Guide

Taurus TX22 Gen 2 TORO TALO Black/Gold (4.6" Threaded) Review: Optic-Ready .22LR Pistol with Tandemkross Comp & High-Capacity Mags

Taurus TX22 Gen 2 TORO TALO Black/Gold (.22LR) — Optic-Ready, 4.6" Threaded Barrel, Tandemkross Comp, 22+1/16+1

Introduction

The Taurus TX22 Gen 2 TORO TALO .22LR 4.6in Threaded Barrel Black/Gold Optic Ready Semi-Auto Pistol w/ Tandemkross Comp is built for shooters who want maximum trigger time with minimum cost and fatigue—without giving up modern features like an optics cut and a suppressor-ready barrel. This TALO-exclusive package pairs the proven TX22 training/range format with a distinctive black-and-gold look (Gold PVD barrel), a factory optic-ready TORO slide cut, and an included Tandemkross compensator for flatter shooting and faster sight recovery.

If your goal is a rimfire pistol that can realistically mirror your centerfire red-dot setup, run a can, and feed from genuinely useful magazine capacities, this configuration checks the boxes while staying light, controllable, and upgrade-friendly.

Key Features and Specifications

Platform & action

  • Caliber: .22 LR
  • Action: Semi-automatic, striker-fired
  • Frame: Full-size polymer frame (durable and lightweight)

Barrel & muzzle compatibility

  • Barrel length: 4.6 inches (threaded)
  • Thread pitch: 1/2x28 (common for rimfire suppressors and muzzle devices)
  • Included muzzle device: Tandemkross “Steam Demon” compensator (included in this TALO package)

Optics-ready (TORO) capability

  • Optics cut: Taurus TORO (Taurus Optic Ready Option)
  • Footprint compatibility: Shield RMSc footprint micro red dots (direct-fit style for many RMSc-pattern optics)
  • Manufacturer mounting guidance (from TX22 Gen 2 manual): optic-mount threaded holes are M4 x 0.7; Taurus also specifies using threadlocker and torque guidance in the manual for safe installation. (taurususa.com)

Sights & controls

  • Sights: Fixed white-dot front; drift-adjustable rear (simple, durable backup system)
  • Safety: Manual safety (this model includes it)

Magazine package (real-world value)

  • Included magazines: (1) 22-round and (1) 16-round
  • Capacity callout: 22+1 and 16+1 (with one in the chamber)

Finish & appearance (TALO-exclusive vibe)

  • Slide/frame color: Black
  • Barrel finish: Gold PVD barrel (high-contrast, premium look)

Other practical design notes Taurus’ own TX22 TORO coverage highlights the red-dot-ready intent (RMSc footprint) and the usefulness of a frame rail for lights/lasers on TX22 variants, underscoring the “trainer that can be set up like a duty pistol” concept. (taurususa.com)

Practical Applications

1) High-volume training that actually translates to centerfire A rimfire pistol becomes dramatically more “serious” as a trainer when it’s:

  • Optics-ready (so your dot presentation and tracking are the same), and
  • Full-size (so grip, trigger reach, and handling are closer to your defensive pistol).

With the Taurus TX22 Gen 2 TORO TALO .22LR 4.6in Threaded Barrel Black/Gold Optic Ready Semi-Auto Pistol w/ Tandemkross Comp, you can build repetitions—draws, transitions, reloads, target-to-target movement—at rimfire cost while staying in the same sighting “ecosystem” as your centerfire RMSc-pattern dot setups.

2) Suppressor host / quiet range days The 1/2x28 threaded barrel is the most common rimfire suppressor interface in the U.S., which simplifies suppressor selection and reduces the need for specialty adapters. Add a quality .22 can and you have an excellent platform for:

  • Fundamentals practice (trigger control and dot discipline),
  • New shooter coaching (reduced blast and recoil), and
  • Steel or paper sessions where comfort matters.

3) Faster follow-ups with a compensator (especially with dots) The included Tandemkross compensator is geared toward reducing muzzle rise and helping the dot settle quicker. In practical terms, this can help shooters:

  • Call shots faster,
  • Track the dot through recoil better, and
  • Stay more consistent during rapid strings.

4) Rimfire competition and “action-style” practice Taurus has specifically discussed the TX22 (including TORO optics mounting) in the context of competition-style use, and the core features—high capacity, optic-ready, light weight—fit that niche well. (taurususa.com)

Expert Analysis

Why this specific TX22 Gen 2 TORO TALO configuration stands out

  • It’s already “built” in the directions most owners end up going. Many TX22 owners eventually add a dot, add a threaded muzzle device, and hunt for extra magazines. This package starts you there: optic-ready slide cut, threaded barrel, and two useful-capacity mags.
  • RMSc footprint is a practical choice for rimfire dots. RMSc-pattern optics tend to be compact and light—helpful on a .22 slide where keeping reciprocating mass reasonable can support reliability and feel.
  • The included comp is not just cosmetic. On a rimfire, recoil is already mild, but dot movement can still slow you down in rapid fire. A compensator can make the pistol feel even “flatter,” particularly for shooters trying to push speed.

Best-practice setup tips (range-focused, reliability-minded)

  • Optic mounting: Follow Taurus’ manual guidance on screw type/fit, threadlocker, and torque. Small fasteners and rimfire vibration can loosen hardware if you rush installation. (taurususa.com)
  • Muzzle device choice: If you plan to shoot suppressed most of the time, you may remove the compensator and run the suppressor direct-thread on 1/2x28. If you’re shooting unsuppressed and pushing speed, keep the comp installed.
  • Ammunition: Most .22 semi-autos run best when kept reasonably clean and fed quality high-velocity loads for break-in. After break-in, you can experiment with standard velocity or match loads depending on your goals.

Safety note worth reinforcing For range use, always wear eye protection that’s appropriately rated; OSHA recognizes eye/face protection compliance with ANSI Z87.1 standards in its regulations. (osha.gov)

Conclusion

The Taurus TX22 Gen 2 TORO TALO .22LR 4.6in Threaded Barrel Black/Gold Optic Ready Semi-Auto Pistol w/ Tandemkross Comp is a feature-rich rimfire pistol that’s purpose-built for modern shooting: red-dot ready (RMSc footprint), suppressor/muzzle-device ready (1/2x28 threaded), and packaged with genuinely useful magazine capacities.

If you want a do-it-all .22 pistol for high-volume practice, dot training, and range fun—with a distinctive black/gold TALO look and a compensator included—this TX22 variant is one of the most “ready to run” configurations in the category.

Sources