In 2019, Taurus introduced the TX series of .22 LR pistols, a fresh-from-the-ground-up design that was ready for target shooting or serious competition and was offered with optics-cut slides and threaded barrels. This week, Taurus announced it is adding a center-fire pistol to its TX line-up, the TX9—a 9 mm, semi-automatic, modular chassis pistol.
The TX 9 is available in three size options; the compact model is pictured.
The main feature of the TX9 is its serialized modular chassis system. What this means is that the TX9 has a removable stainless-steel frame/chassis that mounts within a polymer grip module. The chassis is stamped with the serial number, which makes it the “firearm” for legal purposes. What are the advantages of this system? Taurus touts two. The first is “single-point legal compliance.” Once you have a TX9, you can move its serialized chassis around to various grip modules, yet only have one “firearm.” The second is customization. Other modular pistols on the market, like the SIG P320 and P365, have developed a huge aftermarket of grip module options, allowing you to change grip material, color, shape and texture easily without having to modify your handgun or purchase another one. Grip modules do not have a serial number and can be purchased directly for a fraction of the cost of another handgun. Taurus said it will soon offer different colored grip modules on its website.
The serialized part of the TX9 is stamped on the chassis, which is the stainless-steel alloy frame housed inside the polymer grip module. No tools are required for disassembly.
The manufacturer’s serial number is visible on the chassis through a window in the grip module.
The TX9 comes in the following sizes:
TX9SC: Sub-compact model, 3.4” barrel, 13-round magazine
TX9C: Compact model, 4” barrel, 15-round magazine
TX9F: Full-size model, 4.5” barrel, 17-round magazine
Graphic showing size comparisons with different outline colors.
To further tailor the fit of the pistol, each TX9 comes with four backstrap options: extra small, small, medium and large. These swap around easily by removing the small pin that holds them in place.
Four backstraps are provided with each TX9. They are held in place with a single pin.
After trying all three sizes of TX9, I found the subcompact with the extra small backstrap installed was most to my liking. I was able to get a good grip with my dominant hand, and I could reach the magazine release button by barely shifting my grip. The grip circumference measured about 5.6” and it increases about an eighth of an inch with each backstrap to maximum of about 5.9” with the largest backstrap.
Metal magazines drop freely and the subcompact grip model with the extra small backstrap installed allows for an easy reach to the magazine release button.
For full ambidexterity, the TX9 has a slide release lever on both sides of the frame and a reversible magazine release. Initial models of TX9 released do not have an external manual safety option. The pistol’s built-in safeties include a firing pin block and trigger safety. Other features of the TX9 include Glock-pattern sights for numerous aftermarket options and a Picatinny rail section on the grip module for mounting lights/lasers. All TX9s come optics ready with a T.O.R.O. (Taurus’ Optic Ready Option) slide, which uses adapter plates to mount various optics patterns to the slide. During testing, I used a Swampfox Sentinel II red dot on the full-size model.
All TX9s come with an optics-cut slide (Swampfox Sentinel II shown installed) and Picatinny rail for mounting a light (Streamlight TLR-1 mounted) or laser.
I tend to compare size and feel of a new pistol to one of the perennial top contestants in the Ladies Pistol Project, the Glock 19, and the compact TX9 mirrors its barrel length, dimensions, magazine capacity and weight. The subcompact TX9 closely matches the dimensions of Taurus’ GX2, though it is slightly wider and bulkier. A full-size TX9 is a duty-sized pistol, like a Glock 17 or SIG P320.
For a size comparison the TX9C compact (left) is nearly identical in its dimensions as a Glock 19 (right).
The TX9SC subcompact (right) is a little bulkier than Taurus’ GX2 (left).
So how does the TX9 fit in with the pistols that Taurus already offers? Unlike any other Taurus pistol, all TX9 models are modular chassis, ambidextrous, and optics ready. They are offered in a range of sizes, from a sub-compact model that is slightly larger than Taurus’ micro-compact GX4, to a “sweet spot” compact model, to full-size and competition models (Taurus said they will also be releasing a 5” barrel long-slide model).
On the range, the TX9 felt very comfortable in my hand. The grip texture isn’t too aggressive when shooting, nor is it too abrasive when carrying concealed. Working the slide and loading the magazines on the subcompact requires a bit more finesse and effort than it does with the full-size model, as is usually the case with smaller, striker-fired semi-automatics. The trigger pull is typical for a striker-fired handgun, with an initial pull that releases the trigger safety, followed by a 6.5 lb. pull to release the striker. The reset is short with an audible click.
Some bench-testing with the full-size model with the optic installed produced 2.5” groups at 25 yards. Moving closer, I switched to the compact and subcompact models for some point-shooting and self-defense drills. The TX9 has a nice natural point of aim. The metal magazines drop free easily for quick mag changes. The recoil was manageable and seemed almost the same between all the models, due to the design of the grip frame which allows for a good, high-on-the-backstrap hold. Various 9 mm range and defense ammunitions all functioned flawlessly through all sizes of the pistols.
Some range time with the subcompact TX9.
The MSRP for the TX9 is $500. This makes it one of the most affordable modular chassis pistols currently on the market. So, whether you are new to firearms or are ready to add another 9 mm pistol to your lot, the TaurusTX9 is designed to offer you the “perfect fit” with the promise of much to come in the customization realm.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus Holdings
Model: TX9SC (subcompact), TX9C (compact), TX9F (full-size)
Caliber: 9 mm Luger
Action: Striker-fired
Grip Module: Polymer
Frame: Stainless steel
Barrel Material: Stainless steel
Width: 1.28” (all models)
Length: 6.60” / 7.2” / 7.7”
Height: 4.9” / 5.16” / 5.46”
Weight: 21.7 ozs. / 23 ozs. / 25.3 ozs.
Barrel Length: 3.4” / 4” / 4.5”
Capacity: 13 / 15 / 17
Sights: Front: fixed white dot, Rear: drift adjustable
Optic Ready: Yes
Thumb Safety: No
Color/Finish: Black grip module, Black slide
Threaded Barrel: Available as an accessory
Accessories: Plastic case, two magazines, four backstrap options, gun lock, owner’s manual
MSRP: $500
