The Taurus TX22 is one of the most popular rimfire pistols on the market. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to shoot. Because of that, many owners eventually upgrade their pistol with a TX22 red dot optic.
A red dot makes it easier to shoot faster and more accurately. Instead of aligning front and rear iron sights, you simply place the dot on the target and press the trigger.
If you are already upgrading your pistol, you may also want to look at the best Taurus TX22 upgrades, which covers the Victory trigger, lightened spring, and Eagle’s Talon extractor.
In this guide, I’ll cover some of the best TX22 red dot optics, including premium optics, mid-range options, and affordable budget choices. I’ll also cover optic footprint compatibility, installation basics, and what to look for before spending money on a dot that may not fit your exact TX22 model.
Quick Picks: Best TX22 Optics
- Overall Best TX22 Red Dot: Holosun 507K
- Best Enclosed Optic for TX22: Holosun EPS Carry
- Best Green Dot for TX22: Viridian RFX Series
- Best Budget TX22 Red Dot: Cyelee
These optics represent the best balance of durability, visibility, and price for the Taurus TX22 platform. Some are better suited for training, while others make more sense for competition or high-round-count use.
Why Add a Red Dot to a Taurus TX22?
The TX22 is already a very capable pistol out of the box. It has good ergonomics, light recoil, and a trigger that is better than many shooters expect at this price point. Even so, a red dot can make the pistol more useful in several ways.
First, a dot makes it easier to shoot faster without giving up accuracy. Instead of shifting visual focus between the target and the front sight, you can stay target-focused and place the dot where you want the round to go. That becomes especially helpful on small steel, transition drills, and any stage where speed matters.
Second, a TX22 red dot setup makes sense as a training tool. Many shooters use the TX22 as a low-cost analog for their centerfire carry or competition pistols. A rimfire trainer with an optic lets you work on presentation, target transitions, and sight tracking without burning through more expensive centerfire ammunition.
Third, the TX22 Competition and optics-ready TX22 models are simply more fun with a dot. Whether you are plinking, practicing, or shooting a local match, a good optic can make the gun feel faster and more refined.
TX22 Optic Footprint and Compatibility
Before choosing a TX22 red dot optic, it’s important to understand which optic footprint your pistol uses. Many shooters search for questions like:
- What optic fits the TX22?
- What is the TX22 optic footprint?
- Does the Holosun 507K fit the TX22?
- Can you mount a red dot on the Taurus TX22?
The answer depends on which TX22 model you own, because Taurus uses more than one optic mounting arrangement across the TX22 lineup.
TX22 Compact and TX22 TORO Footprint
Most optics-ready TX22 pistols use the Shield RMSc footprint. On the TX22 Compact, Taurus also describes the slide as matching Shield RMSc and Holosun K optics, which is useful because many shooters specifically want to run a 407K, 507K, or EPS Carry.
This footprint works with many popular micro pistol optics, including:
- Holosun 407K
- Holosun 507K
- Holosun EPS Carry
- Swampfox Sentinel
- Viridian RFX micro optics
Because of that compatibility, the Holosun K-series optics are among the most common upgrades for the Taurus TX22 platform. They are compact enough to look proportional on the pistol, but still large enough to be easy to track between shots.
TX22 Competition Optic Mount
The Taurus TX22 Competition model uses a removable plate system rather than a simple direct slide cut. That changes the types of optics that make the most sense on the gun.
Most factory plate setups are intended to accommodate larger pistol optics, commonly associated with the RMR footprint. This opens the door to full-size pistol dots that offer larger windows and faster dot acquisition.
This allows shooters to mount larger optics such as:
- Holosun 407C
- Holosun 507C
- Trijicon RMR
- Trijicon SRO
Because of the larger optic window, many competition shooters prefer these optics on the TX22 Competition platform. They are less concerned about concealment or size, and more interested in finding the dot quickly at speed.
Adapter Plates for TX22 Red Dot Optics
If you want to mount an optic with a different footprint, several aftermarket adapter plates are available. These can expand your options, but they also add another potential point of failure and can raise the optic slightly higher over the bore.
For example, plates are available to mount:
- RMR optics on RMSc slides
- Enclosed emitter optics like the Holosun 509T
- Other specialty competition optics
Understanding the footprint matters because it determines which TX22 red dot optics will mount directly and which ones require an adapter. Direct-mount setups are usually the cleanest and simplest route.
When I searched, I found many plate options, but they were either for the Competition pistol, and/or for specific optics.
My personal pistol is a Taurus TX22 Gen 1 with the larger rear sight. And I use a DPP adapter plate from Amazon. Gen 2 has a narrower dovetail (Glock-pattern). There should be plenty of options. Searching for “Glock dovetail adapter” plus the optic you plan to use, is my advice.
Do You Need a TX22 Red Dot?
Not necessarily. The TX22 ships with usable iron sights, and many shooters are perfectly happy with them. If your primary use is casual plinking or introducing new shooters to the platform, iron sights may be all you need.
