Taurus TXM: A Real Caliber-Swap Pistol, But Suppressed Reliability Is Still Unproven
One frame, two very different pistols: GarandThumb's writeup breaks down the Taurus TXM, a striker-fired handgun that swaps between 5.7x28mm and .22 WMR by changing the slide, barrel, recoil assembly and magazine.
Snapshot
The article walks through TXM specs for both calibers, how the conversion actually works, suppressor fit, and an early report of feeding trouble on a suppressed 5.7 build. The author hasn't fired the pistol personally and leans on published specs and one independent shooting report, landing on a favorable but cautious verdict.
Key points
- Real conversion, not a gimmick: going between calibers means swapping slide, barrel, recoil assembly and magazine, with the serialized polymer frame and trigger group staying the same.
- Pricing laid out: the 5.7 model lists at $507.99, the .22 WMR at $424.99, and the combo kit with both uppers runs about $757.99, roughly $175 cheaper than buying both pistols separately.
- Optics and accessory limits: because the red dot rides on the slide, owners need a dot for each upper or must re-zero every swap, and Taurus reportedly caps muzzle devices around five ounces.
- Suppressor notes: one independent test paired an AAC Element II with both calibers, reporting gas blowback with .22 WMR but none with 5.7, plus a feeding hiccup on an uncleaned, unlubricated suppressed 5.7 upper.
- TX22 comparison: the article frames the TXM as sitting above the TX22 rather than replacing it, since the TX22 stays the cheaper plinker while the TXM adds magnum rimfire and centerfire capability.
Quick take
GarandThumb calls the TXM one of the more interesting launches of 2026 because the modularity actually solves something, letting one frame do duty as a 23-round 5.7 pistol or a 15-round .22 WMR plinker. The catch is reliability data, especially suppressed, is still thin, and the author argues buyers should test their own ammo and can before trusting launch-day hype.
Read the full story: garandthumb.com