Best Taurus Handguns (2026): TX9, GX4, G3 & More

The best Taurus handguns have shaken off the brand’s old reputation. Taurus still sells some of the cheapest reliable pistols on the market, but it now also builds an optics-ready duty gun that ran 1,000 rounds with two stoppages, a .22 competition pistol, a budget carry gun that put four shots in one hole, and a .44 Magnum hunting revolver that weighs far less than steel rivals.

Our writers have tested a lot of Taurus guns. We ran a full-size TX9 for just over 1,000 rounds, carried the TX9 Sub-Compact through a Wisconsin winter, put a GX4 T.O.R.O. through its paces with a Holosun dot, and shot the GX2, G3X, G3C, 856 Defender revolver, TX22 Competition, and Raging Hunter .44 Magnum.

This is a lineup guide. We rank the Taurus handguns we have reviewed by the job each one does best, with the specs, test results, and prices our writers recorded. Taurus prices move a lot, so every price is labeled with when we saw it. For a cross-brand look at carry guns, see our best concealed carry handguns guide.

Not sure where to start? Read the buyer’s guide. Already know? Skip to the picks.

Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Taurus Handguns In 2026

Taurus makes pistols and revolvers for nearly every budget and job. Here is how to sort them.

Carry, Duty, Or Range

The GX4 T.O.R.O., GX2, G3C, and TX9 Sub-Compact are carry guns. The full-size TX9 and G3X lean toward duty and home defense. The TX22 Competition is a range and match gun. The 856 Defender is a carry revolver, and the Raging Hunter is a hunting revolver. Pick the job, then the gun.

Pistol Or Revolver

Taurus is one of the few makers still selling affordable revolvers in volume. The 856 Defender holds six rounds of .38 Special in a 3 inch barrel. Revolvers are simple to run but heavier and slower to reload. See our best defensive revolvers guide for more. If you want a semi-auto, the TX9 and GX series are where Taurus is strongest.

Triggers

Taurus triggers vary widely. The TX9 Sub-Compact averaged a light 2 pounds 9 ounces, and the full-size TX9 measured about 5.5 pounds. The G3X averaged 5 pounds, and the G3C broke at about 6 pounds with a restrike feature that lets you pull again after a light strike. The 856 Defender broke at 6.5 pounds in single action.

Optics

The full-size TX9, TX9 Sub-Compact, GX4 T.O.R.O., and TX22 Competition are optics ready. The TX9 Sub-Compact needs separately purchased adapter plates. The TX22 Competition came with two reversible plates that cover four footprints. See our best pistol red dots guide for options.

What About The RPC?

Taurus also makes the RPC, a roller-delayed 9mm with an MP5 feel. We reviewed it in our Taurus RPC review. It is a different animal from the handguns here, so we cover it with the roller guns in our best MP5 clones guide.

Price

In our reviews, street prices ran from around $250 for the GX2 in 2025 to near $650 for the Raging Hunter .44 Magnum in 2019. The full-size TX9 listed at $499 with street prices under $400 at the time of review. Taurus guns are easy to find on GunsAmerica, often below MSRP.

Best Taurus Handguns Ranked: 2026 Product Roundup

Taurus TX9: Best Overall Taurus Handgun (2026)

The Taurus TX9 is the best overall Taurus handgun because it ran just over 1,000 rounds with two stoppages while our reviewer ran it dry on cheap practice ammo. The full-size model has a 4.5 inch barrel, two 17-round magazines, a 1913 accessory rail, and an optics-ready slide. MSRP was $499 with street prices under $400 at the time of review.

Read our full Taurus TX9 full size review here.

He measured the trigger at about 5 pounds 8 ounces to 5 pounds 10.5 ounces and finished 1,000 rounds without hot spots on his hand. One stoppage acted like an underpowered round and the other was a stovepipe. He called it a strong showing for any duty-size striker gun. A 4 inch compact with 15-round magazines and a subcompact are also available.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 17 rounds (two magazines)
• Barrel: 4.5 in
• Trigger: about 5.5 lb measured
• MSRP: $499 (under $400 street) at the time of review

Pros

• Two stoppages in about 1,000 dry rounds
• Optics ready with full rail
• Comfortable grip

Cons

• Trigger is only average
• Full size for carry

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus TX9 on GunsAmerica

Taurus TX9 Sub-Compact: Best Taurus Carry Gun With A Light Trigger (2026)

The Taurus TX9 Sub-Compact is the best Taurus carry gun with a light trigger because its striker trigger averaged just 2 pounds 9 ounces. It ships with two 13-round magazines, or two 10-round magazines for restricted states, and it uses dovetailed iron sights with a removable white-dot front.

