Gun Of The Week: Taurus USA GX2

In recent years, Taurus USA has improved its offerings at every level, from its premium-tier Executive Grade guns down to its entry-level offerings like the GX2. Much of Taurus’ modern direction stems from the architecture, ergonomics and feature set built into its popular GX4 micro-compact, and when it came time to modernize its double-stack G2C design, Taurus borrowed much of what it incorporated into that earlier micro-compact into this affordable GX2 package. Watch our video above to see this EDC pistol in use on the range.

Like the earlier G2C, the Taurus GX2 is a 9 mm Luger-chambered, subcompact semi-automatic that uses a detachable, double-stack box magazine. Right off the bat, the lineage from the GX4 is clear, as the GX2 uses many of the same ergonomic elements in the grip frame, as well as the same style of trigger shoe. The trigger guard also shares the same undercut design, and it terminates in the same, squared-off profile. Stylistically, the slide also shares similarities, having an angular, beveled cut that descends toward the muzzle, as well as similar serrations at the front and rear.

Notably, though, the differences between the two platforms are just as clear. The GX2, while on the smaller side for a semi-automatic handgun, still makes use of a traditional double-stack magazine body and, therefore, is not a micro-compact design like the GX4. This is clearly illustrated in several dimensional differences, with the GX2 measuring 6.2" in overall length, 4.9" tall and 1.2" wide as compared to the GX4’s 6" length, 4.4" height and 1.1" width. Barrel length on the GX2 is also slightly longer, measuring in at nearly 3.4 inches compared to the 3-inch barrel on the GX4 and the 3.2-inch barrel on the previous G2C design.

As a result of its slightly larger size, though, the GX2 has an increased flush-fit magazine capacity of 13 rounds in 9 mm Luger, as compared to the 11-round flush-fit magazine of the GX4, and this updated generation even provides one extra round over the previous G2C design. One of the most notable features of the GX2 is the inclusion of a single-sided manual thumb safety, which is a control you can’t get on the micro-compact GX4. Other controls include a triangular-shaped, serrated, push-button magazine release, which is reversible for left-handed shooters, as well as a single-sided slide-stop lever. While we have the all-black model on the range, Taurus offers its GX2 in an incredible array of slide- and frame-color combinations.

Due to the slightly larger dimensions of the Taurus GX2, this was a very comfortable gun to shoot on the range, and the added texturing found on this model’s grip frame did its job in anchoring the pistol in our hands during our range trip. Other notable features we enjoyed on this model were its Glock-pattern sights, which can be easily changed out for any other Glock-compatible options on the market, as well as the three-slot Picatinny accessory rail located on the frame’s dustcover. We’re big fans of the GX4, and this GX2 gave us all the ergonomic elements we liked about Taurus’ micro-compact while also giving us a bit more of a comfortable range experience. It’s worth noting that this particular Taurus is one of the most affordable defensive handguns you’ll find today, so for those looking for a dependable defensive tool that won’t break the bank, the GX2 is worth a look.

Taurus USA GX2 Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus USA
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Action Type: recoil-operated, striker-fired, centerfire, repeating pistol
Slide: alloy steel, matte-black finish
Frame: polymer; black finish
Barrel: 3.38"
Magazine: 13-round detachable box
Sights: drift-adjustable, square-notch rear; white-dot post front
Trigger: single-action
Overall Length: 6.2"
Height: 4.89"
Width: 1.2"
Weight: 19 ozs.
MSRP: $310