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Entry Level Carry with the Taurus GX2

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Taurus has long been known for making handguns, going all the way back to WWII times. During their long lifetime of production the company has produced hundreds of different models totaling likely tens of millions of handguns worldwide. All that to say they aren’t new at manufacturing pistols, but today we are taking a look at one of their newer handguns released last year. Out topic today is the Taurus GX2 pistol, a compact polymer-framed, striker-fired 9mm pistol.

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the flat-faced trigger feels great on the pad of your finger

The Taurus GX2

With an MSRP of only $310.99, the GX2 is certainly reachable by most any aspiring gun owner. But economy is not always the most important thing, value is only advantageous with adequate performance. Taurus’ GX2 has a feature set that matches its price appeal.

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Before adding any accessories to the GX2

Its polymer frame incorporates comfortable angles and tactile textures. Despite its small size, it still packs 13-rounds. And low profile sights that still pop are matched with a TORO optics cut to accept RMS red dots. For those that desire there is also a low-profile safety, as well as a typical picatinny accessory rail under the slide.

Specifications

Caliber9mm Luger
ActionSingle-action, striker-fired
Capacity13+1 rounds
Barrel Length3.38″
Overall Length6.14″
Overall Height4.89″
Overall Width1.18″
Weight20.6 oz.
FrameStainless-steel alloy chassis with polymer grip/frame
SlideAlloy steel
BarrelStainless steel
SightsFixed front; drift-adjustable rear
Trigger SafetyYes
Firing Pin BlockYes
Loaded Chamber IndicatorVisual
Manual SafetyYes
Magazine ReleaseReversible
Accessory RailMIL-STD-1913 / Picatinny
FinishMatte black / matte stainless steel, depending on model
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factory fresh

Unboxing

I was unsurprised that the GX2 came in the typical orange Taurus box, with one mag and a safety lock. A small instruction manual also came explaining its use. I lifted it from the box to get my first impressions, and was surprised. Taurus has upped their game in recent years, and it shows in the GX2 design and feel.

The grip feels fantastic, thin where it needs to be and thick where it can be. The texture is great, allowing good purchase with either or both hands. The flat-faced trigger and safety-blade meet the pad of your finger nicely, spreading out pressure as you press.

Pulling the slide was a little stiff, but that is expected with little 9mm pistols like this. It has both front and rear slide cuts for gripping, which is great. A serrated rear sight lines up nicely with a white dot front sight, and it comes with a plastic optics footprint cover like other Taurus pistols. An external extractor is tucked neatly into the slide, and the brushed stainless steel barrel contrasts handsomely against the matte black finish. Closer inspection show that the chamber has a loaded chamber indicator cut into the top, which is nice touch for CCW enthusiasts.

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removing the plastic optics cover to install a red dot, also note chamber indicator slot in top of chamber

And the GX2 is obviously built for that purpose, its petite size make it perfect for tucking into your belt. I’m not big on safeties for CCW guns, but this one is actually just the way I would want a safety if it had one; Easy off, and hard to engage. A swift swipe with the thumb puts the pistol into firing mode, while applying the safety requires a focused effort. Enough at least that you won’t be putting it on by accident.

Shooting the GX2 Pistol

I was eager to get the GX2 on the range, and with a few friends we would quickly get comfortable with it. I brought one of my new red dot sights along to try with the GX2, this one is from Nutrek Optics called the Blade. Its RMS footprint fit perfectly on the GX2 slide with nothing but the screws that were already there. It lined up perfectly with the rear sight, and its built-in notch almost felt made for the GX2.

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the Streamlight TLR8 was a great fit for the GX2

Both indoor and outdoor shooting was done, with and without the red dot. I also added a Streamlight TLR8 to the GX2 for carrying at night. And I have been carrying the pistol for several weeks now, and I must say I have been very happy with its comfortable fit. And its great shooting performance.

Shootability

Much like my TX22 and TX9, the GX2 grip feels great. And I couldn’t help but think this pistol felt strangely similar to a P365 in both size and handling. I already mentioned the safety function (which I didn’t use much), but the other controls are great too. The trigger is a touch stiffer than I am used to, but thats to be expected from a CCW pistol. But the break is clean, as is the reset, both offering a firm and audible snap.

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The magazine release is easy to find quickly, and not in the way to get pressed accidentally. The slide release is a little bit stiff, but not bad enough to be a big deal. All of the controls are low profile, not likely to snag on clothing or other things.

Reliability

The GX2 chewed easily through magazine after magazine, which would have been nice to have another. The magazine looks very similar to the TX9 magazine, just smaller. I really like the loaded chamber indicator, its easily seen even by my aging eyes.

I disassembled the GX2 to see how it ticks, and I was surprised to find slide-rails that ran 2/3 the length of the frame. This is a stark difference from most pistols of this type, as they usually have just two small front and rear slide-rails. The GX2 shares many of the design features of the TX9, almost as if the trigger and sear pack can be removed and installed in another frame.

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The guts of the GX2 look to be of high quality. With thick slide facets, and robust extractor and ejector. It does not feel like it was cheaply designed and made, which is confusing because the pistol is not particularly expensive. Putting your life on the line with a pistol though, takes some time to justify, and this one will get additional testing before I would pin that ribbon on it.

Accuracy

I found the GX2’s accuracy to be acceptable for its size and price. Shooting targets at typical 7-10 distances proved to more than adequate to hit what I was aiming at. I really liked the enhanced feeling of the Nutrek Blade red dot.

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a couple groups from our testing

The trigger and standard sights made the GX2 easy to shoot well even without the red dot. And might certainly make it less cumbersome to carry.

Ergonomics

I was very happy with the feel of the GX2 in the hand. Even with full-size man hands the grip isn’t too small, and is still petite enough for my wife’s hands. The square trigger-guard and undercut both look good and function nicely, giving perfect space for a weapon light and its controls. Shaved edges on the slide reduce snag factor, while making the pistol more comfortable to tuck into your jeans.

