When announcing its new GX2 pistol, Taurus re-affirmed the company’s mission as its belief that "every American has the right to personal protection, regardless of their financial situation.” The GX2, which is an extension of the company’s GX pistol series introduced in 2021, will be taking the place of the popular G2c. The 9 mm Luger compact semi-automatic pistol will be offered as an entry-level, no-frills version of its GX4 models. This is good news, as the GX4 Carry was ranked fourth in the line-up of 9 mm pistols in the 5th Annual Ladies Pistol Project. What’s better news is that the GX2 maintains the G2c’s price point, making it an updated and modern handgun option that won’t break the bank.
The short section of Picatinny rail on the dust cover allows for mounting compact lights or lasers, such as this Crimson Trace CMR-205 Rail Master Pro.
In August 2024, Taurus held a pre-launch event with the new pistol at the renowned Gunsite Academy training grounds and invited journalists to put the pistol through its paces. Coached by some of the nation’s top firearms instructors, we drilled with reactive targets, rang steel plates and even took the GX2 through the “Urban Scrambler” range and indoor live-fire “Funhouse.”
I was coached by various Gunsite instructors on several ranges, such as the indoor live-fire shoot house, using the GX2 as my defense platform.
First impressions of the GX2 are its ergonomics. The curve of the backstrap allows for a smaller circumference up high on the frame, which is ideal for a smaller hand. I noticed that I was able to manipulate the magazine release, slide release and safety without shifting my firing grip. The reach to the trigger is also comfortable. Basic dimensions of the GX2 are similar to the G2c, which makes it sized between the standard GX4 and the GX4 Carry. Like the G2c, the GX2 comes standard with a manual thumb safety. A trigger safety blocks the firing pin until the trigger is pressed to prevent an accidental discharge if the pistol is dropped. The magazine release button can be swapped to either side. The safety lever and slide catch are left-side-only. Upgrades include a Picatinny rail on the frame for mounting a light and an extra round of capacity for a total of 13.
The shape of the backstrap and narrow width of the grip frame allow my thumb to reach all of the controls without breaking my firing grip.
The GX2 is slightly smaller and lighter than a Glock 19.
On the firing line, the GX2’s upgraded trigger is apparent, with a slight take-up before a crisp break, with minimal reset. One-handed shooting with a firm grip produced minimal muzzle flip as the low bore axis helps to seat the pistol well in the hand. The texturing around the grip frame has a light sandpapery feel and kept the gun firmly in my hand while enduring the late summer Arizona heat on the range.
Shooting the GX2 produced good groups in the center mass of targets when firing rapidly at close ranges and still nailed precision shots as distance to the targets increased. While the pistol’s slide isn’t cut for an optics mount, the iron sights are customizable. The front sight post with white dot and rear serrated U-notch can be swapped out for any Glock-compatible aftermarket sights.
The slide has a stiff mainspring that can be managed with a forceful and positive motion using the deep slide serrations when chambering a round or locking the slide back. Metal magazines also have very stiff springs and a loading assist device (not provided) was necessary to get all 13 cartridges loaded.
Writer/photographer Andi Bogard puts the GX2 through its paces at Taurus’ pre-launch event at Gunsite Academy in August 2024.
The Gunsite event was Taurus’ first partnership with the Academy for the launch of a new product, a fact that reflects the company’s confidence in the GX2. Over the course of two days, I burned hundreds of rounds of MagTech ammo pushing the GX2 through the rigors of the Gunsite drills and came away confident in the pistol’s ability to provide a lifetime of reliable service. Taurus backs this up with a Limited Lifetime Warranty for the original purchaser.
The GX2 comes supplied with two 13-round magazines.
The Urban Scrambler range takes the shooter around various obstacles to hit steel targets down range.
The MSRP of the all-black GX2 is $310 and a stainless model is listed for $325. As an entry-level pistol, the GX2 is a solid option for first-time firearm owners, who can then invest the money they saved on ammo and training. More experienced shooters will be pleasantly surprised at how well the GX2 competes with higher-priced pistols. The price point of the GX2, combined with the pistol’s quality and features, further affirms Taurus’ mantra of “affordable doesn’t mean cheap.”
Taurus is offering a stainless model of the GX2. Photo courtesy Taurus USA.
For more information on the new GX2 visit Taurus’ website.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus
Model: GX2
Width: 1.18”
Length: 6.19”
Height: 4.89”
Weight: 20.08 ozs.
Caliber: 9 mm Luger
Size: Compact
Capacity: 13
Action: Striker-Fired
Barrel Length: 3.38”
Grip: Polymer
Sights: Black
Optic Ready: No
Thumb Safety: Yes
Color/Finish: Black/Stainless
Threaded Barrel: No
Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
Frame: Stainless Steel
MSRP: $310 / $325
