Few shooting experiences are more satisfying than firing a full-size .22 Long Rifle-chambered pistol. Most instructors agree that this is the best way to introduce new shooters to the fundamentals of firing a handgun. And one of the few things that can further enhance the experience is the ability to add a sound suppressor, as it helps mitigate flinching and allows for easy communication on the range. Tanfoglio’s Force 22L TB is already popular overseas, as it satisfies the needs of beginners and competition shooters alike, and in 2023 the Italian Firearms Group started importing a “TB” version complete with a longer threaded barrel.
Tanfoglio’s Force 22L is built using a polymer frame that utilizes a CZ 75-style rail system. As a result, the pistol’s slide rests within its frame rather than overhanging it, which produces a lower bore axis. Just like the standard version, the TB is a semi-automatic rimfire repeating pistol that feeds from a detachable magazine. As this cartridge only produces mild pressures when fired, there isn’t a need to delay cycling, so a simple direct-blowback system was used to operate it. Upon ignition, direct pressure is applied toward the rear of the slide, forcing it open, ejecting the fired case and re-cocking the external hammer. As the slide returns to battery, it strips a fresh round off the 10-round magazine and chambers it.
The Force 22L TB employs a double-action/single-action trigger, which is handy as it allows a second strike when a rimfire cartridge doesn’t ignite on the first try. Built into each side of the frame is a manual thumb safety. A mild studded pattern is found around the circumference of the grip, as well as fine checkering on the reversible push-button magazine catch. Lastly, a three-slot accessory rail is molded into the dustcover for accessories.
Getting a .22 LR pistol slide to cycle properly takes a fair bit of work, but Tanfoglio rose to the task. By utilizing lightweight aluminum, the manufacturer was able to trim enough weight to make it run reliably with the paltry power of this tiny rimfire. Completing the package, lightening cuts are milled into the front of the slide, which also serves to balance the overall design better. Inside the slide sits a bull barrel that protrudes approximately half an inch beyond the slide to make room for the 1/2x28 TPI threading required for accessories—a knurled thread protector is included.
We began the day by checking our zero, which was a bit off for our 25-yard test distance. Using the Force 22L TB’s fully adjustable rear sight, we corrected this in only a few minutes. The black-on-black sight picture was functional enough for the range, but some testers felt the pistol would have been better served by a contrasting front sight. Our impressions of the trigger were mixed but overall favorable; testers unanimously agreed that single-action was smooth and crisp, but that the double-action break was too heavy.
Lightening cuts in the front of the slide help to balance the pistol, and a bull barrel is threaded 1/2x28 TPI for accessories (right). The fully adjustable rear sight, a rowel hammer and bilateral safety levers aid precise aim and positive operation, respectively (left).
For our range day we selected a broad variety of ammunition types—CCI’s 36-grain hollow-point Mini-Mag, Eley’s 40-grain subsonic Contact and Remington’s 40-grain 22 Target. After an unsuppressed 100-round warm-up and break-in period, during which the pistol ran flawlessly, we mounted a modular Rugged Suppressors Mustang22 to the muzzle for further testing. As none of these loads are capable of breaking the sound barrier through a pistol-length barrel, we were excited to test it suppressed. Because the design of the barrel is essentially fixed, a booster was not necessary for the pistol to run properly while wearing a can.
Even with the Mustang22 in its shortest configuration we achieved excellent volume reduction, and adding the rest of the baffles made the gun quiet enough that the hammer could be heard striking the firing pin. We digested the rest of our ammunition in this arrangement and did not see a failure until the pistol was fouled beyond acceptable use—which was rectified by a quick cleaning. Although not particularly raised, the Force 22L TB’s sights were high enough to see over the 1.06"-diameter silencer without issue.
Cleaning is accomplished thanks to a toolless takedown method that simply requires holding the unloaded pistol out of battery and removing the slide stop. In this state, we also had an opportunity to observe the plunger-style firing-pin block that is integrated to stave off unintentional discharges.
Overall, all testers enjoyed their time with the Tanfoglio Force 22L TB, especially when it was wearing the Rugged silencer. It ran amazingly well both suppressed and unsuppressed, particularly in light of the three very different types of ammunition used. This would be an excellent pistol for anybody looking for a smooth introduction to handgun shooting or somebody looking to hunt small game without disturbing the neighborhood.