Read our full Taurus TX9 Sub-Compact review here.

Our reviewer shot it offhand at 10 yards, with three groups averaging 2.0 inches and his last at 1.5 inches. MSRP was $507.99, and he found one online for $415 at the time of review. The short barrel produced more muzzle flip with heavy 147 grain ammo, and optic adapter plates are sold separately. See our best micro-compact 9mm guide for rivals.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 13 rounds (10-round option)
• Trigger: 2 lb 9 oz average
• Accuracy: 1.5 to 2.0 in at 10 yd offhand
• MSRP: $507.99 ($415 online) at the time of review

Pros

• Very light trigger
• 13-round capacity
• Accurate for its size

Cons

• Muzzle flip with heavy loads
• Optic plates sold separately

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus TX9 Sub-Compact on GunsAmerica

Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O.: Best Optics-Ready Taurus Micro (2026)

The Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. is the best optics-ready Taurus micro because it gives you the features of pricier micro 9mms for much less. It has an 11-round flush-fit magazine, a great trigger, and an optics-ready slide. Our reviewer ran it with a Holosun dot that offers a 2 MOA dot, 65 MOA circle, or both.

Read our full Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. review here.

He said it ran flawlessly with no break-in. Street prices were $340 to $399 at the time of review, and he found some on GunsAmerica for as little as $340. He said if Taurus can put a great trigger in a subcompact that sold for under $350 in 2022, other companies have no excuse.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 11-round flush magazine
• Optics: optics-ready slide
• Reliability: flawless in testing
• Street price: $340 to $399 at the time of review (2022)

Pros

• Great trigger
• Optics ready
• Low price

Cons

• Lower capacity than some rivals
• Fewer holster choices than a Hellcat

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. on GunsAmerica

Taurus GX2: Best Budget Taurus Handgun (2026)

The Taurus GX2 is the best budget Taurus handgun because it cycled everything our reviewer fed it for a street price around $250 at the time of review. He had no jams, no misfeeds, and no failures to eject. It weighs about 19 ounces unloaded, is 1.18 inches wide, and has a Picatinny rail.

Read our full Taurus GX2 review here.

His second group put four shots in the same hole with the fifth 3/4 inch out, for a one-inch group. He said the savings leave room for training ammo or a quality holster, and called it one of the best values on the market. For new shooters, see our best first handgun guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Weight: about 19 oz unloaded
• Width: 1.18 in
• Accuracy: one-inch best group
• Street price: about $250 at the time of review

Pros

• Very low price
• Flawless function in testing
• Light for carry

Cons

• Not optics ready
• Basic sights

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus GX2 on GunsAmerica

Taurus G3X: Best Taurus Crossover Pistol (2026)

The Taurus G3X is the best Taurus crossover pistol because it puts a full-size 15-round grip on a compact 3.2 inch barrel. It weighs 24.8 ounces and has a restrike trigger that lets you pull again after a light primer strike. MSRP was only $342.98 at the time of review.

Read our full Taurus G3X review here.

Our test pistol’s trigger averaged 5 pounds. We had no malfunctions, even with short 90 grain loads. The best group from 15 yards put four of five rounds in the 10 ring with three Xs and one called flyer. It ships with two 15-round magazines.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 15 rounds (two magazines)
• Barrel: 3.2 in
• Weight: 24.8 oz
• MSRP: $342.98 at the time of review (2022)

Pros

• Full grip, compact slide
• Restrike trigger
• No malfunctions in testing

Cons

• Not optics ready
• Heavier than micros

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus G3X on GunsAmerica

Taurus G3C: Best Value Taurus Compact (2026)

The Taurus G3C is the best value Taurus compact because it ate everything our reviewer fed it without the slightest hiccup for an MSRP of $309 at the time of review in 2020. It came with three magazines. The partially cocked striker gives a long, light take-up to a hard wall that breaks at about 6 pounds, and you can restrike after a dud.

Read our full Taurus G3C review here.

He said at that price point the G3C was very hard to beat, and he would have no problem recommending it to a friend or carrying it himself. It weighs 22 ounces with a 6.3 inch overall length.

