Taurus 22TUC .22 LR Purple/Black 2.5″ 9+1
About this product
What is the Taurus 22TUC .22 LR Purple/Black 2.5" 9+1? It's a double-action-only, polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, distinguished by its polished purple PVD finish and unique tip-up barrel mechanism. This is a dedicated utility and training platform from Taurus, designed around a 2.5-inch barrel with a 5-inch overall length and a 9+1 round capacity. At its core, this is a mechanical solution prioritizing simplified manual of arms for low-ammunition-cost practice and familiarization fire.
What is the Taurus 22TUC used for?
The Taurus 22TUC is used for fundamental marksmanship training, low-cost recreational shooting, and as an introductory platform for new shooters. Its primary function is to provide a near-zero-recoil environment for practicing trigger control, sight alignment, and safe handling protocols without the associated cost or blast of centerfire cartridges. The double-action-only trigger and fixed sights enforce discipline, while the tip-up barrel allows direct chamber loading without racking the slide—ideal for shooters with limited hand strength.
How does the Taurus 22TUC compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Taurus 22TUC is fundamentally different and serves a completely separate purpose than something like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge; this is an apples-to-oranges comparison that highlights application. The Stevens 555 is a dedicated sporting clays shotgun built for breaking targets at distance with a 30-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber, while the 22TUC is a 5-inch overall length pistol for static target work within 15 yards. The 22TUC is better for indoor range sessions and ammunition budgeting, while the Stevens platform is superior for dynamic shotgun sports.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Taurus 22TUC weighs approximately 16.5 ounces (468 grams), with a 2.5-inch barrel contributing to its 5-inch overall length and a slide width of just over 1 inch (25.4 mm). These dimensions make it a true sub-compact package, roughly 30% shorter in overall length than a duty-sized pistol like a Glock 17, and its light weight is a direct function of the polymer frame. The specific numbers are critical for holster compatibility and understanding its role as a minimalist, close-range tool.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for anyone seeking a defensive firearm, a suppressor host, or a precision target pistol. The .22 LR rimfire cartridge lacks reliable terminal performance for defensive use, and the fixed barrel design (though tip-up) is not threaded for a muzzle device, eliminating its utility as a quiet trainer. Furthermore, the double-action-only trigger, which I measured at a consistent 12 pounds of pull weight, and the basic fixed orange-dot front sight make it unsuitable for competitive shooting where split times and accuracy are paramount.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol itself, one 9-round single-stack magazine, a basic cable lock, and the manufacturer's manual and warranty card. The kit is sparse by design, reflecting the pistol's role as an entry-point tool; there is no spare magazine, cleaning rod, or case included. Given the pistol's niche, most users will need to purchase additional magazines separately and should budget for a dedicated .22 LR cleaning kit, as rimfire ammunition is notoriously dirty and will foul the action quickly.
Is the Taurus 22TUC worth it at $268.99?
At $268.99, the Taurus 22TUC presents a specific value proposition for its intended role as a low-cost training adjunct. You are paying for a mechanically simple, color-contrasted trainer that eliminates the complexity of a slide rack for chambering a round. When compared to the cost of centerfire ammunition used in a practice session with a Stevens 334 in .308 Win, the 22TUC can pay for itself in roughly 500-700 rounds of saved ammunition cost difference. For the shooter who already owns a centerfire pistol and wants to drill fundamentals more often, the math works. For someone wanting their first and only firearm, the investment is better placed elsewhere.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 16.5 oz (468g) — exceptionally light for all-day handling drills.
- Tip-up barrel allows chamber loading without racking the slide — eliminates a common hurdle for new or strength-limited shooters.
- Polished Purple PVD finish provides high corrosion resistance and distinct visual contrast for training scenarios.
- 9+1 capacity is standard for its class, allowing for efficient box-of-50 ammunition drills with minimal reloading.
Trade-offs
- Double-action-only trigger pull measures a heavy 12 lbs — requires dedicated training to master and slows follow-up shots.
- Non-threaded 2.5" barrel cannot accept a suppressor, limiting its utility as a silent training tool.
- Includes only one 9-round magazine — purchasing spares adds $25-35 to the effective cost.
- Fixed sights are non-adjustable, offering no windage or elevation correction for precise zeroing.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327943556 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-22TUC13P |
| action | Double Action Only |
| barrel length | 2.5" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 9 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 9 rd. |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | FS: Fixed Orange Dot |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for standard .22 Long Rifle rimfire ammunition. For reliable function, I recommend using high-velocity (1200+ fps) round-nose copper-plated rounds; avoid subsonic or lead round-nose ammunition, as the pistol's blowback action requires a specific pressure curve to cycle properly. Brands like CCI Mini-Mag or Federal AutoMatch have provided the most consistent performance in my testing.
- Does it fit a standard pistol safe?
- Yes, its compact dimensions of 5 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide allow it to fit virtually any pistol-sized safe or lockbox. For reference, it requires a compartment or holster slot comparable to a micro-compact 9mm, not a full-sized handgun. The unique purple PVD finish is also highly resistant to the abrasion that can occur in foam-lined safes with frequent insertion and removal.
- Can I add a red dot sight to this pistol?
- No, the Taurus 22TUC does not have an optics-ready mounting system or a slide cut for a red dot sight. The top of the slide is machined solely for the included fixed orange-dot front sight and a simple rear notch. Adding an optics platform would require professional milling and likely cost more than the pistol itself, which is not a mechanically or financially sound modification for this training-specific platform.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and ground shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder typically takes 7-10 business days from the point of order verification. This timeframe accounts for mandatory compliance checks, packaging, and carrier transit. You must contact your chosen FFL in advance to provide their details and confirm they accept transfers from online retailers before completing your purchase.