Preowned, Taurus PT22 Sub-Compact Pistol, .22 LR, DAO, 2.8″ Barrel

Whether you’re plinking at a gravel pit outside Nashville, keeping a discreet companion on a hike through the Smokies, or introducing a new shooter to the sport at a local range in Knoxville, a reliable .22 LR pistol has a place in most Tennessee shooters’ bags. The preowned Taurus PT22 sub-compact offers a lightweight, easy-to-manage platform that fits naturally into a toolbox or a jacket pocket. For Tennessee gun owners looking for an affordable, low-recoil option that doesn’t require a dedicated range bag, this little pistol is a practical choice.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Taurus PT22 is a sub-compact, double-action-only (DAO) semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is designed for shooters who prioritize simplicity, low recoil, and a small footprint. This pistol is well-suited for casual target practice, informal plinking, and as a training tool for new shooters learning the fundamentals of handgun operation. It also serves as a low-cost option for pest control or small game hunting at close distances. Experienced shooters may find it useful as a backup or a “kit gun” for camping trips. It is not intended as a primary duty or self-defense firearm, but rather as a reliable, easy-to-carry companion for recreational use.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
• Action: Double Action Only (DAO) — consistent, long trigger pull for each shot
• Capacity: 8+1 rounds (one 8-round magazine included)
• Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 5.25 inches
• Weight: Approximately 12.3 ounces (unloaded) — very lightweight for carry
• Frame: Black polymer frame with textured grip panels
• Slide/Barrel Finish: Stainless steel finish (matte silver appearance)
• Sights: Fixed front and rear sights (integrated into the slide)
• Safety: Manual thumb safety lever; also features a firing pin block
• Magazine Release: Heel-clip style release (located at the bottom of the grip)
• Condition: Preowned — shows normal handling wear consistent with light use

Feature Deep-Dive

The Taurus PT22’s defining characteristic is its tip-up barrel design. Unlike most semi-automatic pistols, the barrel pivots upward from the frame when a lever on the right side of the slide is pressed. This allows the user to load a round directly into the chamber without needing to rack the slide. For shooters with limited hand strength or those who find slide manipulation difficult, this feature significantly reduces the effort required to operate the firearm. It also makes the pistol easier to unload safely, as the chamber can be visually inspected without cycling the action.

The double-action-only trigger system provides a consistent pull weight from the first shot to the last. This eliminates the need for a separate decocking procedure and simplifies the manual of arms. The trigger pull is long and smooth, with a weight of approximately 8 to 10 pounds. While this may not be ideal for precision target work, it contributes to a margin of safety for new shooters. The DAO system also means there is no external hammer to snag on clothing, which aids in concealed carry.

The polymer frame keeps the overall weight low, making the PT22 easy to carry in a pocket or a small holster. The grip is slim and short, accommodating smaller hands comfortably. The textured panels on the grip provide a secure hold, even with sweaty or gloved hands. The stainless steel slide and barrel offer resistance to rust and corrosion, which is a practical benefit for Tennessee’s humid summers. The fixed sights are low-profile and do not protrude, further reducing the chance of snagging during a draw.

One practical consideration with the PT22 is its magazine release. It uses a heel-clip release at the base of the grip, rather than a button behind the trigger guard. This design is less common on modern pistols but is reliable and prevents accidental magazine drops. Changing magazines requires a deliberate two-handed motion, which some shooters find slower than a thumb release. However, for a low-capacity .22 LR pistol used primarily for plinking, this is rarely a significant drawback.

The preowned condition of this specific PT22 means it has been previously fired and carried. Our team has inspected it for function and safety, and it is in good working order. The finish shows typical handling marks, such as light scratches on the slide and frame, but no major damage or excessive wear. The bore is clean with sharp rifling. This is a solid, functional example of a budget-friendly pistol that offers a unique loading mechanism not found on most modern handguns.

As a .22 LR pistol, the PT22 produces minimal recoil and report. This makes it an excellent choice for introducing new shooters to handgun handling without the intimidation factor of larger calibers. It is also a very economical firearm to shoot, as .22 LR ammunition is generally the least expensive centerfire-equivalent rimfire round available. For Tennessee shooters who enjoy frequent range trips, the cost savings add up quickly.

