[REVIEW] Taurus Millenium G2 9mm Sub-Compact Striker-Fired Carry Pistol

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The newly-designed Taurus Millenium G2 9mm sub-compact carry pistol appears to be a gem among some rough stones. The G2 is a replacement for the Millenium Pro model. There are quite a few rumblings about Taurus guns and some are not open to even discussing related current information and products. Before I address the G2, I want to help clarify some background about the Pro model which has been involved in a voluntary recall and a recent settlement. Despite the voluntary recall, Taurus denied that there are any design defects in the Pro model. It is alleged that Pro models sold between 1997 and 2013 had defects that caused some to inadvertently fire when dropped. “Neither the settlement nor the allegations in the case include any of the popular Taurus G2 model pistols,” according to Taurus.

Many of you asked specifically about my opinion of the G2 and I want to explore it for myself and be very honest and open regarding my ideas about it. I want to decide if this new G2 is worthy to be a supplement to my previously-issued list of My Top 21 Concealed Carry Guns published in my book this month “Concealed Carry & Handgun Essentials.”  In my quest for a concealed carry (CC) self-defense handgun, the most important qualities for me are: accuracy; reliability; smooth, light, and short trigger press; ergonomics and comfort; smooth styling, rounded edges; compact design, lightweight, and slim grip for CC; and safety features. I must shoot and handle this gun myself and see if it meets my requirements. I do not want to compromise my expectations and want to honestly give you my opinions. I hope this will help you with your CC handgun decision, but as always I suggest you shoot and handle the gun for yourself to make your final decision.

SPECIFICATIONS – Taurus PT111 Millenium G2 9mm, Model 111G2

FEATURES (for the G2 from the Taurus website)

Taurus Security System (TSS)
Taurus semi-auto pistols feature the Taurus Security System, which provides instant-ready defense with built-in ability to secure your pistol and make it inoperable at the turn of a key. When the Security System is engaged, the pistol cannot be fired or cocked and the gun’s manual safety cannot be disengaged. The same special Security Key works for both the Taurus revolver and pistol Systems. To engage: simply insert the Key into the button on the rear or side of the pistol and rotate one-quarter turn clockwise. This engages the Security System. The manual safety cannot be moved and the trigger cannot be pulled. To disengage: simply rotate the key one-quarter turn back. This releases the Security System, yet leaves the pistol’s manual safety in the “safe” position until you are ready to release it yourself and fire the gun.

Loaded Chamber Indicator
Taurus provides a loaded chamber indicator on all new compact, medium and large frame pistols. As with all Taurus safety and security innovations, the indicator in no way interferes with the operation of your pistol and is provided at no extra cost, but gives you an “at-a-glance” verification that there is a round in the chamber. When a round is in the chamber, the ejector pops out of the slide, exposing a red strip just behind the ejection port. Remember, any loaded chamber indicator is no substitute for common sense and safe firearm handling.

Accessory Rail
Features the Genuine Picatinny Rail allowing use of many accessories.

Click here to read about other features and the range report.

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SOME OTHER FEATURES

The Millennium G2 is a striker-fired SA/DA polymer framed semi-automatic that has rounded edges with a thin profile and a ramped 3.2″ barrel. Aside from the appealing reasonable price, is there anything else that sticks out? Well for me, I really like the feel of the revised grips for the G2. They are an aggressive, textured grip with rounded edges, different from the Pro model, that feel good and are just right for me. The G2 felt very good in my hand, was very comfortable and easily concealed. With its lightweight 22 oz. polymer frame, a nice thin profile, the newly-designed Millennium G2 is a good option for a concealed carry handgun. It looks and feels good, but how does it handle and shoot. Range test results follow below.

