Understanding the Taurus G2 Millennium
The world of concealed carry handguns is a crowded one, overflowing with options designed to protect and empower individuals. Amidst the sea of offerings, one name frequently arises: the Taurus G2 Millennium. Known for its affordability and compact size, it has earned a reputation as a popular choice for those prioritizing discreet protection. But does the Taurus G2 Millennium truly deliver on its promises? This comprehensive review delves into the nuances of this pistol, exploring its features, performance, and overall value. We will analyze its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to the competition, and ultimately determine if the Taurus G2 Millennium deserves a place in your personal protection plan.
Examining the Core Components
Let’s begin with a detailed examination of the Taurus G2 Millennium’s key specifications and feature set. This section will serve as a building block for understanding the overall appeal and performance of this firearm.
The Taurus G2 Millennium typically boasts a magazine capacity of 12 rounds for the 9mm variant and 10 rounds for the .40 S&W. This provides a reasonable capacity for self-defense situations, allowing for multiple shots without frequent reloads. The barrel length is a compact 3.2 inches, contributing to its overall concealability. This shorter barrel is a trade-off, impacting ballistic performance compared to longer barreled pistols, but it is necessary to achieve the desired compact size.
The G2 Millennium’s overall length comes in at approximately 6.3 inches, and it weighs in at around 22 ounces (without the magazine) making it easily concealable in a variety of clothing types. The frame is constructed from polymer, which contributes significantly to its light weight and cost-effectiveness. The slide is typically made from steel, providing durability and contributing to the gun’s overall balance. The use of polymer in the frame helps to dampen felt recoil, offering a more comfortable shooting experience, especially for those new to firearms.
Exploring Design and Features
Now, let’s delve into the specific design features of the Taurus G2 Millennium. A deeper understanding of these features will illuminate how the pistol functions and how it will perform in real-world situations.
The polymer frame is arguably the most defining characteristic of the G2 Millennium. Its design focuses on ergonomics, aiming to fit comfortably in the hand. The grip is textured to promote a secure hold, even in wet or sweaty conditions. The placement of the controls, including the magazine release and slide release, is intended to be intuitive and accessible, allowing for rapid manipulation under stress. Some users find the grip to be slightly blocky, while others find the grip perfectly ergonomic. This is a subjective assessment.
The slide’s finish on the G2 Millennium is generally a matte black, which is functional and minimizes glare. The slide also features front and rear serrations that aid in racking the slide to chamber a round or clear a malfunction. These serrations are important for providing a solid grip surface.
The trigger system is a critical element, and the G2 Millennium uses a single-action/double-action (SA/DA) trigger mechanism. The trigger pull weight can vary slightly, but it generally has a moderate weight, which can potentially affect the overall accuracy for new shooters. The trigger also has a safety feature, adding another layer of protection against accidental discharge.
The sights are typically fixed, providing a basic aiming system. Some models offer adjustable sights as an upgrade. The fixed sights are reasonably easy to acquire, but some shooters might prefer the improved sight picture offered by aftermarket options.
Taurus has integrated several safety features into the G2 Millennium. A manual safety is present on some models, providing an additional layer of security, while other models have a trigger safety. This ensures the pistol will not fire unless the trigger is pulled, and a firing pin block safety is also included. These safety measures, when properly understood and practiced with, help to prevent accidental discharge.
The magazine that comes with the G2 Millennium typically holds 12 rounds for 9mm versions. The magazine is made of steel, designed for durability, and usually comes with witness holes that allow for quick round count checks. The magazine release is conveniently positioned, which allows for quick magazine changes, a crucial skill in self-defense scenarios.
Putting it to the Test: Performance and Handling
Beyond the specifications and features, the true test of a firearm is its performance on the range and in real-world handling scenarios. This section examines how the Taurus G2 Millennium performs when shooting.
The shooting experience with the G2 Millennium is generally pleasant, especially considering its compact size. The polymer frame helps to mitigate recoil, making the gun more manageable, even with higher-powered ammunition. The balance of the gun contributes to the feel when it’s being fired.
Accuracy with the G2 Millennium is adequate for self-defense purposes. At typical self-defense distances, the gun is capable of placing shots on target, and the accuracy can be improved with practice. The trigger pull, as mentioned earlier, might take some getting used to, which could affect the precision of shots for less experienced shooters.
Reliability is paramount in a self-defense handgun. The Taurus G2 Millennium has, over time, received mixed reviews regarding reliability. Some users report consistent and flawless performance, while others have experienced malfunctions such as failures to feed or eject. The reliability appears to be improved with regular cleaning and using high-quality ammunition. Overall, it’s very important to thoroughly test any self-defense firearm.
The ergonomics of the G2 Millennium play a crucial role in its handling. Its compact size and grip design contribute to its concealability. The gun fits comfortably in the hand for many people, making it easy to draw and fire. Drawing from concealed carry positions is important to test. The controls are designed to be easily accessible and intuitive. The ease of use extends to the maintenance of the gun, which is relatively straightforward.
Analyzing the Pros and Cons
Every firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these aspects is essential when deciding whether the Taurus G2 Millennium is the right handgun for you.
The advantages of the Taurus G2 Millennium are readily apparent. Its affordability is one of its most compelling features, making it an accessible option for those on a budget. Its compact size enhances its concealability, which is essential for everyday carry. Also, it is easy to use and easy to clean. Aftermarket support is also available.
However, the Taurus G2 Millennium also has its drawbacks. The trigger pull, for some shooters, may not be ideal, possibly impacting accuracy. There have also been historical reliability concerns with previous Taurus models. The perception of quality, especially in comparison to higher-end brands, might be a factor for some people.
Comparing the Taurus G2 Millennium
To further clarify the value of the Taurus G2 Millennium, it’s helpful to compare it to some of the handguns in the same class.
The Glock 43 is a popular option. Known for its reliability and the extensive aftermarket support, the Glock 43 is usually priced higher than the Taurus G2 Millennium. The Sig Sauer P365 is another strong contender. This gun is praised for its innovative features and compact size. The P365 often comes at a higher price point than the G2 Millennium.
The Springfield XD-S is often compared to the G2 Millennium. With good ergonomics and a reputation for reliability, the XD-S presents a strong option. The choice between these guns depends on the individual’s preferences, budget, and priorities.
Final Thoughts
The Taurus G2 Millennium occupies a unique niche in the concealed carry market. It has attracted many people with its combination of affordability, compact size, and functional features. The gun makes for a good entry point into the world of concealed carry.
The G2 Millennium’s price, combined with its compact size and manageable handling, makes it a good candidate for self-defense for some individuals. It is important to consider the trigger pull and evaluate its reliability, along with performing the required testing. The G2 Millennium is certainly a value-driven handgun, but potential buyers must carefully weigh their individual priorities and requirements.
The Taurus G2 Millennium is suitable for individuals seeking a budget-friendly concealed carry option. The gun is relatively easy to handle and conceal. Potential buyers should consider their budget, experience level, and need for a reliable self-defense firearm.
The Taurus G2 Millennium offers a solid mix of features and performance for its price. It is a good value for the money. I would generally recommend this gun, keeping in mind the importance of testing it extensively to evaluate its reliability and performance with your preferred ammunition.
For those seeking a reliable and affordable concealed carry firearm, the Taurus G2 Millennium warrants consideration. Its overall value is undeniable.
