Taurus TX22 Race Gun Build Guide (Competition Setup)

If one TandemKross Taurus TX22 Race Gun Kit* is good, two must be better, right? Well, I finally caved and got my own Taurus TX22 after doing some work on a friend’s TX22. Another friend who shoots with us wanted to upgrade his as well. Since I was upgrading mine (they’re easy to upgrade), we decided to upgrade his too. At this point, I’m becoming quite familiar with Taurus TX22 accessories.

While I got the black kit, my friend is partial to red. So we got one kit in each color, and I upgraded both. Not included in the TandemKross Taurus TX22 Race Gun Kit, but still worthy additions, we also added the Accelerator Thumb Ledge and Lightened Trigger Spring to both. All three pistols are now very close, but still different from each other.

Quick Buy: My TX22 Race Gun Parts Shortlist

If you want the “biggest difference per dollar,” this is the order I’d prioritize. In other words, you can build a race-ready TX22 in stages without guessing.

• Start here: Victory Trigger + Lightened Trigger Spring (the combo that makes the TX22 feel like a different pistol)
• Then add: Titan Extended Magazine Release (faster reloads, still safe from accidental drops)
• For capacity + grip: Wingman +5 Magazine Bumpers
• If you run an optic: halo Charging Ring (makes manipulations easier around an optic)
• Competition control: Accelerator Thumb Ledge
• Optional: Steam Demon Compensator (balance + muzzle weight; “comp” effect varies)

Shop everything TX22 at TandemKross: TandemKross Taurus TX22 pages

Three Upgrade Paths (Pick One and Go)

Different budgets and goals call for different build paths. So here are three practical options that cover most TX22 owners.

1) Best “First Upgrades” Setup

Victory Trigger + Lightened Trigger Spring. This is the biggest feel/performance jump for most shooters.

2) “Faster Reloads + More Control” Setup

Add the Titan Magazine Release and Wingman +5 Bumpers. This is where the TX22 starts to feel “competition friendly.”

3) “Full Race Gun” Setup

Complete kit parts + Thumb Ledge + (optional) Steam Demon Comp. This is the “go fast” version.

Important Note About the Race Gun Kit

*The Race Gun Kit was discontinued, but you can still buy the individual parts for the Taurus TX22. In practice, that’s not a deal-breaker. Instead, it simply means you can choose the color and parts mix you want while still building the same setup.

TandemKross Taurus TX22 Race Gun Kit contents

I like that TandemKross is always taking the most popular upgrades, such as these Taurus TX22 accessories, and putting them in a kit. In this case, it’s the halo Charging Ring, Victory Trigger, Titan Extended Magazine Release, and a pair of Wingman +5 Magazine Bumpers. When buying in the kit form for $142.99 (black, red is +$9), you save about $12, which nearly covers the $12.99 Lightened Trigger Spring. And that trigger spring is a must-have in my opinion. Together, this set of upgrades really transforms the Taurus TX22.

 

When faced with a small pile of parts to replace, I generally start with the most difficult unless there’s a suggested order. In this case, the TandemKross Taurus TX22 Race Gun Kit doesn’t require any special order, so I went with what seemed logical. Follow along as I turn these ho-hum hi-cap rimfires into pistols worthy of competition.

TX22 Upgrade Comparison (Impact vs Effort)

Upgrade	Performance Impact	Install Difficulty	Best For
Victory Trigger + Lightened Spring	Very High	Moderate	Trigger feel + speed
Titan Extended Magazine Release	Moderate	Easy	Faster reloads
Wingman +5 Magazine Bumpers	Moderate	Easy	Capacity + grip length
halo Charging Ring	Low–Moderate	Easy	Optic-friendly slide manipulations
Accelerator Thumb Ledge	Moderate	Very Easy	Control + indexing
Steam Demon Compensator	Debatable, but balance helps	Easy	Weight, looks, and stability

Titan Extended Magazine Release for the Taurus TX22

Extended magazine release buttons are great for fast magazine changes. TandemKross designed this release well: it’s larger than the OEM version, but not so large that it gets bumped accidentally. No “mag dumps” of the unintentional kind here. It’s also reversible for wrong-handed shooters. It comes in black or red. The aluminum construction features machined grooves on the face for added grip. Installation is easy too. You don’t need special tools, just some patience.

