I like the new Taurus because they’re producing good-quality, high-value firearms in an increasingly pricey gun market. The Taurus GX2 pistol is one of those high-value firearms. The simple, reliable GX2 offers the new shooter an entry-level carry gun that will do what it’s supposed to do without breaking the bank.
Taurus sent me the GX2 “Stainless” model, so called because of the silver-colored stainless steel slide. But the company offers several variants, including the optic-ready GX2 TORO. This review will necessarily focus on the example I have in hand, but will also represent the entire GX2 line, minus the TORO model’s optic compatibility. Let’s start with the gun’s specifications.
Taurus GX2 Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 13+1
- Striker-Fired Single Action Only
- Barrel Length: 3.38 inches
- Overall Length: 6.19 inches
- Width: 1.18 inches
- Height: 4.89 inches
- Weight: 19.04 ounces
- Optic-Ready Variants Available
Taurus GX2 Features
The GX2 is a compact carry pistol sporting a 3.38-inch barrel; a contoured, hand-filling grip; and a solid 13+1 magazine capacity. The pistol isn’t super slim, but its 1.18-inch width conceals comfortably and easily.
The polymer grip has a nice 360-degree texturing for a firm purchase without being overly abrasive. The gun also has textured index points below the slide on both sides. A small protrusion mimics finger grooves, and the slight palm swell is nice. The backstrap is not interchangeable, but the grip fits my hand very well. The 3-slot Picatinny accessory rail allows the easy use of lights or lasers. The trigger guard is agreeably large for big hands or gloves.
Deep front and rear serrations aid slide manipulation. The slide is also beveled all the way around to aid holstering and drawing. The front sight post and rear notch are simple, but they work. The front post has a visible white dot, while the drift-adjustable rear sight is blacked out.
The trigger is better than I expected from an entry-level pistol. It has a short take-up before hitting a definite wall. A clean 4.5 lb. break follows. The reset is a bit longer than my more high-end guns, but it’s tactile and audible. And honestly, I think the longer reset is more appropriate for less-experienced shooters anyway.
The left-side magazine release ejects the spent mags cleanly and positively. The slide release and frame-mounted thumb safety are a little stiff, probably because the gun is new. The slide release will likely loosen with time and use, but I don’t mind the safety being how it is. It will stay where I set it.
The Taurus GX2 at the Range
The GX2 performed like an inexpensive, entry-level pistol. That’s not a criticism. It’s what I expected. But the gun did what I asked it to do. It went “bang” when I pulled the trigger, held reasonable 2-to-3-inch groups at 10 yards that got better as I became accustomed to it. I had two early failures to feed, but the gun smoothed out after the first 50 rounds, and I had no more problems across a total of 475 rounds.
I found that staging the trigger was more effective than pulling straight through the break. Learning the trigger helped my groups, and by the end, I consistently held 2-inch groups with the occasional flyer. I shot deliberately against steel plates and paper targets, while also running 2-2-2 and Bill Drills. The gun ran smoothly through all the drills and transitions.
The well-designed grip helped me shoot the gun well. I actually think the grip is the gun’s best feature. It’s very comfortable and aids with recoil control and accuracy. As noted, the sights are simple yet effective. The slide is a little stiff to manipulate, but, again, the GX2 is an inexpensive, entry-level gun. I don’t expect a buttery smooth slide. The stiffness isn’t a problem for me, but it might be for shooters with weaker hands.
Hornady kindly sent 115-grain Critical Defense FTX defensive rounds for this review.
Conclusions
I think the Taurus GX2 is a solid handgun. It’s not fancy, but it works. It shoots comfortably, the sights are effective, and it’s easily carried. The gun is still not really broken in after 475 rounds, but it did smooth out after a couple of early hiccups. I think that tendency will continue, and I expect the gun to run reliably as the break-in process unfolds. 475 rounds does not allow me to comment on long-term durability, but I have a couple of other newer Taurus handguns, and I’ve been pleased with them.
I think the GX2’s value and accessibility are its most salient features. This GX2 Stainless model is among the line’s most expensive variants, with an MSRP of $348.99. The optic-ready TORO variant lists at $299.99. Retail prices will be even lower. I think that’s a steal, especially in the modern firearms market.
Speaking of cost, gun prices are rising precipitously, along with everything else. Not everyone can afford $600 for a carry gun, and price may deter some prospective new gun owners from entering our ranks. I applaud Taurus for offering a lower-cost gun that is nonetheless reliable. Sure, the GX2 is more utilitarian than anything else. But it works, and that’s the most important thing for a new gun owner looking for a defensive handgun.
The GX2 can fill that role, either for home defense, concealed carry, or both. Versatility is a strength. Taurus clearly intended this gun for newer gun owners who need a less expensive firearm. But I think it’s a useful gun to have around, whatever your experience level. I think most of us can find a role for such a handgun.
