From the newer G3c to the PT709 Slim and the previous PT111 that differs only slightly from the follow-on G2c – the naming convention being one of the biggest differences – I can only remember one issue with Taurus’ budget carry guns. That wasn’t really a Taurus problem, as it came from an aftermarket magazine that would cause the occasional hiccup. If it came from Taurus, so far, I can say it has functioned and run reliably.
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Oddly, though, I find that the G2c – and newer G3c – line shoot really well for me. I’ve paid a lot more money for a larger one glock 19and I am on the fence about which one I actually shoot better.
I’ve been running this gun dirty with dirty ammo, but it has also chewed through defensive loads like Hornady Critical Defense and Sig Sauer Elite Performance. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com)
The standard capacity for the G2c and G3c is 12+1, and the G2c weighs in at 20.5 ounces unloaded. Actually, the gun is fairly comparable in size to the single stack Glock 43X, but with a higher capacity and generally much lower cost. Empty magazines also eject with some gusto even if the slide is locked to the rear, which is a nice feature that is easy to miss and sometimes lacking on much more costly firearms.
At first, I questioned the trigger pull, because the online specs from Taurus put it at between 5 and 9 pounds. The gun is technically capable of shooting with a double-action trigger, but that is more of a second-strike option for a light primer strike. There is no decocker, so the gun will almost always be fired as a single-action-only gun, but the second-strike option is there and another often overlooked feature.
For my shooting, the trigger pull is closer to 4.87 pounds for single action and a surprising 5.9 pounds for the longer double-action pull. The trigger is a bit spongy with some creep, but it performs well in practical shooting and resets for me naturally as I recover and aim after each shot. It also points more naturally for me than a Glock 19 with its 22-degree grip angle, but the sight radius is shorter at 5 inches, making it nearly an inch shorter than the G19. Yet, somehow, I still shoot it almost as well if not better than my stock Glock 19 Gen 4. It’s budget, sure, but it’s effective and fun to shoot.
What Does Budget Get You?
So, prices will range a bit for a G2c, but they can be consistently found between the $200 and $300 mark. Occasionally, you might even find a used one that comes with a bunch of extras like holsters and spare magazines, which can now stretch to 15 and 17 rounds.
This has been a fairly average grouping after running four mags – 48 rounds – through the gun at a reasonably rapid pace of around one round per second from 15 yards. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com)
This gun is sitting at 750+ rounds since I acquired it as a used firearm, and I’ve learned that the trigger feel when dry firing doesn’t do the gun justice. On the range, I barely notice this is a budget stock trigger, and we’ve stretched it out to 30 yards with consistent hits on an 8-inch steel plate. As a used gun, this one did come with some Talon grip tape, but I actually like the patched stippling that comes with the stock G2c and G3c, and there are dimples for your index finger and thumbs to help you “feel” your grip position while shooting.
This used gun came with added grip tape, but I actually like the original patches of stippling. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com)
It also has a dual recoil spring, and the recoil is quite controllable for follow-on shots. In fact, I’m not quite sure why this is true given its size, but it’s one of the more controllable compact pistols I’ve fired. The G3c is comparable, with the added benefit of front slide serrations that are missing on the G2c. The gun also breaks down almost identically to a Glock 19, and it requires a pull of the trigger to remove the slide and barrel assembly.
It’s a somewhat minor point, but the front rail could take a small light if you wanted to add one. For me, I would consider this a great entry-level concealed carry gun that checks all the boxes for anyone who just wants an affordable, reliable, simple carry gun. Upgrading it or adding bells and whistles almost defeats that beautifully simple concept.
I suspect that is why the gun excels. It’s affordable, reliable, predictable, and simple.
Stones to Throw
Probably my biggest complaint is the thumb safety. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com)
Whelp, if you want to throw stones at a gun that comes in around two bills and has run like a Glock 19 but is smaller and carries comfortably, I guess it would start with the safety. Some people love it, some hate it, and I have become more or less indifferent about it on the G2c.
The safety is a downward-stroke thumb-safety design, and it’s positive and audible in both directions. It’s also fairly slim and unobtrusive. In general, if you like thumb safeties, this one isn’t bad. If you don’t, I can empathize, but I also have become very comfortable just working with it.
The gun already hosts a trigger safety, so many might find the thumb safety to be an unnecessary addition. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com)
The Taurus website also only lists two magazines that come with the gun, and I would have liked to see that be three. But as a used gun, this one already came with three mags and a holster. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com)
That said, the gun already has a trigger-blade safety, so it’s a somewhat redundant feature if you prefer those. However, for many concealed carriers – particularly newer ones or those accustomed to the 1911 – that thumb safety is a nice addition that brings some extra piece of mind. To date, it hasn’t been an issue other than a topic for theoretical debates about manual safeties on carry guns.