 

Rather than embed it, I’m linking to the Titan Extended Magazine Release installation video. Basically, verify that your Taurus TX22 is unloaded, drop the magazine, and remove the slide. Use a dental pick or thin screwdriver to pop the spring out of the factory release, then pull the release out. (That “spring” is a small piece of metal that looks like a cut-down flat toothpick.) With the Titan installed, carefully push the spring back into place. The installation video is under five minutes. This is an easy upgrade.

Buy it here: Titan Extended Magazine Release for TX22

TandemKross Victory trigger for the Taurus TX22

I had an advantage here because I had already installed one of these triggers in another Taurus TX22. Like the Titan, the TandemKross Victory trigger for the Taurus TX22 is machined aluminum, skeletonized, and available in black or red. The flat face has a texture like checkering with small diamond-shaped cuts. It’s also adjustable for pre- and post-travel. That said, it’s not really adjustable once installed, so follow the directions carefully. I can’t imagine not combining it with the lightened trigger spring. Together, they drop pull weight by a couple of pounds.

 

The first time I installed one, I mentioned that it was one of the trickier trigger upgrades I’ve done. It’s not difficult, but it does require patience while you twist parts around and fit them together. The link above takes you to the product page, which contains the installation video. You’ll find two set screws for the trigger. Paying close attention during installation will save you from doing it twice. It’s one of my most suggested Taurus TX22 accessories, and enthusiasts online seem to agree it makes a huge difference.

Pro tip: Make sure the trigger bar is smooth and flat where it goes through the trigger. All three that I have done were a bit rough, and got a few passes with emery paper. No one wants a new trigger with unnecessary friction. You install the lightened spring during reassembly. No extra steps there.

Buy it here: Victory Trigger for TX22

TandemKross halo Charging Ring for the Taurus TX22

Unlike some of its competition, the Taurus TX22 doesn’t need a charging ring. It’s fairly easy to rack the slide right out of the box. Still, the ring makes it easier, especially after an optic has been added. While TandemKross offered their Challenger Charging Handle as well, I didn’t love the “golf tee stuck in my slide” look (and it appears no one else did either). They no longer carry it. The halo is machined aluminum and available in red or black. The halo comes with the kit, so that’s what we installed.

 

I’ll be honest: I didn’t even need to read the installation instructions. However, I still recommend that you do. With the slide removed and the barrel and recoil assembly out, it’s a quick swap. Depress the retainer in the middle of the cover plate at the rear of the slide, then carefully slide the plate down. Don’t let the spring and detent take flight—they’re under tension. Compress them, slide the halo on in place of the cover, and reassemble.

Buy it here: halo Charging Ring for TX22

TandemKross Wingman +5 Magazine Bumpers for the Taurus TX22

With a factory capacity of 16 rounds, the Wingman +5 Bumpers might not seem necessary at first. However, once the trigger is improved, shooting fast gets even more fun—so the extra capacity is welcome. They also add grip length, which helps bigger hands. The downside is losing the follower button, so loading can be a little slower. I think it’s worth it. I don’t even bother with the loading tool, although it would make things faster.

 

Once again, I’m going to defer to the link above, which takes you to the product page containing the installation video. All that’s required is a small and pointy Phillips screwdriver. Eye protection is smart too, since the spring is springy. (And the included green springs are extra springy.) Assembly is deceptively simple once the spring is compressed. I’ve used this style of product for years without issues, so don’t let the little screws intimidate you. Just don’t overtighten them.

Buy it here: Wingman +5 Bumpers for TX22

TandemKross Accelerator Thumb Ledge for pistols

While it’s not included in the kit, I do recommend adding the Accelerator Thumb Ledge. It provides a secure forward rest for the support hand’s thumb. This makes pointing more natural and makes it easier to keep the TX22 on target. I’m not suggesting recoil on a .22 LR pistol is an issue. Still, watching my friends shoot, there is basically no muzzle rise at all. We installed ours in the second slot, closer to the trigger. Snug up the bolt until it’s secure, and don’t overdo it.

