The Taurus PT22 is a compact, semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry and personal defense. It is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smaller caliber for self-defense. Despite its many attractive qualities, some owners have reported experiencing issues with the Taurus PT22. This blog post will explore common problems associated with the Taurus PT22 and offer detailed solutions for those looking to resolve these issues.
Taurus PT22 Failure to Feed
One of the most common problems reported by Taurus PT22 owners is the failure of the pistol to feed rounds properly. This can result in jams and misfires, which are both undesirable during a life-or-death situation. Below are potential causes and solutions for this problem.
Incorrect Ammunition
Not all .22 LR ammunition works well with every firearm. The Taurus PT22 may not function properly with certain types or brands of ammo. To resolve this issue:
1. Try using different types and brands of .22 LR ammunition to determine which works best for your PT22.
2. Consult the owner’s manual for recommended ammunition.
3. Clean and maintain your firearm regularly, as dirty or damaged components could also contribute to feeding issues.
Magazine Issues
Feeding issues may stem from the pistol’s magazine. To troubleshoot magazine-related issues:
1. Inspect the feed lips on the magazine for damage or wear. Damaged or worn feed lips can cause feeding problems and may need replacing.
2. Check the magazine spring for any signs of damage or wear. A weak or damaged spring could cause feeding issues.
3. Clean and lubricate the magazine regularly to ensure smooth operation.
Taurus PT22 Failure to Eject or Extract
Another issue that some PT22 owners encounter is failure to eject (FTE) or extract spent casings. This can lead to the firearm jamming and becoming inoperable until cleared. The following suggestions might help to resolve this issue.
Ammunition Issues
As previously mentioned, certain ammunition types or brands may not work well with the PT22. This can also contribute to FTE or extraction issues. Ensure you are using quality ammunition from a reputable manufacturer.
Extractor Issues
A damaged or dirty extractor could lead to FTE or extraction issues. To troubleshoot and resolve extractor-related issues:
1. Check the extractor for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
2. Clean and lubricate the extractor regularly to maintain optimal performance.
3. Ensure that the extractor spring is functioning properly and replace it if damaged or worn.
Light Primer Strikes
Some Taurus PT22 owners report experiencing light primer strikes, which can cause failure to fire issues. This occurs when the firing pin does not strike the primer with enough force to ignite the ammunition. To troubleshoot this issue:
Firing Pin Problems
Insufficient firing pin strikes could result from damage or buildup of dirt and debris in the firing pin channel. To address this issue:
1. Remove and inspect the firing pin for wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
2. Clean the firing pin channel with a suitable cleaning solvent and brush to remove any buildup of dirt or debris.
3. Lightly lubricate the firing pin and firing pin channel to ensure smooth operation.
Hammer Spring Issues
A weak or damaged hammer spring might cause light primer strikes. Inspect the hammer spring for signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
Slide Not Locking Back on Empty Magazine
Some owners have reported that their PT22 does not lock back the slide after the last round has been fired. This feature is essential as it informs the shooter that the firearm is empty and needs to be reloaded. To resolve this issue:
1. Check the slide stop to ensure it is functioning properly. Clean and lubricate as necessary.
2. Inspect the magazine follower for damage or wear and replace the magazine if needed.
3. Ensure that the slide stop spring is functioning properly and replace it if damaged or worn.
Safety and Security Considerations
While the safety mechanism of the Taurus PT22 is generally reliable, some users have reported issues, such as difficulty engaging or disengaging the safety lever. The following tips can help ensure safety when using the PT22:
1. Regularly inspect the safety lever for wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
2. Clean and lubricate the safety mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
3. Always follow basic gun safety rules, regardless of your confidence in the firearm’s safety features.
In conclusion, proper maintenance and attention to the details discussed above can help resolve many of the common issues encountered by Taurus PT22 owners. By addressing these problems, users can ensure their PT22 operates as intended, providing reliable personal protection when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you dry fire a Taurus PT22?
Yes, it is safe to dry fire a Taurus PT22 as long as there’s a snap cap or dummy round inserted in the chamber to protect the firing pin and the frame.
2. What is the trigger pull weight on a Taurus PT 22?
The trigger pull weight of a Taurus PT22 is approximately 11-12 pounds.
3. Where is the Taurus PT22 made?
The Taurus PT22 is made in Brazil, where Taurus International Manufacturing Inc. is headquartered.
4. How many shells does a Taurus PT 22 hold?
The Taurus PT22 is a semi-automatic pistol that can hold eight rounds in its magazine and one in the chamber.
5. What is the barrel length of a Taurus PT22?
The barrel length of a Taurus PT22 is 2.8 inches, and the overall length of the gun is 5.1 inches.
6. What type of ammunition can be used in a Taurus PT22?
A Taurus PT22 is chambered to fire .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition only.
7. What are some common problems with Taurus PT22?
Common problems with Taurus PT22 include failure to feed, failure to eject, and occasional jams or misfires.
8. How can I fix failure to feed on my Taurus PT22?
To fix failure to feed on your Taurus PT22, you can try cleaning the gun thoroughly, using high-quality ammunition, and making sure the magazine is properly loaded.
9. How can I fix failure to eject on my Taurus PT22?
To fix failure to eject on your Taurus PT22, you can try cleaning the gun, using quality ammunition, checking the extractor, and making sure the gun is properly lubricated.
10. How can I prevent my Taurus PT22 from jamming or misfiring?
You can prevent jamming or misfiring on your Taurus PT22 by keeping the gun clean and properly lubricated, using high-quality ammunition, and making sure the magazine is properly loaded and seated.