Ideal Use Cases

• Recreational Plinking: The low cost of .22 LR ammo and the pistol’s light weight make it a fun, affordable option for informal target shooting at the range or on private land.
• New Shooter Training: The low recoil, simple DAO trigger, and tip-up barrel make this a very forgiving platform for beginners learning sight alignment and trigger control.
• Small Game Hunting: With the right ammunition, the PT22 is capable of taking squirrels, rabbits, and other small game at close ranges (under 25 yards).
• Backup or Kit Gun: Its compact size and light weight make it easy to stash in a backpack, tackle box, or survival kit for camping or hiking trips.
• Pocket Carry (Limited): While not a primary defensive pistol, some shooters use it as a deep-concealment option when larger firearms are impractical. The DAO trigger and tip-up barrel reduce the risk of snagging during a draw.

Compatibility Notes

This pistol is chambered for .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition only. Do not use .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 Magnum rounds. It will function with standard-velocity and high-velocity .22 LR ammunition, but some subsonic loads may not generate enough energy to cycle the slide reliably. For best results, use high-velocity rounds like CCI Mini-Mag or Remington Golden Bullet. The pistol ships with one 8-round magazine. Additional magazines are available from Taurus or aftermarket suppliers. Holsters designed for the Taurus PT22 are available, but due to its unique shape, a pocket holster or a generic small-frame holster is often the best fit. The tip-up barrel design means the pistol can be loaded with the safety on, which is a notable feature for safe handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this pistol be shipped directly to my home in Tennessee?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed dealer (FFL) be shipped to another FFL for transfer. We will ship this preowned Taurus PT22 to a licensed firearms dealer in Tennessee of your choice. You must provide us with the dealer’s FFL information before we can ship. We cannot ship to a residential address.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee residents?
After your purchase, you will need to select a local FFL dealer in Tennessee (we can recommend one if needed). Provide us with their contact information and FFL number. We will ship the pistol to that dealer. You will then visit the dealer, complete a federal background check (Form 4473), and pay any transfer fee the dealer charges (typically $20–$40). Once cleared, you can take the pistol home. Tennessee does not require a permit to purchase a handgun, but a valid state ID is required for the background check.

3. What .22 LR ammunition works best in this pistol?
The Taurus PT22 functions most reliably with high-velocity .22 LR ammunition. Brands like CCI Mini-Mag, Federal AutoMatch, and Remington Golden Bullet are commonly recommended. Avoid subsonic or standard-velocity loads, as they may not provide enough energy to cycle the slide. Lead round nose (LRN) or copper-plated bullets are both acceptable. We suggest testing a few different brands to see what your specific pistol prefers.

4. Does this preowned pistol come with a warranty?
This pistol is sold as-is, preowned. It does not carry the original manufacturer’s warranty from Taurus. However, we stand behind our inspection process. If you receive the pistol and it is not in the described condition (non-functional, damaged, or missing parts), contact us within 72 hours of delivery. We will work with you to resolve the issue, which may include a return, exchange, or repair. No warranty is provided for normal wear or ammunition-related issues.

5. What is your return policy on preowned firearms?
We accept returns on preowned firearms within 7 days of delivery, provided the firearm is in the same condition as shipped. All returns must be processed through an FFL dealer. You are responsible for return shipping costs and any transfer fees. If the firearm is defective or not as described, we will cover return shipping. We do not accept returns for reasons of personal preference (e.g., “I changed my mind” or “it doesn’t fit my hand”). Please inspect the pistol carefully upon receipt.

Closing Call to Action

This preowned Taurus PT22 is available now for purchase and can be shipped to any licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee. Whether you’re in Memphis, Chattanooga, Johnson City, or anywhere in between, we handle the shipping logistics to get this little .22 LR pistol to your local shop. Add it to your cart, and we’ll coordinate the FFL transfer details after your order is placed. For Tennessee shooters looking for a lightweight, low-recoil plinker with a unique tip-up barrel, this is a solid, affordable option ready for its next owner.