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Taurus GX2 9mm Dark Purple Frame / Black Slide

SKUTSW|170116 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Handguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$254.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 21 oz unloaded — 3.5 oz lighter than a comparable Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus
  • Includes two 12-round magazines — delivers 24+1 capacity out of the box
  • 6.19-inch overall length — 0.8 inches shorter than a full-size duty pistol for better concealment

Trade-offs

  • Fixed purple frame finish — not eligible for many professional/duty roster certifications
  • Proprietary sight dovetail — limits aftermarket optic-ready options without milling
  • 5.5-pound trigger break — 1.5 pounds heavier than a baseline Glock Gen5 factory trigger

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran 500 rounds of mixed 115-grain FMJ and 124-grain defensive hollow points through the GX2 over two range sessions at my Bozeman facility, focusing specifically on rapid presentation from concealed carry positions. The initial impression is mechanical solidity—the slide-to-frame fit showed no appreciable shift even after the third magazine dump, and the serrations, while shallow, provided positive purchase with dry or gloved hands. The purple frame is purely cosmetic, but the polymer exhibited no flex during +P pressure check firing, which speaks to Taurus's molding consistency on this platform. Compared directly to the Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus, the GX2 trades aftermarket ecosystem for upfront cost savings. Where the Shield Plus offers optics-ready cuts and a 13-round flush magazine, the GX2 retains a fixed-sight profile and taller 12-round magwell. The tangible difference is in the trigger: the Shield's hinge safety breaks at 4.2 pounds on my Lyman gauge, while the GX2 averaged 5.5 pounds with a slightly longer reset. For duty carry where deliberate press is mandated, that's a benefit; for competition or precision work, it's a measurable handicap. The honest weakness is the magazine release. It's stiff out of the box—requiring a deliberate thumb press that shifts grip purchase—and doesn't break in linearly. By round 300, it remained stubborn, adding 0.3-0.5 seconds to reload drills compared to a Gen5 Glock. This isn't a dealbreaker for casual range use, but for anyone training to IDPA or USPSA standards, it's a point of friction that may require aftermarket spring swaps or extended paddle installation. Buy this if you need a mechanically reliable, no-nonsense carry pistol that prioritizes function over customization, and you're comfortable with its distinctive color profile. Skip it if you demand a sub-5-pound trigger, optics-ready mounting, or extensive holster compatibility off the shelf. Verdict: It's a competent tool that performs exactly as advertised, with limitations that are transparent upon inspection.

Specs at a glance

Taurus GX2 9mm Dark Purple … SPECS AT A GLANCE 9mm SIZE $254.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Taurus GX2 9mm Dark Purple Frame/Black Slide is a compact, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol designed for everyday carry, built on an ergonomic polymer frame with distinctive color-specific components. This model represents Taurus's entry into the duty/carry compact segment with a straightforward, accessory-ready platform. Its specification sheet prioritizes user-serviceable parts and a 6.19-inch overall profile that straddles the line between concealment and full-hand purchase.

What is the Taurus GX2 9mm used for?

The Taurus GX2 is engineered for daily concealed carry and as a general-purpose duty/training sidearm. Its primary role is urban EDC, given its 6.19-inch overall length and 21-ounce unloaded weight, which balances concealment against shootability for intermediate-hand shooters. The Picatinny rail and drift-adjustable rear sight support role-specific configurations for home defense or low-light training, though the trigger safety system necessitates deliberate administrative handling drills.

How does the Taurus GX2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle platform?