However, adding a red dot optic offers several advantages:
- Faster target acquisition
- Easier shooting at longer distances
- Better training for centerfire pistol optics
- Improved performance in Steel Challenge or other competition
The Taurus TX22 Competition model is already designed with optics use in mind. Because of that, it has become especially popular for TX22 red dot setups.
If you prefer iron sights, you might also consider the TX22 fiber optic sight upgrade.
Best TX22 Red Dot Optics
The best TX22 red dot optics combine durability, clear glass, usable brightness settings, and a footprint that works well with the Taurus TX22 platform. Because the pistol is lightweight and often used for training or competition, most shooters prefer compact optics that balance performance and price.
Holosun 407K TX22 Red Dot
The Holosun 407K is one of the most popular micro red dots for compact pistols. It is durable, reliable, and widely used on rimfire pistols like the TX22.
One reason the 407K works so well on the TX22 is that it keeps the overall package trim and lightweight. It does not overwhelm the pistol visually, and its simple 6 MOA dot is easy to pick up for fast shooting.
- 6 MOA dot
- Long battery life
- Durable aluminum housing
The 407K is a strong choice for shooters who want a straightforward optic without paying extra for multiple reticle options they may never use.
You can usually find the Holosun 407K through GritrOutdoors or MidwayUSA.
Holosun 507K TX22 Red Dot
The Holosun 507K adds a multi-reticle system. This allows shooters to choose between a simple dot or a circle-dot reticle. Many competition shooters prefer this setup because it speeds up target acquisition, especially during quick presentations from low ready or the holster.
For many TX22 owners, the 507K is the sweet spot. It is small enough for the platform, proven enough to trust, and versatile enough to work as both a trainer optic and a competition optic.
- Multiple reticle options
- Excellent durability
- Widely used on pistol competition setups
If you want one optic that does almost everything well on the TX22, this is probably the best overall answer.
This optic is commonly available through MidwayUSA and GritrOutdoors.
Holosun EPS Carry TX22 Red Dot
The Holosun EPS Carry is an enclosed-emitter micro red dot. Unlike traditional pistol optics, the emitter is fully sealed inside the housing.
This design protects the LED from carbon, dirt, and debris. Rimfire pistols run dirty, so enclosed optics can be especially appealing for the TX22. If you shoot often and do not want to worry about fouling blocking the emitter, the EPS Carry is one of the strongest choices available.
- Enclosed emitter design
- K-footprint compatibility
- Excellent durability
The EPS Carry is a premium option, but it is one of the most durable micro pistol optics currently available. It makes the most sense for shooters who want a compact optic without giving up the benefits of an enclosed emitter.
It can be found at GritrOutdoors, MidwayUSA and Brownells.
Viridian RFX Series TX22 Green Dot
The Viridian RFX series offers a solid balance between affordability and performance. These optics use a bright green dot reticle, and that is the main reason they stand out in this category.
The human eye is most sensitive to wavelengths around 555 nanometers, which falls in the yellow-green portion of the spectrum. Because of this, some shooters find green dots easier to see than red dots in bright daylight. They also seem to bloom less for shooters with astigmatism. If you need that edge, the Viridian RFX line is worth a close look.
- Bright green dot reticle
- Lightweight aluminum or polymer housing depending on model
- Affordable compared to many premium optics
Viridian’s RFX series makes sense for shooters who want something different from the usual Holosun recommendation and specifically want a green-dot setup on their Taurus TX22.
Check out the full line of Viridian green dot optics here. I’ve also reviewed a few of their optics. Here’s the compact Viridian RFX15. Next is the big window Viridian RFX25. And if you’re a fan of the “mailbox” style, there’s the Viridian RFX42 enclosed emitter green dot.
Cyelee Budget TX22 Red Dot
For shooters who want to experiment with a red dot without spending a lot of money, Cyelee optics have become a popular budget option.
A rimfire pistol is often the place where people are willing to try a lower-cost optic. The recoil is mild, the financial risk is lower, and the TX22 is often used as a fun range pistol rather than a duty gun. That makes the platform a natural fit for budget dots.
- Very affordable price
- Simple dot reticle
- Lightweight design
While they are not in the same class as premium optics for hard use, they can make sense for casual training, plinking, and learning whether you even like running a dot on a rimfire pistol. Amazon has Cyelee optics to fit every footprint and budget.
How to Choose the Best TX22 Red Dot
Dot Size
Dot size is measured in MOA. A larger dot is easier to see and faster to acquire, while a smaller dot can offer more precision at distance.
- 6 MOA dots are excellent for speed shooting and steel targets
- 2–3 MOA dots offer more precision for smaller targets
For most TX22 shooters, a larger dot works well because rimfire pistols are commonly used for training, Steel Challenge, and general range use. If your shooting is more accuracy-focused, a smaller dot may make more sense.
