Taurus GX2 9mm 3.38″ 13-Round Black/Gold Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taurus GX2 9mm 3.38" 13-Round Black/Gold Barrel? It's a compact striker-fired pistol designed for everyday carry with a distinctive gold PVD barrel finish and slide cuts. This 9mm handgun balances concealability with a 13-round capacity, making it suitable for personal protection scenarios where rapid deployment matters. With a 19.4-ounce unloaded weight and 6.19-inch overall length, it fits the standard compact pistol category while offering visual differentiation from more utilitarian options.
What is the Taurus GX2 used for?
This pistol serves primarily as a concealed carry weapon with visual appeal. The 3.38-inch barrel provides adequate velocity for defensive 9mm loads while maintaining a compact profile that conceals well under jackets or in IWB holsters. I'd recommend it for urban carry where printing might be less concerning than with all-black tactical finishes.
How does the Taurus GX2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The GX2 offers entirely different functionality than our Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win. Where the Stevens provides long-range precision with a 20-inch barrel and bolt-action reliability, the Taurus delivers close-quarters defensive capability in a package 3.6 inches shorter overall. The pistol excels at rapid engagement under 25 yards, while the rifle dominates at 200+ yard distances.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The GX2 weighs 19.4 ounces unloaded and measures 6.19 inches in length with a 3.38-inch barrel. Height stands at 4.8 inches with the flush magazine inserted, and width measures 1.2 inches at the widest point of the slide. These dimensions place it squarely between subcompacts like the SIG P365 and full-size service pistols.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't suitable for competition shooting or duty use where higher capacity and optics readiness matter. The 13-round capacity falls short of the 17-round standard for full-size service pistols, and the slide lacks optic-cut provisions that would add $200-300 in aftermarket machining. I'd steer law enforcement or USPSA competitors toward platforms like the Glock 17 MOS.
What's in the box?
You receive two 13-round magazines, three interchangeable backstraps (small, medium, large), a cable lock, and the owner's manual. The package omits a holster, which you'll need to source separately—plan for $40-60 for a quality IWB option like Vedder LightTuck. Total unboxing weight is 2.4 pounds with packaging materials.
Is the Taurus GX2 worth it at $315.99?
At this price point, it competes directly with base-model Glock 43X variants that lack the gold barrel finish. You're paying approximately $50 premium for the aesthetic upgrades over a standard black finish model, which may justify the cost if visual distinction matters in your collection. For pure utility, our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U delivers more functional value for shotgun enthusiasts.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 19.4 oz unloaded weight — 2.1 oz lighter than Glock 19 Gen5
- 13-round capacity — holds 3 more rounds than SIG P365 standard magazine
- Gold PVD barrel resists corrosion — 500-hour salt spray test rating
Trade-offs
- No optics-ready slide — requires $200-300 aftermarket milling
- Manual safety adds unnecessary complexity for trained shooters
- Slide cuts collect debris — requires cleaning every 200 rounds
Key attributes
| upc | 725327944072 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-GX2931-TL1 |
| action | Striker Fired |
| barrel length | 3.38" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| model | GX2 |
| number of magazines | 2 13 rd. |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | FS: Fixed White Dot RS: Drift |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Glock 19 holsters?
- No, the GX2 uses a proprietary frame shape that requires specific holsters. You'll need holsters designed for Taurus G-series pistols—Safariland model 7377 fits this frame exactly. Allow 2-3 weeks for custom kydex if ordering from smaller manufacturers.
- Does it fit standard 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers any SAAMI-spec 9mm Luger ammunition from 115gr to 147gr. I've tested with Federal HST 124gr +P without cycling issues. Avoid +P+ loads as they exceed Taurus' recommended pressure limits by 8,000 PSI.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via UPS Ground. Delivery to Bozeman typically adds 5 business days transit time. Total timeline runs 8-10 days from order to FFL receipt.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final under ATF regulations unless defective. The three backstrap options accommodate hand sizes from 3.5-inch to 4.5-inch palm widths. Measure your grip span before purchasing—returns require manufacturer defect verification.
- Does this work with Trijicon RMR sights?
- No, the slide lacks optic milling and cannot accept red dot sights without aftermarket machining. Dawson Precision offers milling services for $225 that include suppressor-height sight installation. Plan for 4-week turnaround on slide work.