I recently had the opportunity to test the brand-new Taurus GX2, which has just launched. With its approachable street price of around $250, this 9mm pistol has quickly become one of the most talked-about budget-friendly options. I spent some range time running it through various drills, and in this review, I’ll give you my personal impressions on how it performs, handles, and why it might be a perfect fit for those looking to add a reliable handgun to their collection without breaking the bank.
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First Impressions of the Taurus GX2
Straight out of the box, the Taurus GX2 looks like a modern striker-fired pistol. It sports a 3.38-inch stainless-steel barrel paired with a stainless-steel slide treated in a gas melanite finish, which promises solid corrosion resistance. The polymer frame, housing a stainless-steel chassis beneath, feels sturdy and ergonomic in hand. I was particularly curious about its reliability and accuracy—two important factors that budget pistols sometimes struggle with.
Beyond that, the pistol comes with two 13-round magazines, providing a 13+1 capacity. For a compact handgun at this price point, that’s already impressive. One subtle detail that quickly caught my eye: the Glock-compatible steel sights. Not only is this a major step up from budget pistols that ship with plastic sights, but it also means you can swap in fiber-optic or night sights if you want an upgrade.
My Range Experience
I took the GX2 to the range under slightly chilly conditions—nothing extreme, but enough to see if cold weather might affect reliability. The GX2 cycled everything I fed it without a single hiccup. No jams, no misfeeds, no failures to eject. Considering this is a brand-new model and I didn’t add any extra lubrication, I was pleased to see it function flawlessly.
Accuracy & Trigger Feel
Accuracy was more than adequate for a personal defense or concealed carry weapon with my second group putting four shots in the same hole and the fifth shot 3/4 of an inch out for a one-inch group. The Taurus GX2’s trigger includes a hinged safety blade, and while it won’t be mistaken for a custom competition trigger, it offers a crisp, predictable break that makes it relatively easy to shoot well. I particularly liked the reset, which felt short enough to allow quick follow-up shots.
The Magazine Release Issue
One hiccup I did encounter was accidentally pressing the magazine release with my support hand. I tend to grip handguns fairly high and tight, and on a few occasions, I partially dislodged the magazine mid-string. This is something other shooters with large hands might want to keep in mind. I think Taurus needs to make the magazine engagement deeper.
Taurus GX2 Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel Length | 3.38 inches |
| Capacity | 13+1 Rounds |
| Frame Material | Polymer (Stainless-Steel Chassis) |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel (Gas Melanite Finish) |
| Sights | Glock-Compatible Steel Sights |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 19 oz |
| Overall Width | 1.18 inches |
| Rail | MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny |
| Street Price | ~$250 |
Ergonomics & Handling
The Taurus GX2 feels familiar if you’ve shot other polymer-framed striker-fired pistols. Its slightly flared grip allows for a comfortable hold, and the textured surfaces keep your hands secure, even if they get a bit sweaty or damp. The GX2 also includes an external, frame-mounted manual safety on the left side. If you’re not used to thumb safeties, you can choose to ignore it; if you like the extra security, it’s there. Personally, I don’t see a need for a manual safety on a striker-fired platform, but it’s nice that Taurus has given shooters the option.
Another aspect that stood out to me is the balance. The GX2 is a lighter handgun, clocking in at about 19 ounces unloaded, which makes it well-suited for concealed carry. It’s not too light to handle recoil poorly, yet it’s not so heavy that you’d get fatigued carrying it all day. Pair that with a 3.38-inch barrel and a slightly narrowed slide, and you have a pistol that’s simple to holster and comfortable to wear on your hip or inside the waistband.
Who Is the Taurus GX2 For?
Budget-Conscious Buyers
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to arm yourself—be it for home defense or personal carry—the GX2 delivers. At around $250 street price, you’ll have more leeway to spend on training ammo or a quality holster.
New Shooters
With a reasonable recoil impulse, straightforward controls, and an included lifetime warranty for the original buyer, the GX2 is a safe bet for first-time owners wanting a reliable starter pistol.
Backup Gun or Secondary Carry
Even if you have a higher-end firearm as your primary, the GX2 is an excellent choice for a backup gun—tucked away at home, in a workshop, or in a vehicle.
Everyday Carry Enthusiasts
The slim profile and 13+1 capacity strike a sweet spot, offering both concealability and solid firepower.
Personal Speculation
If I was betting, I’d bet that the GX2 replaces the G2C. With Taurus, one never knows but that’s my guess. Also, upon inspection, the internals look very GX4ish to me, and further testing should be done to see whether there’s cross-compatibility between the new GX2 and the GX4.
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Final Thoughts
After my time with the Taurus GX2, I came away pleasantly surprised. Many budget-friendly pistols tend to skimp on features like upgraded sights or a robust chassis, yet Taurus has included both. It’s accurate enough for defensive use, cycles reliably, and carries easily due to its lightweight design and compact dimensions. While I did bump the magazine release a few times with my grip, I think the majority of shooters will never notice or have the issue.
READ MORE: The Best Striker Fired Pistol Is The Archon Firearms Gen 2 Type B By PTR
Overall, the GX2 has the potential to become a go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a reliable 9mm pistol at a truly wallet-friendly price. If you’re in the market for a new compact firearm—be it for daily carry, home defense, or a secondary option—give the Taurus GX2 a serious look. With its combination of decent capacity, reliability, and a sub-$300 street cost, it may just stand out as one of the best values on the market right now.
Visit Taurus to learn more about the GX2.