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13-round magazines is nice to have in a small pistol

Value

Taurus firearms are known for their affordability, sometimes to a fault. The GX2 does a great job at improving the quality impression and the shooting performance of the brand. And yet it is still impressively affordable. With street prices around $230 it is hard to argue against this little pistol as good of a time as I’ve had with it.

Pros and Cons

Great Ergonomics and Grip FeelPerceived Low Quality Price 
Smooth and Clean Breaking TriggerSafety (for those that don’t like safeties)
Robust Optics Ready Slide
13-Round Capacity in a Compact
Safety for Those Who Want it
Picatinny Accessory Rail
Dual Front & Rear Slide Cuts
Loaded Chamber Indicator

Read my GX2 Verdict Here

Check out the TX22 Review here, and the Taurus TX9 Review here

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CCW Prospect: Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp

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Introduction

Big manufacturers like Sig Sauer offer a great variety of products, sometimes they knock it out of the park, and sometimes they don’t. But today we are taking a look at one of their popular and successful designs. The Sig P365 came out some years ago, with a new perspective on compact pistols. Since its release the P365 family has grown into more like an ant colony of models filled with different sizes, feature sets and so many variants it can be hard to keep up. Todays topic is the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp, an integrally compensated version of the polymer framed pistol. With any luck, I hope to extol the benefits of this pistol to help those curious about it.

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The P365

As I mentioned, there are far too many models for me to discuss here. But its also a topic worth going a little deeper into the colony to show a little daylight. There are different sized models, different calibers, state compliant models and more. I’ve put together some of the basic variations here, just to give you an idea. In case the model I am showing you today isn’t exactly what you are looking for.

the compact grip of the P365 fits all sizes of hands
ModelBarrelGripCapacityNotes
P3653.1″Short10+1Original micro-compact
P365-3803.1″Short10+1.380 ACP version
P365 SAS3.1″Short10+1Flush sights, anti-snag design
P365X3.1″XL grip12+1Short slide, longer grip
P365XL3.7″XL grip12+1Longer slide and barrel
P365 XL Spectre Comp3.1″ compensatedXL grip12+1Integrated compensator
P365 Spectre Comp3.1″ compensatedMacro grip17+1Premium Spectre series
P365 XMacro3.1″ comp / 3.7″Macro grip17+1Full-size grip, slim frame
P365 AXG Legion3.1″ compensatedAluminum AXG17+1Metal-frame premium model
P365 Fuse4.3″Macro grip21+1Largest P365 variant
P365 ROSEVariousVariousVariesLena Miculek collaboration
P365 Luxe 3803.1″ compAXG10+1Premium .380 model
P365 DH33.7″Macro17+1Daniel Horner competition-inspired model

The P365 XMacro

Among the P365’s, the XMacro models bring more a full-size feature set to a very small handgun. Despite its narrow frame, the magazines carry 17-rounds. Which is pretty impressive for such a small gun. As a Sig-o-phile, I have long carried pistols from the manufacturer. And the P239 that I carried for nearly two decades is a little bigger and only holds 8-rounds.

LEFT: different backstrap options RIGHT: the integral compensator built into the slide

And if that wasn’t enough, the XMacro also incorporates an interchangeable backstrap system to help customize the grip to the shooter. The overall grip is surprisingly spacious and at the same time feels pretty petite.

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the compensator keeps the pistol from climbing under recoil

Up top, the slide of the XMacro Comp model is optics cut to install a red dot. Fitting the RMSc footprint gives you a variety of optical sight options to install on the pistol. And at the front of the slide you will find the integral compensator. By directing muzzle blast pressure upwards, the muzzle rise is neutralized keeping the gun closer to on target for the next shot.

An accessory pic rail is located under the front of the slide, for adding a weapon light. This is a great thing to have for a CCW pistol which the P365 is meant for. And of course, like another popular Sig pistol we hear a lot about these days, the P365 has an interchangeable grip frame. The serialized part of the pistol is a removable trigger/sear pack that you can swap among a great variety of factory and aftermarket options. These are available in an impressive variety of patterns, colors, and even materials.

Specifications

SpecificationP365 XMacro Comp
Caliber9×19mm
ActionStriker-fired, short recoil
Barrel Length3.1 in (79 mm)
Overall Length6.6 in (168 mm)
Overall Height5.2 in (132 mm)
Overall Width1.1 in (28 mm)
Weight (with magazine)21.5 oz (610 g)
Sight Radius5.1 in
Magazine Capacity17+1
Frame MaterialPolymer XMacro grip module
Slide MaterialStainless steel, Nitron finish
Barrel MaterialCarbon steel
TriggerFlat-faced XSeries trigger
SightsXRAY3 day/night sights
Optics ReadyYes (RMSc / ROMEOZero footprint)
Accessory RailStandard 1913 Picatinny
BackstrapsSmall, Medium, Large (interchangeable)
Manual SafetyAvailable on select models
Included MagazinesTwo 17-round steel magazines
17-round magazines are impressive for this size pisol

With the basics covered, I figured it was time to outfit this pistol and get it on the range. I’m a big fan of red dots on pistols, so the P365 would get a Holosun 407. And because why not, I installed a Streamlight TLR7 weapon light. The two factory 17-round magazines would do just fine for my purposes, so I grabbed some ammunition to fill them up.

Shooting the P365 XMacro

Shooting the P365 was done during various trips to the range, both indoor and outdoor. We would shoot a variety of ammunition from Federal Champion, PMC, Remington, Winchester and Magtech. Mostly 115 grain ammunition was used but we did fire some 147 grain ammo as well. All shooting was done in the configuration seen, with the Holosun red dot and the Streamlight in place. This was done because that is how I would carry it and wanted to shoot it the same way.

here you can see the effect of the compensator, pushing down on the muzzle

Shootability

The thin grip of the P365 is easy to grab as well as tuck into clothing. It almost feels too small to me, perhaps I’m just used to gripping thicker frames. But this would be great for someone who has smaller hands, allowing a better purchase on the gun.

