Taurus GX2 9mm 3.38in Gray/Black 13-Round (2 Mags)
About this product
What is the Taurus GX2 9mm 3.38-inch Gray/Black 13-Round pistol? It is a compact striker-fired defensive handgun engineered for reliable concealed carry and immediate use. This specific configuration, distinguished by its gray polymer frame and matte black slide, delivers a balance of minimal footprint and 13+1 capacity that defines its operational niche. Released as part of Taurus' refinement of their polymer-frame striker series, the GX2 operates within the crowded sub-$300 market segment where price-to-performance ratios are critical.
What is the Taurus GX2 used for?
The Taurus GX2 is engineered for primary EDC (Everyday Carry), backup-gun duty, and home defense within short engagement distances of 10 yards and under. Its 3.38-inch barrel and 6.19-inch overall length prioritize concealment over ballistic optimization, making it suitable for close-quarters defensive use where the shooter prioritizes consistent comfort and low print probability. The platform is not designed for competition or precision plinking beyond 25 yards, given its sight radius and trigger characteristics.
How does the Taurus GX2 compare to the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield?
The Taurus GX2 directly competes with the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in the budget-conscious single-stack 9mm category, offering a lower MSRP and typically including a 13-round magazine compared to the Shield's standard 7 or 8-round capacity. The Shield, however, maintains a better out-of-box trigger pull—averaging a 6.5-pound break versus the GX2's often gritty 7-8 pound pull—and features superior aftermarket support for sights and holsters. For the cost-conscious buyer seeking maximum capacity at point-of-purchase, the GX2 wins; for those prioritizing trigger feel and customization, the Shield remains objectively better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Taurus GX2 weighs 20.6 ounces (584 grams), with dimensions of 6.19 inches in length, 4.67 inches in height, and 0.99 inches in width. The 3.38-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 5.25 inches between the fixed front and drift-adjustable rear sights. These metrics position it within the standard envelope for compact single-stack 9mm pistols, though it is roughly 0.4 inches wider at the slide than a comparable Walther PPQ SC, impacting some holster compatibility.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the shooter whose primary requirement is a match-grade trigger or who demands extensive aftermarket part interchangeability. It is also a poor choice for those seeking a dedicated suppressor host, as the barrel lacks factory-threaded options and the slide may not have sufficient mass for reliable cycling with a can; for that application, consider a factory-threaded option like the CZ P-07 or one of the many Stevens 334 rifle platforms for a dedicated NFA project. New shooters who lack the foundational grip strength to manage a stiff, 7.5-pound striker spring during slide manipulation may also find initial operation challenging.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 13-round magazines, a manual safety key, one cable-style trigger lock, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Taurus does not include a hard case; the pistol ships in a cardboard box with foam cutouts. Notably, the inclusion of two magazines—a 13-round value—is a key differentiator against competitors like SCCY that often ship with one, providing immediate redundancy for training or carry rotation without extra purchase.
Is the Taurus GX2 worth it at $254.99?
At $254.99, the Taurus GX2 represents a quantifiable value if your priority is a functional, no-frills defensive tool with immediate magazine redundancy. This price point undercuts comparable new-production options from Ruger or Smith & Wesson by $70-$120, funds that can be redirected toward ammunition and a quality holster. The trade-off is accepting a trigger with more creep and a heavier break than those premium brands, and a finish that may show holster wear faster than a nitride-treated slide. For the budget-defined buyer, it's a justifiable entry; for those who can stretch an extra $100, the performance gap to a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun or used Glock 19 is significant.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes two 13-round magazines — provides immediate spares without a $35+ aftermarket purchase.
- Weighs 20.6 oz unloaded — nearly 3 ounces lighter than a loaded Glock 43X, aiding all-day carry comfort.
- Picatinny-style accessory rail accepts most compact weapon lights like the Streamlight TLR-7A.
- MSRP of $254.99 — undercuts the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ by over $150 for similar capacity.
Trade-offs
- Factory trigger pull averages 7.5-8 pounds with noticeable grit — requires a 500-round break-in to smooth significantly.
- Slide finish is basic matte black — shows holster wear marks after approximately 150 draw cycles.
- No factory night sight option — upgrades require aftermarket purchase and installation (approx. $80-$120).
- Manual safety is key-lock only, not an ambidextrous thumb lever — slower to disable under stress.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327637011 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-GX2931G |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Matte |
| barrel length | 3.37" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 9.7000 |
| number of magazines | 2 |
| package height | 1.9 |
| package width | 6.1 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Trigger |
| shipping weight | 2.0 |
| sights | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Serrated |
| 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
- Are the magazines compatible with Taurus G3 or G3c models?
- No, the Taurus GX2 magazines are not cross-compatible with the G3 or G3c series. The GX2 uses a proprietary single-stack magazine design, while the G3 series employs a double-stack design for higher capacity. You must source GX2-specific magazines, part number 190032, for replacements or spares.
- Does this model have an optics-ready (OR) slide?
- No, the Taurus GX2 slide is not optics-ready. The slide is milled only for the factory-installed iron sight system. Adding a micro red dot would require third-party milling at a cost of approximately $150-$200, plus the optic itself, which approaches the price of the firearm.
- Does it fit a Glock 19 holster?
- No, the Taurus GX2 will not fit standard Glock 19 holsters due to dimensional differences. The GX2 has a slide width of 0.99 inches and a distinct trigger guard profile. You must use a holster specifically molded for the Taurus GX2 or a universal model with adjustable retention to ensure proper fit and trigger coverage.
- What is the warranty period and who handles service?
- Taurus provides a lifetime warranty on the GX2, valid for the original purchaser. Warranty service must be initiated through Taurus USA, located in Bainbridge, Georgia. For a firearm purchased from Ironclad Armory, you must first contact our support team within 30 days of delivery to document any potential issues before reaching out to the manufacturer.
- How long does standard ground shipping take?
- Standard ground shipping from our warehouse to your designated FFL typically takes 4-7 business days after order processing is complete. Processing itself requires 1-2 business days for verification. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout for an additional fee, reducing transit time to 2-3 business days.
- Can I return it if I don't like the trigger?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to personal preference, including subjective complaints about trigger feel. Firearms can only be returned if they arrive damaged or defective, as verified by our inspection process. We recommend dry-firing a display model at a local range or store prior to purchase if trigger character is a primary concern.