Taurus 22TUC: Tip-Up Champion

Tuc it, let’s do this .22 LR thing.

Taurus says: If you can’t lug a .45, why not “tuc” a .22?

We’re going to go ahead and get the caveats out of the way right now. Yes, it’s true that rimfires are considered underpowered for self-defense. Most defensive experts recommend you start at a .380 and move up from there. But let’s face it: Not all gun owners can manage a full-sized firearm in a beefy defensive caliber. Grandma’s arthritis may not allow her to manage the recoil or manipulate a heavy slide. Then there are the practical issues related to everyday carry of a full-sized gun.

Let’s not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Any gun is better than no gun. And the new Taurus 22TUC is much more than just “any gun.” It may make all the difference in a defensive encounter.

The 22TUC wasn’t made specifically for beginners and those who struggle with hand strength, but it may as well have been! This compact and reliable .22 LR pistol was designed for everyday carry. It features a its user-friendly tip-up barrel design, so shooters can load effortlessly without the need to rack the slide. It has a double-action (DA) trigger similar to a revolver’s with a heavy hammer strike for dependable ignition–even with rimfires, and even under stress. You also get nine rounds (eight in the magazine and one in the chamber).

Let’s not forget that rimfire ammunition has come a long way recently, with more manufacturers producing .22 LR that’s been optimized for self-defense. Federal PUNCH and Winchester SilverTip .22 come immediately to mind. Federal Punch actually meets the FBI standard of 12″ of penetration in ballistic gel from popular short-barreled concealed-carry handguns.

Where the 22TUC really shines is its concealability. It weighs a mere 10 ounces unloaded (no, that is not a typo). Its overall length is a mere 5 inches, overall height of 4.35 inches, and width at just 1 inch. This one can go right into a pocket or ankle holster and disappear, so it also makes a great backup or “boot gun.” Remember, the .22 you TUCked in your pocket and took with you will always be better than the .45 you left at home! MSRP $333, TaurusUSA.com.