Intratec TEC-22 Scorpion
Intratec · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1988
Also known as: TEC-22, Scorpion, Sport-22
Overview
The Intratec TEC-22 Scorpion is a .22 LR semi-automatic blowback pistol, the rimfire counterpart in the Intratec TEC-9 family. Designed by George Kellgren and built by Intratec of Miami, it uses an inexpensive single-piece ABS-plastic frame with a stamped-steel receiver cover and a heavy steel closed bolt. The original model featured a half-inch-by-20 threaded barrel and accepted Ruger 10/22-pattern magazines, including high-capacity and drum magazines.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 822 g (29.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 284 mm (11.18") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 157 mm (6.18") |
| Width | 41 mm (1.61") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 305 m/s (1001 fps) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Threaded Barrel, Abs Polymer Frame, Ruger 10 22 Magazine Compatible, Oversized Sights, Wide Magazine Well
Variants
- Intratec Sport-22 — Compliance
Service history
Operators
- Civilian market
Production
Production years: 1988-1994
Civilian production; the AWB-compliant Sport-22 successor ran ~1994-2000
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: George Kellgren
Discontinued: 1994
Notes
Semi-automatic only despite its menacing looks; a 1990 recall addressed firing-pin fractures that could rarely cause an unintended discharge. The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban named the TEC-22 and killed the threaded-barrel original, forcing Intratec to relaunch it as the AWB-compliant 'Sport-22' (non-threaded, reduced-capacity), produced into about 2000.
Background
The TEC-22 was Kellgren's rimfire sibling to the infamous 9mm TEC-9, sharing the same cheap ABS-plastic-and-stamped-steel philosophy. After Intratec wound down, George Kellgren went on to found Kel-Tec.