Taurus GX2 9mm OD Green / Stainless Slide (2 Mags)
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel slide and barrel resist holster wear and corrosion far better than a standard blued finish.
- Includes two 10-round magazines—one flush and one extended—providing immediate carry and training options.
- Simple 4-step field strip requires no tools, enabling a basic cleaning in under 3 minutes.
- At $253.99, undercuts the SCCY CPX-2 by approximately $50 while offering a superior slide finish.
Trade-offs
- Heavy 7.5-pound trigger pull lacks a definitive wall, hindering precision shot placement compared to competitors.
- No accessory rail limits mounting options for defensive weapon lights like the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub.
- Factory sights are non-tritium, requiring an aftermarket swap for effective low-light identification.
- Cardboard-only packaging lacks a hard case, adding immediate cost for secure transport and storage.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taurus GX2 9mm OD Green / Stainless Slide is a compact striker-fired handgun that balances the concealment demands of daily carry with the 9mm's terminal ballistic capabilities. This specific configuration provides a practical aesthetic designed to wear evenly in holsters and resists corrosion in most environments where a traditional blued finish might suffer. The GX2's core appeal lies in its simplified field-strip, single-action-only trigger system, and the inclusion of two 10-round magazines.
What is the Taurus GX2 9mm used for?
The Taurus GX2 is engineered for daily concealed carry, serving as a primary or backup weapon for civilian self-defense. Its 6.19-inch overall length and 1.28-inch width facilitate IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) carry without excessive printing, while its stainless steel barrel and slide offer durability for frequent range use. The design prioritizes a balance between shootability and discreet carry capacity, making it suitable for both novice shooters seeking a first handgun and experienced users requiring a deep-concealment option.
How does the Taurus GX2 compare to the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield?
The Taurus GX2 delivers a lower price point and a simpler manual-of-arms compared to the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, but cedes ground in trigger refinement and aftermarket support. Specifically, the GX2's trigger breaks at approximately 7.5 pounds compared to the Shield's typical 6.5-pound pull, sacrificing some precision for a heavier, deliberate safety margin. Where the Shield excels with its extensive accessory ecosystem and grip texture, the GX2 provides a cost-effective, mechanically straightforward alternative that still meets the basic reliability threshold for a defensive firearm.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The GX2 provides a 17.3-ounce unloaded weight, measures 6.19 inches in total length with a 3.25-inch barrel, and maintains a slim 1.28-inch profile width. Weight distribution favors the front-end due to the stainless slide, which aids in mitigating muzzle flip during rapid strings of fire. These compact dimensions result in a 4.5-inch sight radius, requiring the shooter to focus on a crisp front-sight presentation for accurate shot placement at typical defensive distances of 10 to 15 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This handgun is not for competition shooters or those seeking a modular platform for extensive customization with lights and optics. The frame lacks a standardized accessory rail, precluding easy mounting of weapon-mounted lights like the Streamlight TLR-7, and the slide is not milled for red-dot optics. Furthermore, shooters with larger hands may find the grip circumference insufficient for a full, three-finger purchase without employing the included extended magazine floorplate, which adds approximately 0.5 inches.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol with one flush-fit 10-round magazine and one extended 10-round magazine, a cable-style trigger lock, a polymer cleaning brush, and the standard owner's manual and warranty card. Ironclad Armory includes a supplementary compliance pamphlet outlining state-level magazine capacity restrictions, a detail I enforce on all inbound inventory. Notably, the package does not include a hard case, only a cardboard box—plan for an immediate investment in a proper secure storage solution like those we detail on our storage blog.
Is the Taurus GX2 worth it at $253.99?
At $253.99, the GX2 represents significant value as an entry-level or dedicated backup 9mm, provided you accept its limitations in refinement and customization. This price undercuts direct competitors like the SCCY CPX-2 by nearly $50 while offering comparable reliability and the tangible benefit of stainless components. For a shooter prioritizing budgetary allocation towards quality ammunition and professional training, like the Stevens 334 represents in its category, the GX2 delivers functional utility over prestige.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327636977 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-GX2939O-10 |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.37" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 2 10 rd. |
| package height | 9.7 |
| 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 Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with third-party Glock 19 holsters?
- No, the Taurus GX2's slide and frame dimensions are proprietary and will not correctly fit holsters molded for a Glock 19 or similar compact pistols. You must source a holster specifically listed for the 'Taurus Spectrum' or first-generation 'G2' series, such as those from Bravo Concealment or DeSantis Holsters, to ensure proper retention and trigger guard coverage.
- Does the OD Green frame accept standard G2 aftermarket grips?
- Yes, the frame is dimensionally identical to the standard Taurus G2, meaning all stippling services and adhesive grip panels designed for that model will fit. Popular options from Talon Grips or HandleIt Grips require the 'Taurus G2/G2c' template and can be installed in under 10 minutes with a heat gun for permanent adhesion.
- How many rounds can I put through it before a cleaning is mandatory?
- The GX2's design is tolerant, but for sustained reliability, I recommend a field strip and basic cleaning every 250 to 300 rounds when using standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition. Critical friction points are the striker channel and the angled feed ramp, which accumulate carbon and brass shavings that can cause light strikes or feed failures if neglected beyond 500 rounds.
- Does this work with standard 9mm NATO pressure ammunition?
- Yes, the GX2 is chambered and rated for all SAAMI-spec 9mm Luger ammunition, including +P and 9mm NATO loads that generate up to 38,500 PSI. However, sustained use of +P ammunition will accelerate wear on the recoil spring assembly, necessitating replacement every 1,500 rounds instead of the standard 3,000-round service interval recommended by Taurus.