Taurus PT 22 22LR Pistol Lavender Polymer Frame

About this product

The Taurus PT-22 is a small, double-action-only .22 LR pocket pistol built around a distinctive tip-up barrel design, and this listing is the lavender polymer-frame version paired with a stainless slide. We want to be upfront: Taurus discontinued the PT-22 in 2015, so there is no current manufacturer MSRP for this model, and pricing reflects available inventory rather than a factory-set price.

What is a "tip-up barrel," and why does the PT-22 use one?

Unlike most semi-autos, which require racking the slide against spring tension to chamber the first round, the PT-22's barrel hinges upward at the muzzle, letting you load or unload the chamber directly by hand without fighting slide spring tension. Taurus designed this specifically for shooters who have difficulty racking a slide — often due to hand strength or grip issues — making the PT-22 historically popular as an accessible option for exactly that group of buyers.

How does the PT-22 compare to a modern micro .22 LR pistol?

At 8+1 capacity with a 2.75-inch barrel and roughly 11 ounces unloaded, the PT-22 is small, light, and easy to conceal, though its double-action-only trigger and blowback action are dated compared to newer rimfire pocket pistols on the market today. It was never marketed as a defensive powerhouse — .22 LR is a light-recoiling, lower-power cartridge — and buyers should think of it as a easy-to-manage backup or pocket pistol rather than a primary defensive firearm.

Why was the PT-22 discontinued, and does that affect parts availability?

Taurus shifted its rimfire lineup toward newer designs like the TX22 over the past decade, and the PT-22 was phased out of production in 2015 as part of that transition. Because it's no longer in production, replacement parts and factory service may be harder to source than for a current Taurus model, though the PT-22 sold in large numbers over its run, which means parts and gunsmith familiarity with the design are still reasonably available on the secondary market.

Is the lavender frame purely cosmetic?

Yes — Taurus offered the PT-22 in a range of colored polymer frames over its production run, including this lavender option, purely as a styling choice aimed at buyers who wanted a pocket pistol that stood out from the standard black or stainless finishes. The color has no bearing on function; it's the same tip-up barrel mechanism and 8+1 capacity as any other PT-22 frame color.

Who should consider buying a discontinued pocket .22?

Buyers looking for an easy-to-load pocket pistol for a shooter with limited hand strength, or collectors interested in a distinctive colored Taurus rimfire, are the most natural fit for this listing. Anyone prioritizing modern ergonomics, a striker-fired trigger, or guaranteed long-term factory parts support should look at Taurus's current rimfire lineup instead, since the PT-22 represents an older generation of design that Taurus itself has moved past.

As a firearm, this pistol ships to a licensed FFL dealer rather than to your home address; you'll complete your background check and required paperwork there before taking possession. California buyers should confirm current compliance status for this model with their FFL before ordering.

What should a buyer check before purchasing a discontinued pocket pistol?

Because the PT-22 hasn't been in production for close to a decade, it's worth asking the seller about the pistol's condition and round count history before buying, since a used or old-stock discontinued firearm won't come with the same fresh-from-the-factory assurances as a currently produced model. Function-testing the tip-up barrel mechanism and the double-action trigger at the range soon after purchase is a reasonable step for any older pistol, discontinued or not, to confirm everything is working the way it should before relying on it.