Intratec TEC-22
Inexpensive .22 LR pistol compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines.
The Intratec TEC-22 is a semi-automatic pistol that fires .22 Long Rifle cartridges. It was sold under the names Scorpion and Sport-22 as well. Its operation relies on a straight blow-back action. The gun is built mostly from molded plastic and stamped metal, which kept manufacturing costs low. It accepts both standard and drum magazines made for the Ruger 10/22 rifle.
The frame and receiver are a single piece of ABS plastic, with only the bolt guides machined. A stamped steel cover hinges at the front and latches over the bolt, holding it in place. The bolt is cast steel and moves on a spring and follower; a thin channel through the bolt allows a stamped firing pin to strike the cartridge. While the TEC-22 works with 10/22 magazines, Intratec also made its own 15- and 30-round double-stack magazines. A small ambidextrous switch activates a trigger block safety, and a hinged door in the grip hides a storage compartment. Over its production, the TEC-22 had quality control problems, including a recall for firing automatic bursts.
The original variant had a threaded barrel (1⁄2–20 thread) for a barrel extension or suppressor, protected by a knurled nut, and came with a 30-round magazine. In 1988, a small number of TEC-22TK pistols were made with a Tec-Kote rust-resistant finish, but were otherwise identical. In 1986, a few TEC-25 variants were produced; these were similar to the TEC-22 but chambered in .25 ACP, and are not related to the Intratec Protec-25. The Sport-22 variant had an unthreaded barrel and a 10-round rotary magazine, introduced to comply with the 1994 U.S. firearms legislation that expired later.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- George Kellgren
- Manufacturer
- Intratec
- Production Date
- Circa 1988 to 1994 (TEC-22), 1994-2000 (Sport-22)
- Variants
- TEC-22TK / TEC-25 (.25ACP) / Sport-22
- Weight
- 0.822 kg
- Length
- 284 mm
- Part Length
- 102 mm
- Height
- 157 mm
- Cartridge
- .22 Long Rifle
- Action
- Blowback-operated, semi-automatic
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The TEC-22's design is extremely simple, with a single-piece frame/receiver molded from ABS plastic that is largely unmachined except for bolt guides. A stamped steel receiver cover hinges at the front and latches onto the rear of the bolt assembly, sandwiching the bolt in place. The bolt itself is cast steel, riding on a spring and follower, with a thin firing pin channel running down its center. A small, ambidextrous switch on the frame actuates a trigger block safety, and a hinged door at the bottom of the grip provides a small storage compartment.
Over its production run, the TEC-22 suffered from various quality control issues; some were recalled because they were firing automatic bursts. The original variant featured a threaded barrel (1⁄2–20 thread) and a 30-round magazine. A small number of pistols were made with the Tec-Kote rust-resistant finish in 1988, designated the TEC-22TK. In 1986, a small number of the TEC-25 variant were made, chambered in .25 ACP and unrelated to the Intratec Protec-25. The Sport-22 variant featured an unthreaded barrel and a 10-round rotary magazine to comply with the 1994 U.S. firearms legislation.
Reader's Guide
The TEC-22's significance lies in its low-cost, simple construction and its compatibility with the widely available Ruger 10/22 magazines, including drum magazines. This made it an affordable plinking and recreational pistol. However, its reputation was marred by quality control issues, including a recall for unintended automatic fire. The introduction of the Sport-22 variant with a 10-round rotary magazine and unthreaded barrel reflects the impact of the 1994 U.S. firearms legislation on its design and marketing. The TEC-22 remains a notable example of an inexpensive, polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol from the late 20th century, and its variants—including the short-lived TEC-25 in .25 ACP—show the manufacturer's attempts to adapt to market and regulatory pressures.
Did You Know?
- The TEC-22 was also marketed as the Scorpion and Sport-22.
- Some TEC-22 pistols were recalled because they were firing automatic bursts.
- A small number of TEC-25 variants were made in 1986, chambered in .25 ACP.
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