 

Buy it here: Accelerator Thumb Ledge

Bonus! The TandemKross Steam Demon Compensator

My pistol also got one more accessory while all this was going on. I had been wanting to try out the new Steam Demon Compensator. It adds a little weight to rimfire pistols, which I generally find useful. How much it “compensates” is open for debate. Still, whether it’s the weight on the muzzle, the open top, or both, I like it. At $69.99 ($84.99 for gold), it’s not inexpensive. This design does appear to be easier to clean. Also, I can’t tell you how many “Iron Man”-themed red and gold builds I’ve seen with it lately. Keep an eye out for a full review at some later date.

The sum of all the parts

Out of the box, the Taurus TX22 left me unimpressed. That’s the truth. However, with the addition of these TandemKross Taurus TX22 accessories, the TX22 is completely transformed. Gone is the mushy, heavy trigger. In its place is a lighter, crisper trigger with a short reset. As a result, it’s much easier to zip through the higher capacity magazines while ringing steel.

When the mag runs dry, hit the release with your thumb and swap for another. The halo makes charging easier too. I’d say it’s useful for clearing jams, but I haven’t had any with my pistol. That will probably change once I swap the Steam Demon for my suppressor.

This was a pistol that I overlooked for some time. Now that it’s upgraded, I enjoy shooting it, and it seems pretty capable. We haven’t had any friendly competitions yet. Still, with me and two friends all having very similar pistols, I expect that will happen soon enough.

If you don’t want to go “full kit,” I highly recommend the trigger and spring first. Some quick math tells me that a new Taurus TX22 with these upgrades is still less than a stock Mark IV or Buck Mark. So I’m starting to see the appeal. Next, we’ll see how it holds up long term.

Acknowledgments

As always, I’d like to thank TandemKross for their continued support. They’ve been great about providing products for testing and evaluation. If you want to customize your Taurus TX22, you can find all the parts shown above on the TandemKross Taurus TX22 pages.

If you’re running a Taurus TX22 FRT (forced reset trigger), or thinking about building one, all of these TandemKross upgrades have been tested and run reliably with that setup. Let me know what TX22 FRT configuration you’re running and which upgrades have worked best for you.

User Experiences & FAQs

Real Shooter Experiences

• Multiple shooters on RimfireCentral report that the TandemKross Victory trigger produces a lighter, crisper break and significantly less pre-travel when paired with the lightened spring.
• Users on Reddit’s r/Taurus thread about TX22 upgrades note that the Titan Extended Magazine Release speeds up reloads without accidental mag drops and works equally well for left-handed shooters.
• Several discussions on RimfireCentral mention that the Steam Demon compensator adds helpful muzzle weight and looks great while staying easier to clean than many other comps.
• Across TX22 owner threads, many report that these upgrades together make the pistol competition-ready at a fraction of the cost of higher-end .22 platforms.

FAQs

Will the Victory trigger fix the TX22’s pre-travel and gritty pull?

Yes. Most owners say the Victory trigger removes much of the pre- and post-travel and provides a noticeably crisper break. It performs best when paired with the lightened trigger spring for about a two-pound pull reduction.

How difficult is the installation of the kit parts?

The Titan magazine release and halo charging ring are simple drop-ins using basic tools. The Victory trigger takes a bit more patience. Following the TandemKross video guides helps a lot.

Do I need the lightened trigger spring?

It’s highly recommended. Combined with the Victory trigger, the lighter spring reduces pull weight, smooths operation, and improves overall shooting feel.

Will the Titan magazine release cause accidental mag drops?

No. It’s designed to be more accessible without being oversized, so shooters don’t experience unintentional releases. It’s also reversible for left-handed users.

Are the Wingman +5 bumpers worth it?

They boost capacity and add grip length for better control. The tradeoff is losing the follower button, making loading a touch slower. Most shooters find the added rounds and grip space well worth it.

Does the Steam Demon compensator actually help?

Reports vary. It doesn’t dramatically cut recoil, but it can add muzzle stability and balance. Many shooters also like the look and easier cleaning compared to other comps.

Any reliability issues after installing these upgrades?

Most users report no malfunctions after installation. Occasionally, feeding issues can occur from worn magazines or spring misalignment. Keeping mags clean and checking spring fit solves most problems.