{"id":6175,"date":"2025-05-10T12:32:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T12:32:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2025\/05\/10\/a-budget-friendly-9mm-pistol-for-concealed-carry\/"},"modified":"2025-05-10T12:32:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T12:32:08","slug":"a-budget-friendly-9mm-pistol-for-concealed-carry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationalgunowner.org\/index.php\/2025\/05\/10\/a-budget-friendly-9mm-pistol-for-concealed-carry\/","title":{"rendered":"A Budget-Friendly 9mm Pistol for Concealed Carry"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

The brand-new Taurus GX2, which has just launched<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First Impressions of the Taurus GX2<\/h2>\n

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\u2014two important factors that budget pistols sometimes struggle with.<\/p>\n

\"Taurus
The GX2 ships with two 13-round flush-fitting magazines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond that, the pistol comes with two 13-round magazines, providing a 13+1 capacity. For a compact handgun at this price point, that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

My Range Experience<\/h2>\n

I took the GX2 to the range under slightly chilly conditions\u2014nothing 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\u2019t add any extra lubrication, I was pleased to see it function flawlessly.<\/p>\n

\"GX2
The GX2 cycled everything I fed it without a single hiccup. No jams, no misfeeds, no failures to eject.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Accuracy & Trigger Feel<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s trigger includes a hinged safety blade, and while it won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

\"Group
Five shots with four in the same hole. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Magazine Release Issue<\/h2>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Taurus GX2 Specs at a Glance<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Specification<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Caliber<\/td>\n9mm Luger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barrel Length<\/td>\n3.38 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Capacity<\/td>\n13+1 Rounds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Frame Material<\/td>\nPolymer (Stainless-Steel Chassis)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slide Material<\/td>\nStainless Steel (Gas Melanite Finish)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sights<\/td>\nGlock-Compatible Steel Sights<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight (Unloaded)<\/td>\nApprox. 19 oz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall Width<\/td>\n1.18 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rail<\/td>\nMIL-STD-1913 Picatinny<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Street Price<\/td>\n~$250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n
\"Side
The GX2 also includes an external, frame-mounted manual safety on the left side. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ergonomics & Handling<\/h2>\n

The Taurus GX2 feels familiar if you\u2019ve 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\u2019re not used to thumb safeties, you can choose to ignore it; if you like the extra security, it\u2019s there. Personally, I don\u2019t see a need for a manual safety on a striker-fired platform, but it\u2019s nice that Taurus has given shooters the option.<\/p>\n

\"GX2
The Taurus GX2 features great texture on the grip and frame. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019s not too light to handle recoil poorly, yet it\u2019s not so heavy that you\u2019d 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\u2019s simple to holster and comfortable to wear on your hip or inside the waistband.<\/p>\n

Who Is the Taurus GX2 For?<\/h2>\n

Budget-Conscious Buyers<\/strong>
If you\u2019re looking for an inexpensive way to arm yourself\u2014be it for home defense or personal carry\u2014the GX2 delivers. At around $250 street price, you\u2019ll have more leeway to spend on training ammo or a quality holster.<\/p>\n

New Shooters<\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n

Backup Gun or Secondary Carry<\/strong>
Even if you have a higher-end firearm as your primary, the GX2 is an excellent choice for a backup gun\u2014tucked away at home, in a workshop, or in a vehicle.<\/p>\n

Everyday Carry Enthusiasts<\/strong>
The slim profile and 13+1 capacity strike a sweet spot, offering both concealability and solid firepower.<\/p>\n

Personal Speculation<\/h2>\n

If I was betting, I\u2019d bet that the GX2 replaces the G2C. With Taurus, one never knows but that\u2019s my guess. Also, upon inspection, the internals look very GX4ish to me, and further testing should be done to see whether there\u2019s cross-compatibility between the new GX2 and the GX4. <\/p>\n

Watch Our Video!<\/h2>\n
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