accepts most popular compact red dots directly—the Holosun 507K and Trijicon RMR are common competition choices. The 5.25″ barrel produces consistent accuracy with match-grade .22 LR ammunition; most TX22 Competition pistols group under 1″ at 25 yards with CCI Standard Velocity or similar. For a competitor who wants a capable, affordable rimfire competition pistol without the cost of a custom Ruger or dedicated race gun, the TX22 Competition is the strongest value in the category.
Is the TX22 Competition Reliable With .22 LR?
The TX22 Competition has a positive reliability record with quality .22 LR ammunition. Like most rimfire semi-automatics, it is more sensitive to ammunition quality than centerfire pistols—cheap bulk-pack ammunition with inconsistent powder charges can cause failures to cycle, particularly in cold temperatures when the striker spring is stiffer. For competition use, CCI Standard Velocity, CCI Mini-Mag, or Federal Champion 36-grain hollow point are reliable choices that most TX22 Competition pistols run consistently. The factory 16-round magazines feed reliably and are available as spare magazines from Taurus at reasonable prices. A 200-round break-in with your intended ammunition is recommended before competition or training sessions.
TX22 Competition vs. Ruger Mark IV Target: The Comparison
The Ruger Mark IV Target is the traditional benchmark for full-size competition .22 LR pistols and remains an excellent gun with a refined action and an enormous aftermarket. The TX22 Competition costs significantly less while delivering comparable barrel length, higher magazine capacity (16+1 vs. 10+1), and a faster-cycling striker-fired action vs. the Mark IV’s single-action hammer. The Mark IV’s single-action trigger is generally superior for precision benchrest accuracy; the TX22 Competition’s striker trigger is better suited to fast practical competition. For a competitor who shoots speed-focused rimfire events, the TX22 Competition’s higher capacity and more aggressive ergonomics are genuine advantages. For a precision shooter who wants the cleanest possible trigger for bullseye work, the Mark IV is the better platform.
Suppressor Use: The Threaded TX22 Competition
The TX22 Competition’s factory 1/2″–28 threaded barrel makes it suppressor-ready without any gunsmithing. .22 LR is one of the most satisfying calibers to suppress—standard velocity ammunition is naturally subsonic and produces very low report with a quality suppressor. Since January 1, 2026 the NFA tax stamp has been eliminated, making suppressor ownership more accessible than ever. A quality .22 LR suppressor paired with the TX22 Competition and CCI Standard Velocity ammunition creates one of the most enjoyable and quiet shooting experiences available. Subsonic ammunition is necessary to keep the report below the action cycling noise—supersonic .22 LR still produces a supersonic crack even when suppressed.
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Browse all Taurus firearms, compare with the standard Taurus TX22, or explore the Ruger Mark IV for a premium rimfire pistol alternative.
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