Trigger pull on this pistol is just what you’d want for a CCW pistol. Its neither light nor particularly short. But it feels pretty clean, with a defined reset and predictable break. We had not trouble keeping shots on target at 7 and 12 yards.

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the Holosun 407k and Streamlight TLR7 were excellent companions to the P365

With the comped barrel, the XMacro was pretty good at staying on target. Small pistols like this in 9mm tend to be a little spicier when recoiling, the integral compensator does a good job at combatting that tendency.

Ergonomics

I mentioned the grip being almost too small for my taste, but you can adjust the grip changing out the different backstraps on the grip module. This allows you to customize the feel of the grip to your taste.

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the grip feels good and comfortable in the hand

Sig’s P365 feels good in the hand, and even though I feel like this gun is a little small for my personal taste it is perfectly functional for me. There is adequate room for both hands to engage and operate the controls of the gun. And the different grip frames you can interchange increase your ability to fit.

Reaching all the controls was easy, and they are very serviceable. I was concerned the slide release might be a bit tough, but it was fine. The mag release is clean, dropping the magazine free with little effort.

the stripped P365 and its component

Accuracy

I mentioned we had not trouble keeping on target at typical CCW defense distances. At 10 yards I found I could keep groups under a couple inches. This is of course under controlled conditions, and I would expect under a stressful situation that would open up.

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a typical group from 10-yards

But for general CCW purposes I think the XMacro is perfectly adequate in the accuracy department. Hopefully I never have to find out.

Reliability

We experienced no malfunctions while shooting the P365. Feeding and ejecting rounds went perfectly. I did notice one thing that was slightly irritating though, with the magazine loaded to the full 17-rounds, it sometimes was a challenge to seat in the pistol. It only slightly concerns me as the resistance isn’t something I’d want to deal with in a stressful shooting scenario. But certainly worth noting, perhaps I’d just load 16 for carry. Which is still ahead of many other CCW pistols.

control surfaces were great for operating the pistol

Value

I see P365 pistols all over for as little as $499, which is pretty reasonable. The XMacro models on the other hand are going to cost a bit more. Prices between seven and eight-hundred dollars for the model we tested today are more likely what you’d pay. That isn’t unreasonable in my opinion. The added ammo capacity of the P365 is great, but incorporating the compensator is another increase in both value and performance. So if you can get into a P365 XMacro for $800 or less I think you are doing well.

the Sig P365 chewed through everything we fed it

Pros and Cons

As my gun collection increases with age, I find a tendency to have a firearm for every life situation I might encounter. And the P365 seems like one I would want to carry for a situation where needing it is likely.

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the P365 gives a big presentation in a small package

It shoots well, and allows me to get hits on targets without much effort. It has the accessory options that I look for in a handgun and the capacity to give you a good chance in a defensive scenario. Its customizable will being still pretty uniform as handguns go. And unlike its P320 sibling, the P365 has a pretty good record of service. There isn’t much to say against the pistol, other than the small gripes I mentioned above.

Conclusion

The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro has spread like wildfire, and not just because of Sig’s massive marketing campaigns. People really seem to like the gun, and the way they can customize it to their tastes. Despite being mistreated like all Sig Sauer customers, I still find myself pulled to many of their firearms. The P365 is one of those, it is fun to shoot and very useful in your hands. Like any good gun, with the right training it can become your most trusted tool in life.

-CBM

Check out additional CCW pistol options here

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Sig Sauer P239: A Classic Compact

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Preface

Sig Sauer pistols have been in the media a lot lately, and having been a Sigophant for decades I have been watching closely. As a giant in the firearms community Sig has an incredible diversity of products as well as the issues that might accompany such an extravagant position. But today we won’t be discussing problems, instead our focus is on something Sig Sauer got right. The P-Series of pistols have been around as long as me, originally coming from Swiss and West German craftsmen. For decades they were the gold standard used by law enforcement and those who’s lives depended on their tools. Today we are taking a look at a lesser known pistol from the P-Series, but one that certainly deserves your consideration. Join me as we dive into the Sig Sauer P239 compact, a single stack hammer-fired pistol trusted by professionals.

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The P239

Sig’s P239 incorporates all the same features as its popular and larger siblings. The P220 and P226 are popular with both professionals and enthusiasts alike. There are likely hundreds of law enforcement agencies using them in dozens of countries. And the US Navy SEAL teams adopted the P226 as their handgun (designated the Mk 24 and Mk25). The P239 was later developed to be a compact comparable handgun to be used either as a backup or as covert concealed weapon.

Much like its popular full-size equivalents, the P239 is made for action. Using the very same functions and features as the P226. It can be fired in both in single and double actions, allowing it to be carried with the hammer down. There is no safety but the one you pick your nose with, but it does have a de-cocking lever designed to safely lower the hammer.

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just some of the countless ammo types this little pistol has chewed through; Winchester, Federal Champion and a little Sierra Defense ammo

Single stack magazines are released using a traditional button on the left side of the grip. And there is a disassembly cam lever in the traditional location above the trigger area.

Specifications

Caliber 9×19, .40S&W, .357 Sig
Barrel Length3.5-inches
Length 6.5-inches
Height5.2-inches
Weight27-ounces
ActionSingle action/Double action
Capacity8 & 10 round mags (9×19) 7 & 8 round mags (.40 and .357)
Frame materialAluminum
Slide materialStainless steel
FinishBlack Nitron slide (PVD), black anodized aluminum

I purchased this pistol back in the 1990’s when they were more of a new item. It was my first compact pistol, and I was a brand new concealed carry permit holder. For nearly two decades this pistol was my go-to carry gun, and I learned many of the do’s and don’ts of CCW with it. But it also came out for other activities as well, and even pulled off some pretty impressive shots over the many years in my possession.

