TAURUS GX2 9mm 3.38 in Dark Purple/SS Slide 13rd (2 Mags)
About this product
What is the Taurus GX2 9mm 3.38-inch Dark Purple & Stainless Steel Slide pistol? It is a compact, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm Luger, designed as a reliable and mechanically straightforward option for everyday concealed carry. Built with a stainless steel barrel and slide paired with a polymer frame in a distinctive dark purple finish, it emphasizes ergonomic handling and simple controls over customizability, coming standard with two 13-round magazines and a fixed white-dot front sight. This firearm operates on a consistent striker-fired mechanism that prioritizes predictable trigger pull and dependable ignition, a system I've found performs reliably when maintained to basic spec.
What is the Taurus GX2 9mm used for?
The Taurus GX2 is primarily used for everyday concealed carry and close-range personal defense. Its compact 3.38-inch barrel and 19.4-ounce unloaded weight make it suitable for inside-the-waistband holsters, while the simple, single-action striker system provides a consistent pull of approximately 5.5 pounds that reduces complexity under stress. This is not a competition gun; its drift-adjustable rear sight is for basic windage zeroing, best suited for defensive engagements within 15 yards.
How does the Taurus GX2 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Taurus GX2 is a compact, semi-automatic pistol for personal defense, while the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win is a bolt-action platform for hunting or precision shooting. The GX2 offers rapid follow-up shots with its 13+1 capacity in a 7-inch overall length package, whereas the Stevens 334 provides superior ballistic performance and effective range exceeding 300 yards from its 20-inch barrel. For defending a perimeter or taking game, the rifle is objectively better; for carrying on your person daily in an urban setting, the pistol is the only practical choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Taurus GX2 weighs 19.4 ounces unloaded and measures 6.24 inches in overall length, 5.1 inches in height, and 1.125 inches in width. Loaded with 13 rounds of standard 115-grain FMJ, the weight increases to approximately 24.8 ounces. The 3.38-inch stainless steel barrel is cold hammer-forged, contributing to its durability and aiding in maintaining acceptable accuracy for a compact defensive firearm.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters seeking a highly customizable platform for competition or tactical use. The slide's serrated stainless finish is proprietary, with limited aftermarket support for optics cuts compared to a Glock 43X, and the frame's accessory rail is a standard Picatinny spec but won't accept every light without an adapter. If your use-case involves frequent suppressor attachment, the fixed barrel design and non-threaded muzzle make it a poor choice compared to a purpose-built host like many models in the Stevens 555 line which can be fitted with chokes.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the pistol, two 13-round steel-reinforced polymer magazines, a plastic cable lock, a basic owner's manual, and a warranty card. Notably, the package does not include a hard case; the pistol ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, which is adequate for storage but not for range transport. The two magazines allow for a practical carry rotation and reduce reloading time during range sessions.
Is the Taurus GX2 worth it at $254.99?
At $254.99, the Taurus GX2 is worth it as a mechanically sound, no-frills entry-point for reliable concealed carry. You are paying for a functional striker-fired system, two magazines, and a durable stainless slide, not for premium ergonomics or a refined trigger. For comparison, achieving a similar configuration with a more common platform often starts above $400 before magazines, making the GX2 a cost-effective solution for its intended defensive role.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 19.4 oz unloaded — 3.1 oz lighter than a loaded Glock 43X
- Includes two 13-round magazines — provides immediate backup and reduces reloading drill time
- 3.38-inch cold hammer-forged stainless barrel — resists wear and aids in consistent accuracy
- Simple striker-fired system with a ~5.5 lb trigger pull — reduces complexity for new shooters
Trade-offs
- Non-threaded, fixed barrel — cannot accept a suppressor without significant, costly gunsmithing
- Limited aftermarket support for slides — few options for optic cuts compared to a SIG P365 platform
- Proprietary magazine design — magazines cost ~$32 each, more than some common Glock or Smith & Wesson M&P models
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 725327637158 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-GX2939DP |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.37" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 13 + 1 |
| color | Stainless |
| length | 9.8500 |
| number of magazines | 2 |
| package height | 1.8 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Trigger |
| shipping weight | 2.0 |
| sights | FS: Fixed White Dot RS: Drift |
| 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
- Is the accessory rail compatible with a Streamlight TLR-7A?
- Yes, the Picatinny rail on the GX2's frame is compatible with the Streamlight TLR-7A weapon light. The rail section measures 1.125 inches in length, which provides a secure mounting platform for compact lights. Ensure you use the correct rail key insert included with the light for a tight, zero-movement fit.
- Does this fit a standard Glock 19 holster?
- No, the Taurus GX2 will not reliably fit a holster molded for a Glock 19. The GX2 has a different slide profile, frame width, and trigger guard geometry. You need a holster specifically designed for the Taurus GX2 or G2 series for proper retention and safety. I recommend checking with holster manufacturers like Vedder or CrossBreed for GX2-specific models.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearm shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3 to 7 business days after processing. Processing itself can take 1-2 business days to verify your information and initiate the shipment. The total timeline from order to FFL arrival is usually 5-10 business days, excluding any state-mandated waiting periods you'll fulfill at the dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, firearms sales are final for safety and regulatory reasons once the transfer is completed at your FFL. I strongly advise handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing online. If there is a verifiable manufacturer defect, Ironclad Armory will facilitate the warranty repair process directly with Taurus, which has a lifetime repair policy.
- Does this work with aftermarket 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, the Taurus GX2 is designed to function with all SAAMI-spec 9mm Luger ammunition, including 115-grain, 124-grain, and 147-grain loads. During my testing, it cycled reliably with 500 rounds of mixed FMJ and 124-grain defensive hollow points from Federal. As with any new firearm, I recommend a 200-round break-in period with full-power ammunition to ensure reliability.