Key Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Weight: 22 oz
• Overall length: 6.3 in
• Trigger: about 6 lb with restrike
• MSRP: $309 at the time of review (2020)

Pros

• Ran without a hiccup
• Three magazines included
• Very low price

Cons

• Long take-up
• Not optics ready

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus G3C on GunsAmerica

Taurus 856 Defender: Best Taurus Carry Revolver (2026)

The Taurus 856 Defender is the best Taurus carry revolver because it gives you six rounds of .38 Special in a 3 inch barrel for an everyman price. MSRPs ran from $390 to $455 depending on model at the time of review. Our reviewer said it matches the S&W Model 19’s capacity and barrel length while weighing nine ounces less.

Read our full Taurus 856 Defender review here.

The single-action trigger broke at a clean 6.5 pounds, but double action was heavier than his 8 pound gauge could measure, and his accuracy dropped in double action. It shot a ragged hole at 10 yards, and 20 yard groups opened past three inches. He called it light, well built, reliable, and reasonably priced. See our best defensive revolvers guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .38 Special
• Capacity: 6 rounds
• Barrel: 3 in stainless
• Trigger: 6.5 lb SA, over 8 lb DA
• MSRP: $390 to $455 at the time of review (2021)

Pros

• Six shots
• Lighter than steel rivals
• Affordable

Cons

• Very heavy double-action pull
• Groups open past 3 in at 20 yd

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus 856 Defender on GunsAmerica

Taurus TX22 Competition: Best Taurus .22 Pistol (2026)

The Taurus TX22 Competition is the best Taurus .22 pistol because it adds a longer slide, optics plates, and match accuracy to the TX22, a gun our TX9 reviewer said he recommends without hesitation. The slide cut saves weight so the longer slide still cycles reliably under blowback.

Read our full Taurus TX22 Competition review here.

Our reviewer ran hundreds of rounds with very few malfunctions, some he blamed on himself, and zero after break-in. The trigger measured 4 to 5 pounds. His best five-shot group was 0.390 inch with Winchester bulk 36 grain. MSRP was $533.33 at the time of review, up from $484 at launch. See our best .22 LR pistols guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Trigger: 4 to 5 lb measured
• Optics: two reversible plates, four footprints
• Accuracy: 0.390 in best 5-shot group
• MSRP: $533.33 at the time of review (2021)

Pros

• Very accurate
• Optics ready
• Zero malfunctions after break-in

Cons

• Ammo sensitive for accuracy
• Price climbed after launch

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus TX22 Competition on GunsAmerica

Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum: Best Taurus Hunting Revolver (2026)

The Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum is the best Taurus hunting revolver because it delivers a ported barrel, Picatinny rail, and dual cylinder latch for far less than rivals. It comes in 8 3/8, 6 3/4, and 5 1/8 inch barrels, weighing about 55, 52, and 48 ounces, which is much lighter than all-steel guns its size.

Read our full Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum review here.

Our reviewer said the porting kept recoil manageable and the aluminum shroud keeps the barrel rigid and light. MSRP was $910.27 for the matte black model, with street prices near $650 at the time of review in 2019. He called it the best hunting revolver in its price range. For woods carry, see our bear country sidearms guide.

Key Specs

• Caliber: .44 Magnum
• Barrel: 8 3/8, 6 3/4 or 5 1/8 in, ported
• Weight: about 48 to 55 oz
• Optics: integral Picatinny rail
• MSRP: $910.27 (about $650 street) at the time of review (2019)

Pros

• Ported barrel tames recoil
• Optics rail built in
• Lighter than steel rivals

Cons

• Big and heavy to carry
• Long barrels are hunting only

🛒 Check Current Price for Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum on GunsAmerica

Final Thoughts On The Best Taurus Handguns Of 2026

The best Taurus handgun for most shooters is the full-size TX9. It ran just over 1,000 rounds with two stoppages and listed at $499 at the time of review. The TX9 Sub-Compact has the lightest trigger, the GX4 T.O.R.O. is the optics-ready micro, and the GX2 is the budget pick. The G3X and G3C are proven values, the 856 Defender is the carry revolver, the TX22 Competition is the rimfire match gun, and the Raging Hunter is the hunting revolver.

Related reading: see our guide to the best big bore handguns.

Taurus earned its second chance the hard way, one reliable gun at a time. Read the full reviews and pick your job. For more carry choices, see our best micro-compact 9mm guide. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target. Train hard, shoot straight, and stay dangerous. Shop Taurus handguns on GunsAmerica.com.