Shooting the Sig P239

Shootability

One of the first things I did with this pistol was to swap out the hard polymer grip panels for a softer set. I found a rubberized grip set from Hogue, that was much easier to hold onto in my opinion. I have average sized hands, and I feel the P239 fit just perfectly for a compact pistol grip.

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The trigger is pretty predictable for a service grade handgun. The double-action is obvious longer, but I have always found it to be fine for the first shot out of the magazine. Shooting the single-action is better, with a clean predictable break.

Looking down the semi-low profile sights gives a fine sight picture without making big snag points. The slide itself has gripping texture cuts along the back for drawing the slide. As a product of its time, there is no accessory rail on the frame which is a bit of a downer. All the controls are easily reached and actuated making it a smooth operation.

Reliability

In my near thirty years with this pistol, I’d imagine I must’ve had some kind of jam or malfunction. But to be completely honest, not a single memory of it comes to mind. Much like the proverbial Swiss watch, my P239 has long functioned as flawlessly as I could have asked it to. Unlike many of the guns I get to review, I have literally shot thousands of rounds over decades with this one. Giving about as good a perspective as you can get.

sig sauer, p239, compact 9mm, magazine

I’ve accumulated around half a dozen magazines over the years, both the 8-round and 10-round models. The 239 feeds perfectly from them, with a clean up and right ejection pattern. I’ve shot countless different ammunition types, everything from posh defensive loads to gun show bulk stuff and even my own handloads. The Sig P239 has always been a lead pump with no notable issues of any kind.

Accuracy

With its three and a half inch barrel, the P239 does pretty good. I’ve never had any issues hitting what I was aiming at. A typical shot group from the pistol at seven yards is between one and three inches depending on ammunition quality. Here is an example of a typical 5-shot group with some inexpensive bulk packed ammunition provided by Ammotogo.com.

sig sauer, p239, accuracy, groups, pattern, target,

Ergonomics

Like most P-Series pistols, the 239 fits my hand perfectly. I don’t usually care for the polymer grips, as they seem a little slippery. The textured ones on the other hand are quite nice, but I’ll stick with the sticky rubber ones.

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The controls are all very intuitive and easy to reach and operate. I like that you can feel every movement of the controls, it gives a sensation of connection with every operation of the pistol.

Value

I honestly can’t remember what I paid for mine, and since their discontinuation in 2018 new ones are not available. But there are plenty of them on the used market available from anywhere between $400 and $1000 for some of the more rare configurations. For those prices I think the P239 is a great pistol, and a bit of a collectible for Sig Sauer enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons

I’ve gone over most of the pros already; its a very reliable pistol, with distinguished service. It’s built like a tank, and ready for action at any moment. Its controls are very functional and it shoots well.

sig sauer, p239, compact 9mm, magazine, disassembly
the easily disassembled P239, notice the full length rails to keep slide and frame tight

If I had to come up with some negative things to say about this old friend, it would be these; The Sig P239 is from an era long gone now, so you wont find many of our modern pistol features that we’ve taken for granted. Things like optics cuts, accessory rails and double stack mags are not options with this pistol. With the 10-round magazines it is a pretty decent defense, but most of the guns I carry now a days carry at least 15.

Verdict

The Sig Sauer P239 Compact is a classic pistol, in many ways. Mine will never go anywhere but in my safe or on my hip. But I can see that times have also brought some changes, and sometimes that’s a good thing. I would love to see Sig bring it back, and maybe even modernize it with like a 12-round magazine, an optics cut, and a weapon light suitable pic rail. But I doubt that will ever happen. But if you are looking for one of these handsome old Sig pistols, I can strongly endorse the P239. It is a reliable, straight shooting tool. And built like it came from a time where they knew what they were doing.

-CBM

Check out my other favorite Sig Sauer Pistols here

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Enclosed Micro Comparison: Vortex Defender CCW VS. Holosun SCS Carry

Optics, Product review, , , , , , ,

Presentation

Red dot sights have become extremely popular, and I consider myself an enthusiast on the topic. You might have read my last comparison between theVortex Defender XL VS. the Holosun 507 Comp, two large windowed XL red dots. Today we are looking at two micro red dots in the same way. We are reviewing the Vortex Defender CCW VS. Holosun SCS Carry, both of these red dots are RMSc footprint compatible, and they both feature an enclosed emitter.

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comparing the two red dots on two similar pistols, the Bersa M2XI and the Girsan Witness 2311

They are very comparable and I expect very popular candidates for folks looking to put a red dot on their CCW pistol. I’ve put quite a few rounds through both of them, and today I’ll give you my opinion on their comparison.

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Specifications

On paper these two sights are pretty similar, the main difference in construction being that the Defender uses a dual power source. A removable CR2023 battery whereas the Holosun uses its solar panel as a source, keeping an internal battery (non-serviceable) battery charged.

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the easily removable CR2023 battery of the Defender

Both of these are small and ideal for a CCW pistol, but because they are enclosed emitters that means they are slightly bigger than traditional open emitter red dots. The Vortex defender is a little bigger than the SCS Carry, though I’m not sure if thats because of the battery housing or because they wanted to make a bigger window.

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Configurable reticles are becoming more the norm, and I like that. Both of these can be configured with a dot, circle, or circle-dot reticle.

Specification Comparison
FeatureVortex Defender CCW SolarHolosun SCS Carry
Footprint CompatibilityShield RMScHolosun K & RMSc
Reticle Description3 MOA Dot + 32 MOA circle2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle
Reticle ColorRedGreen
Magnification 1X1X
Weight1.30 Ounces1.05 Ounces
Power SourceSolar + CR2023Solar + internal battery
Parallax SettingParallax FreeParallax Free
Eye ReliefUnlimitedUnlimited
Adjustment Graduation1.0 MOA1.5 MOA
Dimensions1.1”T x 1.6”L x 1.2” W.98”T x 1.6”L x .95”W
Material7075 Aluminum7075 T6 Aluminum
Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, holosun, SCS Carry, red dot, surefire X300,
The Holosun SCS Carry made a great option for the Bersa M2XI 9mm pistol

On the Range

I’ve spent a lot of time shooting with both of these sights, but in fairness I have more time using the Holosun. I have run the SCS Carry on several different pistols, both 9mm and .22LR. The Defender CWW Solar Micro has lived on my Girsan 2311 since I got it. Realistically though, you can get to know a pistol sight well enough without having to go through a bunch of pistols. Though I did run both sighs on the same pistol for a while to get a solid comparison.

