I had the opportunity to test the Taurus PT22 extensively in the field. During my hands-on experience, I couldn’t help but notice a series of issues that seemed to recur.
In my trials with the Taurus PT22, I encountered several common Taurus PT22 problems. These included issues related to the firing pin, trigger, jamming, feeding, magazine, misfires, and difficulties racking the slide.
But worry not; I am not just here to point out the problems. This article will discuss each issue in detail and provide practical solutions to help you get the best out of this firearm.
Overview of the Problems & their Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Broken Firing Pin | Identify and replace the broken pin with a stainless-steel type. |
| Trigger Problems | Clean the inside of the pistol, focusing on the trigger mechanism. |
| Jamming Problems | Adjust grip, magazine alignment, and choice of ammunition. |
| Feeding Issues | Clean the magazine, replace the weak spring, and ensure proper alignment. |
| Issues with the Magazine | Remove and oil the magazine, shape the front frame, and ensure a perfect fit. |
| Problems with Misfires | Experiment with different types of ammunition and consult a professional if necessary. |
| Problem Racking the Slide | Use the correct 40-grain ammunition and lubricate the firearm regularly with the proper lubricant. |
Top 7 Taurus PT22 Problems & Solutions
1. Firing Pin Issue
During my hands-on testing of the Taurus PT22, one problem that repeatedly came to my attention was the broken firing pin.
I noticed that dry firing, even though generally not considered harmful, could lead to this issue. A firearm without a functioning firing pin is essentially non-operable, and I found this problem could take the user by surprise.
Solution
Fixing this problem wasn’t as complicated as I initially feared. The key was identifying the broken pin and removing it.
Even though I am seasoned reviewers, I still referred to the manual to ensure I followed the right steps.
Ordering a replacement pin online was a straightforward process. I opted for the stainless-steel type, which was more affordable than the titanium versions, and found it to fit and function perfectly.
My experience confirms that with a little care and reference to the manual, this problem can be addressed easily, restoring the Taurus PT22 to its proper working condition.
2. Trigger Problems
While I was out in the field, testing the PT22, I experienced a minor but frustrating problem with the trigger.
After firing a round, I found that the trigger was difficult to return to its initial position. It didn’t take me long to realize that this issue might be more common than I thought.
The cause, I suspected, was insufficient cleaning, likely due to the protective liquid coating applied before the pistol left the manufacturer.
Solution
I decided to thoroughly clean the pistol, believing that some dirt or fouling might have mixed with the liquid, preventing the trigger from resetting.
Using a gun scrubber, I made sure to deep clean the inside of the pistol. To my relief, this resolved the problem effectively.
It turned out that a simple cleaning was all that was needed to get the PT22’s trigger back in perfect working order.
3. Jamming Problems
One of the most frequent problems I encountered with the Taurus PT22 during my field tests was jamming during firing.
This issue made the handgun unreliable in high-pressure situations. I noticed that beginners were particularly prone to this problem, and it often boiled down to how the gun was gripped.
The jamming was frustrating and raised concerns about the pistol’s dependability in critical moments.
Solution
I started by examining how the cartridge led into the chamber and ensuring the magazine was adhering properly to the gun.
I also experimented with various types of ammunition, which seemed to affect the situation. If the problem persisted, I found that contacting the dealer directly was a viable option, although the issue could take some time to resolve.
In my experience, a combination of the right grip, proper magazine alignment, and choice of ammunition can address this common issue, making the Taurus PT22 more reliable for the user.
4. Feeding Issues
In my thorough testing of the Taurus PT22, I discovered that a failure to feed was not an uncommon problem.
This issue was particularly concerning as it could potentially endanger life in a self-defense scenario. The symptoms were obvious, with rounds failing to feed correctly or malfunctions happening too frequently.
It was a frustration that needed to be addressed, and I was determined to find the root cause and solution.
Solution
I began by unloading and disassembling the magazine, identifying that the magazine spring was weak. Cleaning the magazine body with a brush and solvent, I made sure to remove any accumulated dirt or grime.
