Why Upgrade Your Taurus TX22 Sights?
The Taurus TX22 has rapidly become a favorite among plinkers, target shooters, and even those seeking a reliable and affordable rimfire pistol for self-defense training. Its lightweight design, impressive accuracy for its class, and low recoil make it a joy to shoot. However, while the Taurus TX22 boasts many strengths, the factory sights often leave something to be desired. Upgrading your sights is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to improve your shooting experience and unlock the full potential of your TX22. This guide explores everything you need to know about Taurus TX22 aftermarket sights, helping you choose the perfect set to enhance your accuracy, speed, and overall enjoyment of this popular pistol.
The stock sights on the Taurus TX22, while functional, present certain limitations that can hinder your shooting performance. Understanding these shortcomings is crucial for appreciating the benefits of aftermarket options.
One common complaint is the lack of visibility. The factory sights often use a basic three-dot system that can be difficult to acquire quickly, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Dim lighting, bright sunlight, or even backgrounds with similar color profiles to the sights can make it challenging to align them properly. This can lead to slower target acquisition and less accurate shots.
Another issue is the limited adjustability. The stock sights often offer minimal adjustments, which might not be sufficient for fine-tuning your point of impact. This is especially important for achieving precision at various distances. If your rounds consistently hit high, low, left, or right, the ability to make precise adjustments is critical to correcting your aim.
Furthermore, the construction and materials of the factory sights may not be as durable as those found in the aftermarket. Made of polymer, they are susceptible to damage from rough handling or accidental impacts. A more robust set of sights will withstand the rigors of regular use, extending the lifespan of your pistol and helping to maintain accuracy over time.
The advantages of upgrading to aftermarket sights are numerous and can dramatically improve your shooting capabilities. Improved accuracy and precision are perhaps the most significant benefit. Aftermarket sights often offer more refined sight pictures, better adjustability, and higher levels of visibility, enabling you to place shots with greater consistency and tighter groupings.
Faster target acquisition is another key advantage. With enhanced visibility, quicker sight alignment, and a more intuitive sight picture, you’ll be able to acquire targets more rapidly. This is crucial for both recreational shooting and, more importantly, defensive situations where speed and accuracy are paramount.
Enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions is a significant improvement provided by many aftermarket sight options. Whether it’s the bright sun, low light, or even complete darkness, choosing the right type of sights can dramatically enhance your ability to see the target and align your sights correctly. Fiber optic sights, for example, excel in daylight conditions, while tritium sights provide superior performance in low-light environments.
Finally, increased durability ensures your investment lasts. Aftermarket sights are frequently constructed from more robust materials, such as steel or aircraft-grade aluminum, allowing them to withstand impacts, drops, and the wear and tear of regular use. This translates to a long-lasting sight system that provides consistent and reliable performance.
Types of Aftermarket Sights for the Taurus TX22
The world of aftermarket sights offers a vast selection, allowing you to tailor your TX22 to your specific shooting needs and preferences. Let’s explore the most popular options:
Iron Sights
Iron sights are the most basic and traditional type of sight, comprising a front sight and a rear sight. They rely on a combination of the shooter’s eye, the front sight, the rear sight, and the target to achieve alignment.
Standard Iron Sights: These are often a direct upgrade to the original sights. They typically feature a three-dot system – a dot on the front sight and two dots on the rear sight – which is designed to provide a faster sight picture. While an improvement over the factory sights, their visibility might still be limited compared to other options.
Adjustable Iron Sights: The adjustability of iron sights is crucial for ensuring accurate shot placement. Adjustable iron sights let you fine-tune the rear sight’s elevation and windage. They offer more precise adjustments than fixed sights, allowing you to compensate for bullet drop at different distances and to correct for wind drift. This allows for greater accuracy, especially when engaging targets at varying ranges.
Fiber Optic Sights: Fiber optic sights use small, brightly colored rods (typically green or red) that collect ambient light and transmit it to the shooter’s eye. The result is a highly visible sight picture, even in dim lighting conditions. They are a popular choice for competition shooters and those who prioritize rapid target acquisition. The bright dots quickly draw your attention and promote fast and intuitive sight alignment.
Tritium Sights: Tritium sights offer unparalleled visibility in low-light or no-light environments. They utilize a radioactive isotope of hydrogen (tritium) that emits a faint glow, allowing you to see your sights clearly in darkness. These are popular among concealed carriers and those who prioritize self-defense, as they provide a distinct advantage in scenarios where lighting is a challenge. Tritium sights usually have a lifespan of several years, ensuring they provide their illumination for the life of the sight.
Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights are a type of electronic sight that projects a red dot onto a lens. The shooter simply aligns the dot with the target to achieve an accurate shot. They offer a significant advantage in speed and ease of use compared to traditional iron sights.
Micro Red Dots (MRDS): MRDS are compact red dot sights designed for use on handguns. They offer a number of advantages, including:
- Rapid target acquisition: The single dot makes it easy to quickly align your sight with the target.
- Improved accuracy: The dot helps you maintain a consistent sight picture and allows for more precise shot placement.
- Reduced eye strain: The dot is easier on the eyes than traditional iron sights, especially at longer distances.
- Compact size and lightweight: MRDS are small and lightweight, which has a minimal impact on the pistol’s handling characteristics.
MRDS come in various types, including open and enclosed emitter designs. Open emitter sights have an exposed emitter that projects the dot. These are generally more affordable but can be more susceptible to debris. Enclosed emitter sights have the emitter protected within a housing, making them more durable and resistant to the elements.
Mounting Considerations: Mounting an MRDS on a Taurus TX22 usually requires an adapter plate. The TX22 doesn’t have a standard mounting footprint like some other pistols. Adapter plates are available that allow you to mount an MRDS to the TX22’s slide using the existing rear sight dovetail. Make sure to research which adapter plate is compatible with the sight you want to use. Some sight manufacturers also make direct-mount sights designed specifically for certain pistols, which often offer a cleaner, more secure mounting solution.
Dot Size: Red dot sights are available with various dot sizes, typically measured in Minutes of Angle (MOA). Smaller dots (e.g., 3 MOA) are ideal for precision shooting at longer distances, while larger dots (e.g., 6 MOA or 8 MOA) are better suited for rapid target acquisition at closer ranges. Choose a dot size that matches your intended use.
Battery Life and Features: Battery life is a critical consideration for red dot sights. Look for sights with long battery lives to minimize the need for frequent battery changes. Additional features, such as automatic brightness adjustment, which automatically adjusts the dot’s brightness based on ambient light conditions, and shake-awake technology, which activates the sight when it detects movement, can also enhance the usability of your red dot.
Key Considerations When Choosing Aftermarket Sights
Choosing the right aftermarket sights requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some crucial aspects to keep in mind:
Shooting Style and Intended Use: Your shooting style and primary use of the TX22 should guide your sight selection. If you are primarily a target shooter who is focused on precision at longer distances, adjustable iron sights or a red dot sight with a small dot might be the best choice. If your priority is rapid target acquisition for self-defense, fiber optic sights or a red dot sight with a larger dot are likely a better option. If you are involved in competitive shooting, consider the rules of the specific discipline, as some might dictate the types of sights you can use.
Budget: Aftermarket sights vary significantly in price. While some high-quality sights can be costly, it’s possible to find excellent options that offer a good balance of performance and value. Set a realistic budget and prioritize features that are most important to you. Don’t assume that the most expensive sights are always the best; research and compare different options before making a decision.
Visibility and Sight Picture: The clarity and ease of the sight picture are paramount. The sights should be easy to acquire quickly and should allow you to see the target clearly. Consider the lighting conditions you will typically be shooting in. If you primarily shoot outdoors in bright sunlight, fiber optic sights might be the best choice. If you often shoot in low light, tritium sights or a red dot sight with adjustable brightness are essential.
Durability and Materials: Choose sights made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of regular use. High-quality sights are often constructed from steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. Avoid sights made from cheap plastic or other easily damaged materials. Consider the overall build quality and reputation of the manufacturer.
Ease of Installation: Consider the level of expertise and tools required for installation. Some sights are easily installed with basic tools, while others might require the assistance of a gunsmith. Ensure you have the necessary tools and skills or be prepared to seek professional help.
Compatibility: Ensure the sights are compatible with your Taurus TX22. Pay careful attention to the mounting footprint and ensure that the sight you choose is designed to fit the TX22. Research whether you need an adapter plate or if the sight mounts directly to the slide. Also, confirm that the sight clears the slide and is not obstructed by any other components.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing aftermarket sights on your Taurus TX22 typically involves these steps:
1. Safety First: Always unload your firearm and verify that the chamber is empty before beginning any work.
2. Remove the Old Sights: Depending on the type of sight, you may need a sight pusher tool, a punch, and a hammer to remove the factory sights.
3. Install the New Sights: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the new sights. Use any necessary tools (e.g., a sight pusher) to properly install the sights.
4. Test and Adjust: After installing the new sights, test them at the range to ensure they are properly aligned. Adjust as needed.
Maintenance: Regularly clean your sights and inspect them for any signs of damage. Keep the lenses of red dot sights clean and clear. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of adjustable sights.
