As you’re likely very aware, the Taurus TX22 has been the most popular 22 LR pistol on the market for the last couple of years. It earned its reputation as an extremely reliable, accurate, affordable option . . . then forced reset triggers hit the scene and TX22 sales went absolutely bonkers.
If you like the TX22 but want a little more oomph, Taurus just released the magnum solution in the TXM.
Available in 22 WMR (AKA 22 Magnum), 5.7x28mm, or in a kit with a magazine and complete slide assembly for both calibers, as tested here, the brand new Taurus TXM has your bases covered. Fun, capable, relatively inexpensive 22 Mag? Check. Fun, cult following, wallet-wounding 5.7×28? Also check. Made here in the U.S. of A.? Yep.
Made famous by FN for use in its Five-seveN pistol and P90 submachine gun, the FN 5.7x28mm cartridge is an interesting one. It looks almost exactly like a mini-scale 5.56 NATO round and, indeed, the “use case” for this little centerfire cartridge is quite similar: a high capacity, high velocity, lightweight projectile. It was designed to extend the range of 9mm and increase efficacy mainly by penetrating body armor.
In the case of the TXM, this bad boy holds 23+1 rounds of the 5.7 stuff in a stainless steel magazine. If you want a TXM in only 5.7×28, MSRP is $507.99 and it’s available with or without a threaded barrel. All models are optics-ready with Taurus’ T.O.R.O. system.
Set up for 22 WMR, the polymer magazine holds 15 rounds for a total capacity of 15+1. It’s also available with or without a threaded barrel at the low MSRP of $424.99.
Both calibers employ delayed-blowback operating mechanisms, though the 5.7 “upper” is much more serious with its steel slide construction and larger diameter, fluted barrel natively threaded 1/2×28.
Conversely, the 22 WMR’s slide is aluminum and the barrel is lighter in profile with a skinny little threaded muzzle on which an included 1/2×28 adapter must be installed for suppressed use (a la Walther P22 and similar pistols).
The dual captured spring recoil rod assemblies are not the same between the two calibers. Thankfully, they’re laser engraved at the base so you don’t mix ’em up.
A trigger safety blade is incorporated into the face of the trigger. It becomes nice and flush when depressed, so isn’t bothersome while shooting as some of these can be.
Ergonomics are great. 5.7×28 isn’t a short cartridge (1.594 inches long compared to a 9mm’s 1.168-inch length, a 22 LR’s 1.000-inch length, or even a 45 ACP’s 1.275-inch length), so the grip on a pistol chambered for it tends to feel pretty darn long, front-to-rear.
A Five-seveN, for instance? Chonky. I’ve shot all of the modern competitors to the TXM here and, while they all feel more svelte than the OG FN, none feel quite as good as the Taurus.
Dan and his self-proclaimed small hands had zero issues with this grip. The shape is really nice — it doesn’t feel like a weirdly-long (front-to-rear) slab — and the controls are designed well and placed appropriately to be reached by your strong hand thumb (assuming you’re correct-handed).
Grip texture will be familiar to owners of other Tauruses…Tauri? Taureans? I wouldn’t mind a little more aggressive bite, but the pebbling is comfortable and it’s grippy enough. It won’t tear up your skin if you’re carrying it IWB.
All TXM models are optics-ready. We slapped a Viridian RFX11 micro green dot on top, which fits natively onto the RMSc footprint slide cut. Green dots are great! So much more visible and generally crisper than red dots on bright days.
Out on the range — watch the SNW YouTube video — the TXM was fun and enjoyable to shoot. Lordy does a 22 WMR and especially the hot, bottlenecked 5.7 bark like a magnum when fired from a pistol! It’s the wildest thing, as both of these cartridges are exceptionally flat-shooting with very light recoil and minimal muzzle flip, yet the report sounds like a dang rifle uncorking.
Unless you’re shooting suppressed, of course. I slapped an old AAC Element II on the muzzle of each setup and was pleased with the 22 Mag and floored by the 5.7. While the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire sounded fine, it did throw specs of debris back in my face. Little tiny particles of unburned powder and whatever else.
With the 5.7 setup, Dan and I were both shocked at how darn nice it sounded. It went from an incredibly loud, explosive crack with noticeable concussion to about as nice and tame as a supersonic round can sound with great tone. Also of note, zero blowback to the face whatsoever.
I believe the delay in the 5.7 action is allowing more gas and pressure to leave the muzzle before the case is pulled entirely out of the chamber.
Of note: the suppressed 5.7 setup had a feeding hiccup on the second round in the magazine twice in a row, which didn’t happen when shooting unsuppressed. Dan and I are not done testing this pistol, and the next outing will feature a lighter weight, low backpressure suppressor that I believe the TXM’s 5.7 “upper” will like more. Additionally, maybe I’ll even lube it a little. We tested the TXM straight out of the box with zero clean/lube, no break-in, etc.
With a great trigger, great ergos, passable sights (or a good optic), and very low recoil, the Taurus TXM is a joy to shoot. Dan and I were picking off clay pigeon fragments on the bay berm at will.
While I’m not a member of the 5.7 cult, plenty of gun guys love it and swear by it. For sure, it’s a great varmint and predator hunting cartridge, and lots of folks believe it’s a fantastic self-defense option, too. With the right loads it’s certainly very capable, and the TXM is an undeniably awesome handgun through which to shoot it.
On the other hand, 22 WMR has been called “the 5.7×28 we have at home” and “the poor man’s 5.7.” That ain’t too far from the truth, and it offers a much more affordable way to send .224-caliber projectiles of very similar weights at quite similar velocities. It’s also far more reliable than 22 LR when it comes to primer ignition.
Whether you pick up the Taurus TXM in 22 Mag or 5.7, or pick up the kit that has both so you can use one for practice and fun and one for hunting and self-defense, it’s an awesome new addition to the market at a highly competitive price.
Specifications: Taurus TXM 5.7/22WMR Combo
MSRP: $757.99