I then replaced the magazine spring with a new one, ensuring the correct length and tension. Finally, I reassembled the magazine, and this seemed to correct the issue completely.
My hands-on experience proved that this solution was both practical and effective in resolving the feeding problems with the Taurus PT22.
5. Issues with the Magazine
I stumbled upon a unique issue while putting the Taurus PT22 through its paces. The bullet nose and magazines were occasionally colliding, causing friction between them.
This not only gave rise to jamming issues but also led to delayed extraction difficulties, something I noticed when the magazine didn’t fit correctly.
I knew this was a problem that needed fixing, especially since it affected the reliability of the pistol.
Solution
The solution I found was surprisingly straightforward. I began by removing and oiling the magazine, with a special focus on the front frame where the friction occurred. Some shaping of the front frame made the path smoother and alleviated the problem.
Additionally, I took the time to ensure the magazine fits the pistol perfectly. It took me a bit to get accustomed to this lightweight handgun, but these simple adjustments made a significant difference.
The Taurus PT22 was now performing without any jamming, and the extraction issues were a thing of the past.
6. Problems with the Misfires
In my hands-on experience with the Taurus PT22, I was quite concerned when I encountered misfires.
These weren’t just one-off occurrences but were happening more frequently than I’d like. A misfire can be a minor annoyance or turn into a serious problem, especially if it leads to obstructions or even an explosion of the pistol.
I narrowed it down to a combination of mechanical issues and the use of wrong or faulty ammunition, with the latter being the primary cause.
It became clear that this was a problem that needed my immediate attention.
Solution
My approach to fixing the misfire problem was methodical. I started by experimenting with different types of ammunition to identify whether the issue was linked to incorrect or faulty bullets.
This step alone resolved the problem quickly in many instances. During the testing phase, I closely watched the firing pin to ensure it was functioning properly.
I also realized that cautiously handling a misfire was crucial to avoiding a significant disaster. Consulting a professional or utilizing the warranty is advisable for those who might encounter this issue.
My diligent approach allowed me to confidently use the Taurus PT22 without the fear of misfires, restoring my trust in this firearm.
7. Problem Racking the Slide
During my time with the Taurus PT22, I stumbled upon an issue that was bothering quite a few users: the tight slide.
At first glance, it seemed like a minor inconvenience, but as I dug deeper, I found that it was affecting the overall performance of the pistol. Whether it was the wrong grain of ammunition or the lack of proper lubrication, the tight slide made it difficult to handle the firearm.
The tight slide wasn’t just a hindrance but a problem that could become a real challenge in a critical situation.
Solution
I took a two-pronged approach to address this issue. First, I ensured that the correct 40-grain ammunition was being used, as this was identified as a primary cause of the tight slide.
Secondly, I recognized that lubrication was key and started lubricating the firearm regularly with the proper lubricant.
This combination of using the correct ammunition and keeping the pistol well-lubricated made a world of difference. The slide began to function smoothly, and the overall experience of handling the Taurus PT22 became far more enjoyable and dependable.
Conclusion
The Taurus PT22, though plagued with several issues, remains a respectable firearm, especially after my extensive testing and analysis.
From firing pins to magazine problems, I identified a wide range of problems that might intimidate a novice user. However, the solutions I found were often straightforward and required only a bit of time and attention.
By focusing on correct handling, maintenance, and use of the appropriate ammunition, the Taurus PT22 can be transformed into a reliable weapon.
FAQs
Can you dry fire a Taurus PT22?
Yes, the Taurus 22 is designed to be dry fire safe.
Does Taurus PT22 have safety?
Yes, it comes equipped with an effective, well-designed safety device.
What is the capacity of the PT22?
The PT22 features an 8+1 round capacity magazine.
What is the trigger pull weight on a Taurus PT22?
The trigger pull weight on a Taurus PT22 is 7 lbs.