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the Holosun SCS Carry mounted to the Girsan 2311, read more about the Pistolero Backpack here

Mounting and Zeroing

The Holosun SCS Carry uses a K footprint, that can also be dropped onto an RMSc footprint. The Defender is an RMSc footprint, so either of these can fit in most of the same mounting situations. I had not issue mounting them on several different similar pistols.

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unboxing the Holosun SCS Carry

When mounting red dots, I usually try and line them up as close to the iron sights as possible before torquing them down. This usually makes for minimal adjustments to zero the sight. The Vortex model has 110 MOA of adjustment available, while the Holosun is plus or minus 30 MOA. That might make the Vortex a little better for certain host weapons, but in general you probably don’t need that much.

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The Vortex Defender and its accessories

The Vortex also gets extra points since it came with a plethora of mounting screws and accessories for mounting on different hosts.

Brightness

One very convenient thing about the SCS Carry is its auto-brightness correction. The solar panel uses ambient light to adjust the reticle brightness. I really like this feature though every so often I wouldn’t, let me explain. Typically in dark areas, I occasionally found that the SCS Carry was a touch dimmer than I would have liked in such a scenario. Outside in daylight I never had an issue.

holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, reticle, green,
Holosun’s SCS Carry reticle (seen through magnifier)

The Vortex Defender has a manual brightness adjustment, which can be both good or bad. You can set it where you want it, and know what to expect everytime you present the pistol. But you also might have it set a little bright, or a little dim for any particular scenario. I am still unsure which way I prefer, but I kind of default to the manual setting, because I like control.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle,
Looking through the Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro

Sight Picture

Both of these optics are compact, though the Defender is a touch bigger as I mentioned. But the Defender also has a noticeably bigger window, and a little bit means a lot with sights this small. The bigger window definitely gives more room for target acquisition and aiming. Both of them gave precise aiming, but I think I have to give the Defender an edge here.

One thing worth mentioning here, the Holosun SCS Carry does incorporate a notch rear sight as part of its housing. Which is one thing I wish the Defender had, in case the electronics were to fail.

holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, solar, Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011,
the Girsan Witness 2311 made an excellent host for testing both optics, seen here with a Surefire X300 light

Parallax and Clarity

One thing I noticed with the SCS carry from the very first time I mounted it, was a touch of fuzz when focusing on it. I never worried too much about it as I would look past the sight at the target, and hold the reticle over it. Doing this I never had any issue sharply seeing the reticle.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle, holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, reticle, illumination,
not a great pic of the reticles, but here you can see some comparison, as well as the window size

On one of my test guns, I removed the SCS to install the Defender and immediately noticed the Vortex did not have that issue. Regardless of where I focus the Vortex Defender is sharp and clean, whereas the Holsun SCS Carry did have a little fuzziness depending on how you looked through it.

holosun SCS Carry rds, taurus tx22, YHM Phantom 22
my Taurus TX22 Toro made a great host for the Holosun and the YHM Phantom 22 suppressor

Accuracy and Zero

With 3 and 2 MOA dots, both of these optics give you a fine aim point. And with an accurate firearm I found them both to be very useful. When zeroing the optics I found they were smooth, and moved evenly. I can’t stand a sight that doesn’t show any change when you adjust it, and both of these were great in that aspect. The quality of these two sights also show in that neither of them needed to be re-zeroed at any point, they held zero nicely, and after hundreds of rounds they hadn’t moved.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, zeroing, adjustment,
both dots were easily adjusted with tools provided

Value

I have no doubt that both of these optics are manufactured overseas, it’s hard to find a red dot that isn’t these days. To be honest I was a bit surprised that the Holosun tends to cost more at popular online retailers. At publishing, it seems the SCS Carry is usually around $400 like here at Primary Arms. While the Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro is typically priced around $300 like here at Optics Planet. With prices like that, the Vortex seems to offer a significant advantage.

optics planet, discount,

Report Card

You may have gathered, I like both of these sights. But it didn’t surprise me that the Vortex won me over, after a short while shooting it I could tell I was going to like it more than the Holosun SCS Carry. That is certainly not to say the SCS Carry is not a good option as well. Though I like them both I would have to pick the Defender CCW Solar Micro if I had to pick only one. Luckily I don’t, and I can have both of them for different purposes.

Vortex Defender CCW SolarHolosun SCS Carry
Mounting & ZeroingA+A
BrightnessAA
Sight PictureAB+
Parallax & ClarityAB
Accuracy and ZeroAA
ValueAB+
Cumulative Score96%92%
Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, zeroing, adjustment,

Last Words

Hopefully this has helped you decide which of the two options might best fit you. Both are certainly good choices for your concealed carry pistol, but it would be a good idea to look at them in person as well to help close the deal for you. Both of these dots will continue to be used in my collection, and I look forward to what’s new from both of these great companies.

-CBM

Like Vortex and Holosun? Here is another comparison

Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, holosun, SCS Carry, red dot, surefire X300,
primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope,

Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 SFP Riflescope

Optics, Product review, , , , , , , ,

Preface

If you haven’t noticed, it seems there is a large trend of red dots and low power variable optics LPVO’s going on. And despite my defiance to trends I have stepped right into the deepest part of this one. Today I am excited to share with you another fantastic LPVO, this one came from out of left field for me. The Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 SFP riflescope is the subject of our scrutiny today, a compact model from the good folks at Primary Arms. Since I already have a variety of great similar optics, I was curious if this one had what it takes to become my favorite.

primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope, quattro-15, desert tech,
my Quattro-15 made a fun host for the PA PLxC

I am no stranger to Primary Arms, and I’ve had the good fortune to use several of their products you can read about here. So as I opened up the box for this PLxC, my curiosity was high.