Some like their carry gun to have repeat strike capability and the G2 does. In the event of a hang fire, the shooter does not have to wait the usual 30-60 seconds. You just press the trigger again. The G2 does not have a magazine disconnect. If your handgun has a magazine disconnect safety, then the gun won’t fire without the magazine inserted into the magazine well. If your gun is NOT equipped with this feature, like with the G2, you can simply press the trigger again and the remaining cartridge in the chamber will fire. So, you can fire away even when the magazine is not in.

I really like the Memory Pads on both the the left and right sides of the frame. A great addition for a reference point to help ensure proper placement of the support thumb on one side and for the index finger on the other side of the frame for the two-thumbs down-range grip. Many students don’t know what to do with that support thumb, especially.

I like the pull-down tabs for easy take down of the G2, rather than the disassembly latch like on the Pro model. The rear sight is fully adjustable and the G2 has a picatinny rail for light and laser attachments.

As always, Taurus offers an unlimited lifetime repair policy for the G2 as with all their handguns. That should help ease your mind some with free repairs, just in case.

G2 HAS 5 SAFETIES

The G2 has five safeties. It has (1) a trigger safety to prevent the trigger bar from moving unless a finger is applying significant pressure on the trigger; (2) a manual thumb safety; (3) a loaded chamber indicator that is on top of the slide that shows when a round is chambered; (4) an internal firing pin block ensuring that the firing pin cannot contact the primer unless the trigger is all the way to the rear; and (5) the integrated Taurus Security System (TSS) which allows the shooter to key-lock the entire weapon with a simple twist.

RANGE TEST

Before heading to the range to field test the G2, I disassembled it and thoroughly cleaned and lubed it, like I do with all new guns before firing them. It was very easy to take down. I took American Eagle 115 grain 9mm ammo and even some reloads to really give it a trial for possible malfunctions and stoppages and accuracy. I only shot about 100 rounds, so suggest you shoot at least 200 or so for your own field test and conclusions.

I really had fine results shooting the G2 and they are not paying me to state this. Now I am not a great shooter, but my first magazine with 12 rounds fired one-handed and in rapid fire made a nice 3-inch group (except for 2 flyers-Ha!) at 7 yards. The gun had not been shot before and handled great. The recoil was very manageable, the slide was easy to rack, and the trigger press was short, smooth, and crisp, unlike what I have read about the Pro model. I measured the trigger press with my Lyman Trigger Gauge and over 10 trials it averaged about 6 pounds. The reset was nice and short. I enjoyed shooting the G2 and fired 100 rounds without a single malfunction, misfeed, or stoppage of any kind. Five of my students fired the gun and they enjoyed it and had no problems either.

Conclusions

In my opinion, the G2 is a nice sub-compact, smooth, safe, accurate and reliable pistol for CC. The excellent grip texture, rounded edges, capacity of 12, width, weight, and trigger press of about 6.0 pounds are favorable and it is sized right for easy concealment. The trigger is easy to operate smoothly, comfortably, and accurately. Out of the box, it shot to point of aim for me. It does not have a magazine disconnect, but several other safeties. Certainly, Bob Barker and Drew Carey say it best “The Price is Right.”

I hope my review and opinions help you make a decision that is appropriate for you and your personal preferences and needs.

Continued success!

Taurus International Contact Information:
Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.
16175 N.W. 49th Avenue
Miami, FL 33014
Phone: 305-624-1115
Website: www.taurususa.com

Photos by author.

This personal opinion article is meant for general information & educational purposes only and the author strongly recommends that you seek counsel from an attorney in your state or jurisdiction for legal advice and your own personal certified weapons trainer for proper guidance about shooting & using YOUR firearms, self-defense, stand your ground law, and concealed carry. This is not legal advice and not legal opinions. It should not be relied upon as accurate for all shooters & the author assumes no responsibility for anyone’s use of the information and shall not be liable for any improper or incorrect use of the information or any damages or injuries incurred whatsoever. 

© 2014 Col Benjamin Findley. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part by mechanical means, photocopying, electronic reproduction, scanning, or any other means without prior written permission. For copyright information, contact Col Ben Findley at [email protected].

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