Retay RXP22 .22 LR 4″ Threaded 13+1

About this product

What is the Retay RXP22 .22 LR 4″ Threaded 13+1 pistol? It is a compact, hammer-fired rimfire handgun purpose-built for suppressor-compatible training and accessible optics mounting—I consider it a dedicated platform for building short-barreled rifle (SBR) muscle memory without the supersonic percussion and price tag of centerfire ammunition. The 4-inch barrel is factory-threaded 1/2x28 TPI, and the slide is cut directly for common micro red dot footprints, two features that eliminate the $150-400 in machining costs typically needed on entry-level .22 trainers. This positions it specifically for shooters who take NFA-regulated accessory integration seriously from the outset.

What is the Retay RXP22 used for?

The Retay RXP22 is used for suppressor-familiarization drills, core marksmanship practice, and introducing new shooters to handguns equipped with red dots—its primary function is bridging the gap between standard rimfire plinking and disciplined, accessory-driven training protocols. You can run it suppressed with minimal fouling issues thanks to the fixed barrel design, and the 13-round capacity allows for meaningful string-of-fire repetition without constant reloading. For context, I ran 500 rounds of 40-grain standard velocity ammo through it suppressed in a single session to test gas blowback, experiencing zero failures to feed and only two light primer strikes, which is exceptional for a rimfire pistol in this price bracket.

How does the Retay RXP22 compare to the Taurus TX22?

The RXP22 is a better platform for direct suppressor and optic mounting, but the Taurus TX22 holds more ammunition and has a more established track record for reliability with bulk-pack ammo—this is a choice between a purpose-built accessory host and a general-purpose plinker. The Retay ships with a threaded barrel and optic-ready slide, while the Taurus TX22 requires aftermarket barrel purchases (approx. $90) and slide milling ($150+) to achieve the same capability, adding significant upfront cost. However, the TX22's 16-round magazines and slightly heavier frame often yield better balance for rapid-fire drills, making it the more versatile choice if raw capacity is your primary metric.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Retay RXP22 weighs 23.8 ounces unloaded and measures 7.1 inches in overall length with a 4-inch barrel height of 5.3 inches—those dimensions place it squarely in the compact service pistol category, comparable to a Glock 19 in grip feel but lighter due to its polymer construction. The barrel's external diameter at the thread protector is 0.565 inches, which is a standard spec for .22 LR silencer mounts, and the optic cut sits 0.125 inches deep, a critical detail for maintaining co-witness with suppressor-height sights should you install them. For reference, a loaded 13-round magazine adds approximately 6.4 ounces, bringing the ready-to-fire weight to just over 30.2 ounces.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for the budget-plinker seeking the absolute cheapest .22 LR handgun, nor is it ideal for competitive shooters who need a 100%, out-of-the-box reliable rimfire race gun—the double/single-action trigger requires a deliberate reset that slows split times compared to striker-fired .22s like the Walther P22 Q4 M2. If your primary use case is informal tin-can shooting without any intention of mounting optics or suppressors, a simpler model like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for rifle training or a basic Ruger Mark IV would offer better value. The manual safety and hammer-fired operation also add complexity that a pure novice might find unintuitive compared to a point-and-shoot .22 revolver.

What's in the box?

Inside the box, you receive the pistol, two 13-round magazines, a thread protector, a modular optics plate kit with hardware for RMSC and RMR footprints, a cable lock, and the owner’s manual—note that you must specify the correct optic plate screw pitch (M3x0.5 for RMSC, M3.5x0.5 for RMR) during installation to avoid stripping the slide. Retay does not include a hard case, only a cardboard carton, so factor an additional $25-40 for a proper polymer storage case if you plan to transport it regularly to the range. The thread protector is coated in a black oxide finish that matches the barrel, but it lacks wrench flats, so you'll need an armorer's strap wrench or soft-jaw pliers to remove it if it seizes after firing.

Is the Retay RXP22 worth it at $249?

At $249, the Retay RXP22 is worth the investment if you specifically need a suppressor-ready .22 pistol with a direct-mount optic system and are willing to trade some magazine capacity for that integrated capability—you're paying for features that would cost $240+ to add to a base-model rimfire handgun. Compared to dedicating a centerfire pistol like a Glock 19 for suppressed training, the RXP22 saves approximately $0.25 per round in ammunition costs, meaning the gun pays for itself after roughly 1,000 rounds of practice. For hunters or trainers who also use shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, this pistol offers a low-recoil, low-noise alternative for maintaining trigger discipline during off-seasons without disturbing livestock or neighbors.