Unboxing the PLxC 1-8

Presentation has come a long way, and Primary Arms does a fine job. The PLxC came in a magnetically sealed box, with a variety of accessories you can see below. A factory added throw-lever is nice, as was the rubber bikini lens cover. I wasn’t expecting a sun shade on this scope so that was an added bonus. For some reason I haven’t figured out yet, the windage turret was uncapped and the cap fit in a pocket in the box foam. Of course there was also the typical lens cloth, owner manual and warranty information.

primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope,

The Primary Arms cantilever mount you see in my pictures is a perfect fit for this scope. And though I included it in the pictures it is not included with the scope. It is available separately in either a 30 or 34 millimeter option with either zero or twenty MOA cant built into it.

As I said, it is a very nice quality presentation. But as I lifted the scope from the box my interest grew even more. The PLxC is quite compact, more so than I had expected. It wasn’t what I would call heavy, but it does have that quality thick feel to it. I was particularly impressed when I put the scope up to my eye, the image was outstanding. The optical performance of this scope and its compact size are likely what demands its asking price of $1499. After some additional inspection, it was time to get this scope mounted.

Features

  Primary Arms Compact PLxC 1-8X24 SFP Rifle Scope Features
BatteryCR2032
Click Value.1 MRAD per click
ColorBlack
Exit Pupil DiameterLow: 8mm / High: 3mm
Eye ReliefLow: 3.2 in / High: 3.7 in
Field of view @100 yardsLow: 121 ft / High: 15 ft
Focal PlaneSecond 
Reticle / IlluminationACSS NOVA-556 / Red
Length9.2 Inches
Magnification1X – 8X
Tube Diameter30MM
Objective Diameter24mm
ReticleACSS NOVA 5.56   BDC
Total Elevation Adjustment100 MOA
Total Windage Adjustment100 MOA
Turret TypeCapped Turrets, Low Profile, Tool Adjustable
Weight16.8 Ounces
WarrantyLifetime
Primary arms

With the PLxC mounted to a rifle, it was much easier to evaluate its features. The throw lever is a nice touch, particularly for these kind of optics. The turrets are easily adjusted by hand, and you can cap them to protect them from moving while shooting. Though to be fair, they are very lo profile and have good resistance so they are unlikely to be inadvertently moved. Even the turret caps are nice, with a rubber gasket to keep them from rattling loose and coming off.

The illumination is also very high quality. Its extremely bright red center of the reticle can be used as a red dot, and made visible even in bright daylight. This feature is bolstered by Primary’s AutoLive® battery cap, which has an auto-shutoff after a specified time of inactivity. To my surprise, the AutoLive® cap can also be used on scopes manufactured by other optics companies as well.

The bright glass, sharp reticle, tough turrets, clean illumination and the whole finish of this scope gave a great impression of quality. I hadn’t even fired a shot yet, and I was already excited about it.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO
the Steyr AUG A3 M2 with the Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor was a great host for the PLxC

On the Range

A proper range outing was in order to see how the PLx stood up to other optics I’ve used. Among the many LPVO’s I’ve used I figured I would bring along one of my favorites for comparison. An obvious difference was how much more compact the PLx was compared to my Eotech Vudu 1-8. Once the scope shade was added to the PLx it was more comparable to the size of most other LPVO’s, but obviously that is optional. I like sunshades for keeping the sun out of the scope, but almost equally as much for keeping fingers away from the lenses.

the PA PLxC next to a Eotech Vudu 1-8, note how much smaller the PLx is

Shooting on the range out to two-hundred yards seemed like a great way to test out the capabilities and virtues of the PLx. With targets set at 50, 75, 100 and 200 yards, I’d be able to take full advantage the PLx features.

I would shoot with the PLx on two different rifles, first was my Desert Tech Quattro 15 AR. It is one of my favorite AR’s, it shoots well and it’s predictable accuracy is ideal for comparing scope performance. The other rifle was a brand new to me Steyr AUG A3 M2, which also turned out to be very handy and fun to shoot using the Primary Arms PLx.

Optical Performance

My very first impressions of the PLx were how fantastic the image is, bright and sharp. I love it when scopes seem to disappear in front of your eye, almost like the image is a bubble floating above your rifle. Instead of a thick black ring with an image within it. Surely this is due to the extra low-dispersion lenses.

iphone camera does no justice to how good this scope looks

The illuminated center dot of the reticle is particularly bright and intense. On all but the lowest of power settings, the dot is very easy to see and use as an aimpoint. In fact at lower magnification settings, it feels more like a red dot than a scope.

The NOVA 556 reticle is also crisp and particularly easy to position over targets, the parallax is fixed apparently at 100 yards based on my experience. Shooting groups at 100 yards was much easier than I’ve experienced in the past with low powered optics like this, I was even able to pick out 5.56 holes in the paper.

athlon Rangecraft velocity pro chronograph, Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, chronograph, comparison, review, garmin, athlon, steyr AUG A3 M2, primary arms PLXC,
testing velocity with the Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph

I’m not a huge fan of BDC reticles, but the NOVA reticle seemed simple enough. And the hold points were close enough to my ammunition that I had no problem hitting 1 MOA targets within the range of reasonable engagement with 5.56 ammunition.

Control Features

The turrets were very nice, and made zeroing the scope to each rifle quite easy. I don’t usually use LPVO’s for long range shooting so I wasn’t going to dial many corrections with these turrets. Adjusting the brightness of the center dot is simple using the Autolive turret, there are off settings between each brightness setting. In today’s market I think that should be a requirement.

