How to Choose: Taurus G1–G4 Series Pistols

The first handgun I carried after getting my concealed carry license was a Taurus PT 24/7. I didn’t know beans about semi-automatic handguns in those days. However, my friend did and that’s the gun he recommended I buy.

It was a good choice. Now, almost 20 years and lots of guns later, I still consider that gun among my favorites. Among the things that stand out about my earliest Taurus, and have continued through the various versions, are the double-strike trigger and indentions on the frame to guide finger placement. The double-strike trigger gives you a chance to try again in the event of a light primer strike without having to rack the slide.

Taurus released a G2 version of the PT 24/7 along about 2012. Quite frankly, some of those changes took a bit for me to get used to. First was the trigger. Although it remained a double-strike trigger, this is where Taurus first adapted the Glock-style, trigger-within-a-trigger safety.

The original 24/7 had a takedown pin that went through the frame, but the new one had Glock-style pulldown tabs on either side of the frame. Both features have continued with the different G models, so I’ve gotten used to them. The PT 24/7 had a 4.2-inch barrel and weighed approximately 27.2 ounces. It was available in black, stainless, or titanium. It came in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

The PT 24/7 had a little brother, the PT111 Millennium Pro, which featured a 3.25-inch barrel and weighed around 18 ounces. The PT111 was the G1 of all the G guns we’ve gotten from Taurus in recent years. Unfortunately, the PT111 became the subject of a lawsuit that did a lot of damage to Taurus’ reputation.

It seems someone dropped one and it went off. Then, from all over, came reports of Taurus pistols discharging when being dropped. Taurus settled the claims and fixed the design of existing guns while ensuring future Taurus products would not have the same issue.

Personally, I couldn’t help but wonder why so many people couldn’t hold onto their guns. Taurus also spent a lot of money and effort to fix its customer service issues. Today, for the most part, is now known for giving excellent customer service on its products, all of which have a lifetime warranty.

Along with the PT111, Taurus offered the PT132, PT138, PT140, and PT145. These guns were all somewhat squared off and available in black, stainless, and some of them in titanium. The revised PT111 G2 was released in 2013 and has been a strong seller ever since. This gun was offered in several colors and has smooth, rounded surfaces designed more for concealed carry.

While I didn’t like the PT 24/7 Gen 2, I very much liked the Millennium PT111 G2. I picked one up, tan in color, and still consider it one of my favorite handguns. One thing I really appreciate about the Millennium G2 is that it offered a double-stack micro-nine before other companies were beginning to explore that market segment. The G2 also features an optional manual safety, loaded-chamber indicator, and adjustable sights.

Most manufacturers who bring out new models periodically, drop the earlier model from the lineup. I find it interesting that Taurus continues to catalog existing models when the new ones hit the street. The result is offerings in several price brackets thus providing a choice of models anyone can afford. Let’s look at the differences in the various striker model handguns offered by Taurus in this class of guns.

Specifications – Comparison by Model

The comparison chart only tells part of the story. Looking at the Taurus catalog, there are numerous options in color schemes, sights, and safeties. After I bought my first G3, which was only available in black at the time, I added a couple more in color to stash in locations around the house and in the vehicle consoles. Magazines are interchangeable between the G2 and the G3C, but not the GX4.

The trigger on the G2 and G3 models is the same double-strike trigger, but the GX4 has an entirely different trigger. I bought my GX4 before the long slide T.O.R.O. model came out. It had the Glock compatible sights so many manufacturers are using now.

I was about to replace the factory sights with a set of XS night sights. My friends at Taurus gave me a heads up on the T.O.R.O. long slide so, I ordered one. T.O.R.O. stands for Taurus Optic Ready Option that provides a mounting platform for many red dot sights. I was pleased to see one of my favorite red dots was on the list, the Riton Optics 3 Tactix MPRD 2.

If you already have a G2 or G3 Compact, is it worth it to move to the GX4? If you’re interested in going red dot, it is definitely a worthy upgrade. If you plan to stay with steel sights, the GX4 mounting system provides plenty of options, and the new grip frame adds a bit of comfort and security.

Wait… There’s More!

So far, I’ve been concentrating on the PT Millennium series, but Taurus has much more to offer. If you’re interested in 1911s or Beretta 92 compatible firearms, you’re probably already looking at the Taurus options in those areas. What you may have missed; however, is the variety of hammer-fired pistols Taurus offers in its TH series of pistols.

As in the Millennium series, there are two size options available. The full-size frame that matches the G3 size striker-fired pistols are labeled TH. The THC pistols match the size of the G2 and G3C. These are all great shooters and are priced just as affordably as the Millennium pistols. They feel so good in your hand and shoot so well, too. Worth a look.

I own, and have written about, Taurus defensive revolvers. Just this week, my contacts at Taurus gave me a heads up on a couple of new additions to its revolver line. Taurus has added the T.O.R.O. to the 856 Defender series platform. This is an easy-to-carry, six-shot, .38 Special revolver that will handle itself well with a red dot sight.

When looking for an affordable, reliable, smooth-shooting handgun, Taurus has many offerings to consider, some of which have been in the market and well-proven for several years. That means you can pick up one or more example with high-end reliability at bargain basement prices.

Do you own a Taurus G Series Handgun? Which one? Share your review in the comment section.