Open vs Enclosed Emitters
Most pistol optics use an open emitter design. This works well for typical range situations, but can allow dirt, carbon, or moisture to interfere with the emitter window.
Enclosed emitter optics like the Holosun EPS Carry seal the LED inside the optic body. This makes them more resistant to debris and fouling.
Because rimfire pistols tend to run dirty, enclosed optics can be a smart upgrade for heavy TX22 use. They cost more, but they also reduce one of the most common annoyances of running a dot on a .22 pistol.
Window Size
Window size matters more than many shooters realize. A larger window can make it easier to find the dot during fast presentations and target transitions. That is one reason larger optics remain popular on the TX22 Competition.
That said, smaller windows are not necessarily a problem. With good presentation mechanics, most shooters adapt quickly. On standard TX22 optics-ready pistols, the more compact optics usually look and feel more natural.
Durability
Even though the TX22 is a rimfire pistol, durability still matters. Some inexpensive optics struggle to hold zero over time, while others show issues with brightness controls, battery trays, or glass clarity.
For that reason, many shooters prefer optics from established brands such as Holosun, Vortex or Viridian when they want something more proven.
How to Mount a Red Dot on a Taurus TX22
Mounting a red dot on a Taurus TX22 is usually straightforward, but it pays to slow down and do it correctly.
Start by confirming your exact model and footprint. A TX22 Compact, TX22 T.O.R.O., and TX22 Competition may not all use the same mounting approach. Once you confirm compatibility, clean the mounting surface and the screw holes before installation.
- Use the correct mounting screws for your optic footprint
- Apply blue thread locker to the screws
- Tighten screws to manufacturer torque specifications
- Make sure the optic sits flat with no gap
After mounting the optic, cycle the slide, confirm there is no interference, and visually check that the optic remains centered and secure.
Zeroing a TX22 Red Dot
Once your optic is mounted, you will need to zero the dot.
Most shooters zero their TX22 red dot at either 10 yards or 15 yards. This works well for typical rimfire pistol distances and keeps point of impact easy to predict for common practice drills.
- Fire a 3–5 shot group from a supported position
- Adjust windage and elevation
- Confirm with another group
Because .22 LR has more noticeable drop than centerfire handgun rounds, there is no single perfect zero for every use. A 10- to 15-yard zero is simply a practical choice for the way most people actually shoot the TX22. I zero mine at 25 yards, so treat this as a guideline, not a rule, and adjust to suit your circumstances accordingly.
Who Should Buy a TX22 Red Dot Setup?
A TX22 red dot setup makes the most sense for a few types of shooters.
If you use the TX22 as a cheap trainer for a centerfire pistol with an optic, adding a dot is an easy decision. It keeps your practice more consistent and lets you build the same habits with less expensive ammunition.
If you shoot matches or steel, a dot can help you get more speed out of the platform. If you mainly plink at the range, a red dot still makes the gun more enjoyable, especially on smaller targets or at longer handgun distances.
On the other hand, if you prefer a very simple setup and mostly shoot at close range, irons may still be all you need. The TX22 is a good pistol either way.
Frequently Asked Questions About TX22 Red Dot Optics
Can you mount a red dot on the Taurus TX22?
Yes. Many TX22 models are optics-ready, including the TX22 Compact, TX22 T.O.R.O., and TX22 Competition. Adapter plates that replace the rear sight are available for Gen 1 and Gen 2 models as well.
What optic footprint does the TX22 use?
Most optics-ready TX22 models use the Shield RMSc footprint. Taurus also describes the TX22 Compact as matching Shield RMSc and Holosun K optics.
Does the Holosun 507K fit the TX22?
Yes. The Holosun 507K is one of the most common optic upgrades for the TX22 platform and is a very popular choice on optics-ready models.
Is an enclosed emitter worth it on a TX22?
For heavy use, it can be. Rimfire pistols run dirtier than many centerfire pistols, so enclosed emitter optics can reduce maintenance headaches and help keep the dot visible.
Is a green dot better than a red dot on a TX22?
Not for everyone, but most shooters should find green easier to see in bright conditions. That is the main appeal of the Viridian RFX line.
Is a red dot worth it on a TX22?
For many shooters, yes. A red dot makes the pistol easier to shoot accurately, easier to use at speed, and more useful as a trainer for modern centerfire pistols.
Final Thoughts on TX22 Red Dot Optics
The Taurus TX22 is one of the best rimfire training pistols available, and adding a red dot optic can make it even more capable.
Optics like the Holosun 507K and EPS Carry offer excellent durability and performance, while budget options like Cyelee allow shooters to experiment with red dots without spending as much money. Meanwhile, the Viridian RFX line gives shooters a legitimate green-dot option if that is what they prefer.
If you are already upgrading your pistol, pairing a TX22 red dot optic with improved triggers, springs, and extractors can turn the TX22 into an outstanding training or competition pistol.