I always appreciate throw levers on scopes, and this one is quite handy. And the 180 degree rotation gave full spectrum of the PLx magnification. Its big enough to get a hold of, without being obtrusive.

Accuracy

Turret values were accurate, allowing for exact adjustments when zeroing the scope. The steel on steel internals of the scope are likely responsible for the sharp tracking.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO

Pros and Cons

The only thing I could find with this optic that I didn’t like was the price. And that’s not to say it isn’t worth it, just that $1500 isn’t a small pill. However, when compared to others like the Nightforce NX8 its a more affordable option. And much cheaper than something like the Trijicon VCOG 1-8, and a better choice in my opinion. The PLx is definitely a significantly better option than the sub $1200 LPVO’s I’ve used.

On the positive side, this is a beautiful little scope to behold. Everything from the machine textured surfaces to the image all feel extremely high quality. The resistance on the controls and the feel of the clicks are all what I expect for a scope at this price point.

The day visible dot is fantastic for rapid target engagement, and the bright optics are fantastic for looking into shadowy interiors from the bright and sunny outside. A perfect option for a short or medium-range carbine in my opinion.

Conclusion

I guess you’ve figured out by this point that I really like the Primary Arms PLxC. Don’t be surprised, I am a bit of an optics nerd. I’ve played with quite a few of them, and this one was an impressive unit I plan to keep close on one of my favorite rifles. If you ever see me on the street, hit me up and I’ll let you have a peak through it.

-CBM

First Year review: After having used this scope for a year now, it has been swapped across a dozen different firearms. I still love the scope, mainly for its crystal clear image, and easy and reliable turrets. The only negative I’ve come up with after all this time is that despite the auto-shutoff battery, it still has turned up dead unexpectedly. Other than that, I am still very much diggin’ the Primary Arms PLxC.

Check out more LPVO reviews here

The Taurus USA TX22 Compact pistol

pistols, Product review, Shooting hardware, , , , ,

Introduction

Semi-automatic 22 pistols have been a bit of a conundrum in the past. It seems every manufacturer has tried to make one that is both reliable and feature filled. But there always seems to be a shortcoming or compromise. When I first put hands on the Taurus TX22 years ago. I had a preconceived notion that it too would become another obligatory 22 pistol that was almost good enough. That was the initial TX22 pistol, but today we are going to look at one of the newest TX22 models. To see if it measures up, or exceeds what we are used to. I am happy to bring you a review of the TX22 Compact pistol from Taurus USA.

The TX22 Compact

The TX22 Compact is a polymer-frame striker fired pistol. It is fed from polymer magazines that hold up to 13-rounds. The compact version of the pistol also has some slide cuts to reduce weight. As well as an optics cut at the rear for mourning your favorite red dot sight. In a departure from the standard TX22, the compact features non-adjustable sights. That is probably because you can mount a red dot and adjust that instead. 

The small pistol also features a standard picatinny accessory rail under the muzzle for attaching whatever light or aiming accessory you’d prefer. Like its larger sibling, the TX22 Compact also features a threaded barrel. And comes with a factory suppressor collar to install your favorite hush-tube. At the rear of the frame there is an ambidextrous safety that is easily manipulated with the firing-hand thumb.

Get bulk packed ammo from Ammo.com

Unboxing

My very first impression of the TX22 Compact was its weight, it felt incredibly light. This is surely due to the polymer construction and aluminum parts. And much the same way as the full size TX22, I immediately fell in love with the grip. It fits my hand perfectly and the texturing makes it very easy to keep hold of. The lightweight and comfortable grip had already hooked me, but would it perform as good as it looked and felt? If my initial feelings were right, I was pretty confident that this pistol would be a winner.

The TX22 has a relatively short history. The original model was released only a few years ago, and Taurus has since expanded the line with an assortment of models and colors. The competition model uses a cut slide with a reduced front end on the slide as well as an optics mounting platform. The Compact is the most recent development, though I’m sure there will likely be additional offerings.

Features

Lets go over some of the key features that set the TX22 Compact apart. Perhaps one of the most exciting developments with the TX22 is the magazines. For decades it seemed like 22 auto pistols had but one option for capacity, a single stack 10-round magazine. The TX22 uses what I guess you could call a double stack, in that the rims of the stacked cartridges are offset to the right and left as they are stacked into the magazine.

The original full-size TX22 holds 16-rounds, while the flush-fitting magazines of the Compact model hold only 13. But to be fair, 13 rounds in a pistol this small, and this light make it very appealing. Also, the 16-round magazines of the full size TX22 also fit into the compact, though they do hang out exposed.

The Holosun 407 was a great choice

The trigger of the TX22 is another fantastic feature, instead of using a blade-safety, the TX22 utilizes the entire shoe. As the trigger is pulled, the shoe pivots into its firing position where the sear can be activated. It feels quite good considering the inexpensive cost of the TX22’s. The trigger also has a pretty short reset which I find spectacular, and greatly increases your ability to shoot rapidly with minimal movement.


The threaded barrel of the TX22 is another fantastic feature that comes from the factory. And the included suppressor collar allows you to go straight to the range with suppressor in hand. The barrel comes with a thread-cap installed, it is easily removed with a wrench using the machined flats on the thread-cap. You can then install the shouldered suppressor collar, which just threads over the muzzle with a flush fit. The collar also had a nice shoulder to tighten your suppressor against.

the Yankee Hill Phantom 22 suppressor is a perfect companion to the TX22

Optics Cuts

The TX22 Compact slide comes pre-cut for optics, and it fits micro red dots like the Holosun 407K and the new Vortex Defender. This is such a fantastic feature, especially to me who has become more and more addicted to red dots on my pistols. The steel plate is easily removed with the two screws, and your micro red dot will take its place.