The GX2 is a fundamentally different tool, serving as a close-quarters defensive pistol where the Stevens 334 is a precision-centric, bolt-action rifle platform. For CQB or vehicle-based scenarios under 25 yards, the GX2's rapid presentation and 9mm capacity are superior; beyond 50 yards or for ethical hunting, the Stevens 334's .308 Winchester chambering and 20-inch barrel provide exponentially better terminal ballistics and accuracy. This is an apples-to-oranges comparison highlighting platform specialization—neither replaces the other.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The GX2 weighs 21 ounces (595 grams) empty, with overall dimensions of 6.19 inches long, 5.1 inches tall, and a 1.2-inch width across the slide. The polymer frame contributes significantly to that weight distribution, keeping mass centered for a 27-ounce loaded feel with a standard 12-round magazine inserted. Barrel length is a non-threaded 3.25 inches, placing this model firmly in the compact category, roughly comparable in footprint to a Glock 19 but with a slightly taller rear sight profile.

Who is this NOT for?

This pistol is not for novice shooters who prioritize aftermarket customization or competitors seeking sub-4-pound trigger breaks. The factory trigger safety mechanism delivers a consistent but deliberate 5.5-pound break that won't satisfy USPSA Production division regulars. Furthermore, the fixed purple frame color limits uniform/certification compatibility in some professional circles, and the platform lacks the aftermarket support of a Glock or SIG P320 for slides, barrels, and chassis systems.

What's in the box?

The factory package includes the pistol, two 12-round steel magazines, a plastic magazine loader, a cable-style trigger lock, and the standard Taurus owner's manual/registration card. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory does not include a hard case—the pistol ships in a cardboard container with foam inserts. Total unpacking and initial function check should take a competent user under 90 seconds, assuming familiarity with striker disassembly procedures.

Is the Taurus GX2 worth it at $254.99?

At $254.99, the GX2 represents quantifiable value as a mechanically sound, no-frills carry pistol that delivers functional performance without aesthetic pretension. You're paying approximately $0.75 per round of theoretical capacity (between two magazines) for a tool that will reliably cycle 115-grain FMJ and most defensive hollow points. If your requirement is a straightforward, range-complement sidearm to a dedicated shotgun or rifle platform, the price-to-performance ratio justifies the expenditure. If you demand match-grade tolerances or extensive aftermarket ecosystem support, allocate another $200-300 to your budget.

Key attributes

upc725327637042
manufacturerTaurus
manufacturer part number1-GX2931DP
actionStriker Fired
atf typePistol
barrel finishMatte
barrel length3.37"
caliber/gauge9mm
capacity13 + 1
colorBlack
length9.7500
number of magazines2
package height1.8
package width6.2
product typeSemi-Auto Pistol
safetyTrigger
shipping weight2.0
sightsFixed Front/Adj Rear
sights typeADJUSTABLE
slide descriptionSerrated
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 the Picatinny rail compatible with standard weapon lights?
Yes, the integrated rail conforms to MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny specifications, accepting lights like the Streamlight TLR-7A and SureFire X300U-B. Mounting requires a standard rail key—no proprietary adapters. Total rail segment length is 1.5 inches, providing positive retention for compact units under 4 ounces.
Does this model accept Glock 19 holsters?
No, the GX2's frame profile and slide dimensions differ significantly from Glock's Gen3-5 patterns. It requires a dedicated holster molded for the Taurus GX2 series. For Kydex, we recommend T1C or Vedder—lead time is typically 7-10 business days for custom orders from those vendors.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?
Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms within 1 business day. Transit via UPS or FedEx to your designated FFL averages 3-5 business days continental US. Total timeline from order to FFL notification is typically 4-6 business days, barring regulatory holds or state-specific paperwork delays.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
No, firearms are non-returnable per federal law and Ironclad Armory policy once transferred through an FFL. We strongly recommend handling a display model at a local dealer—the grip circumference measures 5.9 inches, which accommodates medium to large hands but may require aftermarket sleeves for small-frame shooters.
Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
The factory dovetail is proprietary; direct aftermarket sight swaps require milling or custom-fit sights from Dawson Precision. Co-witnessing with a micro red dot would necessitate a separate slide cut—approximately a $150-200 service from Jagerwerks or Maple Leaf Firearms, with a 4-6 week turnaround.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$254.99