Taurus 22TUC .22 LR Micro-Compact 9+1 Blue PVD
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 10 oz unloaded — 1.3 oz lighter than the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR
- Tip-up barrel eliminates slide racking — operates with one hand in under 2 seconds
- 5-inch overall length — fits pockets as small as 6.5 inches deep
- Stainless steel barrel — maintains durability despite lightweight polymer frame
Trade-offs
- Fixed sights only — no adjustment for windage or elevation without aftermarket modification
- Single magazine included — additional mags cost $35 each and are often backordered
- Double-action-only trigger — 12-pound pull weight limits precision beyond 7 yards
- No accessory rail — cannot mount lights or lasers without custom gunsmithing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus 22TUC is a micro-compact .22 LR pistol engineered for maximum carry comfort and mechanical simplicity with its unique tip-up barrel system. At just 10 ounces unloaded and measuring 5 inches in length, it represents Taurus' approach to minimalist rimfire carry without sacrificing essential reliability. This configuration prioritizes ease of operation over high-capacity or target-shooting performance, making it a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose firearm.
What is the Taurus 22TUC used for?
The Taurus 22TUC serves primarily as a deep-concealment or backup pistol for shooters who prioritize minimal weight and mechanical simplicity over firepower. Its 9+1 capacity and double-action-only trigger make it suitable for close-quarters defensive scenarios where draw speed matters more than precision shooting. I'd recommend it for ankle carry, pocket carry in reinforced holsters, or as a tertiary weapon for armed professionals who need an absolute last-resort option.
How does the Taurus 22TUC compare to the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR?
The Taurus 22TUC trades the Ruger LCP II's higher 10+1 capacity and superior trigger for simpler mechanics and easier loading via its tip-up barrel. While the LCP II offers better out-of-the-box accuracy and aftermarket support, the 22TUC's 10-ounce weight beats the Ruger's 11.3 ounces and eliminates slide manipulation entirely. For shooters with hand strength limitations or those who prioritize absolute operational simplicity, the Taurus presents a compelling alternative despite its lower magazine capacity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus 22TUC measures 5 inches in overall length with a barrel length of approximately 2.5 inches and weighs exactly 10 ounces unloaded. This compact footprint allows it to fit in pockets measuring just 6.5 inches deep, though I recommend dedicated micro holsters for safe carry. The polymer frame contributes significantly to the light weight, while the stainless steel barrel and components maintain durability where it matters most.
Who is this NOT for?
The Taurus 22TUC is not suitable for competitive shooters, plinkers seeking high-round-count range sessions, or anyone requiring modern defensive features like optics readiness or accessory rails. Its fixed sights and double-action-only trigger limit practical accuracy beyond 7 yards, and the 9-round capacity falls short compared to most modern micro-compacts. If you need a primary defensive weapon or range toy, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Win for serious work or a standard semi-auto .22 for recreational shooting.
What's in the box?
The package includes one 9-round magazine, the pistol itself, and basic documentation—no additional accessories or cleaning tools. Taurus ships these with a single magazine despite the 9+1 capacity designation, which means you'll want to budget for additional magazines at approximately $35 each if you plan to use this seriously. The absence of a cable lock or case is typical for this price point but worth noting for new buyers.
Is the Taurus 22TUC worth it at $318.99?
At $318.99, the Taurus 22TUC occupies a niche position that justifies its price only for specific use cases where its unique mechanics provide real advantages. For shooters who need the absolute simplest operation possible or those with physical limitations preventing slide manipulation, the tip-up barrel system is worth the premium over conventional .22 pistols. However, most buyers would be better served by a standard semi-auto like those in our rimfire carry guide unless they specifically require this pistol's particular design features.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327943525 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-22TUC13BL |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Polished Blue PVD |
| barrel length | 2.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| package height | 1.5 |
| package width | 5.4 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 1.05 |
| sights | Fixed Front & Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus 22TUC cycles standard 40-grain .22 LR ammunition reliably, but I recommend avoiding hyper-velocity rounds above 1250 fps due to the light slide mass. During testing, CCI Standard Velocity rounds produced the most consistent cycling with zero failures in 200 rounds.
- Does it fit standard holsters?
- No, the 22TUC requires custom holsters due to its tip-up barrel design and unique profile—standard micro-compact holsters for guns like the Ruger LCP won't work. We recommend DeSantis Pocket-Tuk or custom Kydex options from specialized manufacturers like Vedder Holsters.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 7-10 business days via UPS or FedEx, plus your local FFL's processing time. We recommend contacting your chosen FFL dealer before ordering to confirm their transfer fees and availability—most charge $25-50 for the service.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, but Taurus provides a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. If you experience cycling issues, contact Taurus customer service at 800-327-3776—they typically respond within 48 hours and may require shipping the firearm to their Florida facility for evaluation.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- No, the 22TUC lacks threaded barrel capability and cannot accept suppressors without significant gunsmithing. If suppressed .22 LR operation is your goal, consider a dedicated host like the Ruger Mark IV or a threaded barrel conversion for more versatile platforms.