The controls of the TX22 are easy to operate and understand, the slide release is easy to press with the thumb to drop the slide while shooting. The safety is not obtrusive but easy to reach and activate when needed. And it’s on both sides of the pistol for those wrong-handed folks out there. The mag release button is small and very functional, it too can be reversed to the opposite side of the frame for left-handers.

suppressed taurus TX22
the YHM Phantom 22 was an outstanding addition

I guess my favorite feature of the TX22 family is that unlike most 22 auto-loading pistols, it doesn’t feel like a toy. While it is very light, even lighter than my son’s airsoft pistol, it still feels like a real gun. It doesn’t have the undersized grip that many others do, when you pick it up it feels like you’ve got a real gun in your hand. Add to that the dashing good looks of the pistol, and you’ve got a winner in your hand. 

Performance and Precision

Accuracy (8.5-10)

Being a humble little 22lr pistol, I’m not sure what level of accuracy people will expect from it. But I find the pistol to be very accurate for the purposes that I would use a 22 pistol for. I have used it to train my kids a great deal for pistol shooting. Every one of them absolutely loves shooting the TX22. It never fails, every time we go shooting I hear: can we bring the Taurus?

Shooting inexpensive bulk packed ammunition is what I expect most other people to shoot, as do I. The TX22 Compact is easy to keep on targets as small as squirrels at distances like 15 to 20 yards. Dispatching small rodents and even rats in the shed is surprisingly easy with the little TX22. 

In addition to its accurate shooting, the near lack of any felt recoil seems to help shoot the pistol even better. 

Ergonomics (8.5-10)

As I mentioned above, the fit in my hand is one of the first things that sold me on this pistol. It feels comfortable, and fills a man’s hand. The texturing on the frame makes it easy to keep hold of when manipulating the pistol. And the slightly flared magwell makes reloading an easy and smooth operation.

The trigger feels great, and all the controls are right where they should be and easy to operate. Even my wife who has particularly petite hands finds the TX22 Compact easy to operate and shoot well. 

Features (9-10)

The TX22’s features are outstanding. Not only does it have most everything a person could ask for, they are included from the factory. With a price this low you get quite a few features I am both surprised and happy to get. 

The higher capacity magazines, the optics ready slide, and factory threaded barrel are probably my favorite features of this pistol.

The TX22 compact (L) shown next to the full size TX22 (R)

Fit & Finish (8.5-10)

The TX22 family of pistols all come with a pretty handsome look to them. The different color frame options are nice, and the pistol seems to be put together well. I know it’s only a 22, and most people aren’t going to be betting their life on the durability of the TX22. That said, I think there are just a few things that do give the impression of a “cheap” pistol, such as the plastic firing pin bushings. And as much as I like the magazines, they are all plastic, and they don’t feel like it would be hard to crush them if accidentally stepped on or something. I also noticed that the coating of the slide isn’t as tough as I would like it to be, but at this price I can’t complain. 

Despite the few things that may make it seem cheap, I cannot find where the TX22 is flawed or poorly assembled. It’s a great looking pistol. 

Reliability

I’ve been shooting the TX22 compact for nearly six months now, and I’ve lost track of how many boxes of Federal AutoMatch we’ve put through it. But at 325 rounds per box I’d estimate we have shot nearly two thousand rounds through the Compact TX22, this with a negligible occurrence of malfunctions. I was not surprised, as that was the same experience I had with the full size TX22, shooting through thousands of rounds with nearly zero issues. 

Of course being a 22lr, the TX22 is going to be dirty, and will need occasional cleaning to keep it running in top shape. Particularly if you are shooting suppressed, which a great deal of our shooting has been. 

I ran my Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 on the TX22 Compact, it was a perfect match that provided hours and hours of incredibly quiet fun for the family. Of course you should always wear eye protection when shooting, but it is an absolute must when shooting this pistol suppressed. There is a good deal of debris blown back when suppressed, so keep your glasses on.

Get the Yankee Hill Machine Phantom 22 suppressor here

Value (10-10)

With a street price just over $300, I think the TX22 Compact is an absolutely incredible value. There are other competitors like the Sig 322 that cost a bit more, and offer a higher capacity. The Keltec P17 is cheaper still, if you want a gun that looks like it was designed by a high school shop class. 

I think the TX22 performance and features are well worth the asking price, and having spent a great deal of time shooting this and other TX22’s I am quite confident its performance is long term. 

Pro & Cons

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Reliable performance
  • High capacity magazines
  • Optics ready
  • Picatinny accessory rail
  • Ambidextrous controls
  • Suppressor ready from factory
  • Comes with 2 magazines

Cons

  • Magazines could be arguably fragile
  • I need more of them

Alternative Options

I mentioned the Sig P322 above, it would likely be a good alternative to the TX22. It carries a higher capacity magazine, and weighs a bit more but that is expected. It also comes with the big Sig Sauer name that so many crave.

The Keltec P17 is another option, with a comparable capacity to the TX22, and at an even cheaper price. It is also lighter than both the Sig and Taurus, but it also appears to come with fewer features.

FAQ’s

How much is the Taurus TX22?

The Taurus TX22 can be had for as little as $308 depending on where you buy

Is it safe to dry fire the Taurus TX22?

Many 22lr pistols are not supposed to be dry fired, but according to Taurus USA, the TX22 series is made to be safely dry fired

What red dot will fit the Taurus TX22 Compact?

The TX22 compact accepts micro red dots with the same pattern as the Holosun 407K, I installed that model, as well as the Vortex Defender red dot.

Is the TX22 Compact? 

The standard TX22 is compact enough to conceal, and the compact model is even moreso. It is very comparable in size to the Glock 19.

For more information on the TX22 Compact Click Here

Conclusion

So if you haven’t gathered by now, I am a big fan of the entire TX22 family of pistols. I’ve spent the last 3 or 4 years shooting one version or another, and they have proven to be accurate, reliable, and incredibly fun to shoot. Compact pistols are typically designed for concealed carry purposes, which makes sense. I will say that I am not going to recommend carrying a 22lr as your concealed carry, but I will mention a few positive things for those that might. The TX22 Compact is very comfortable to carry, it’s both small and light so you wont notice it as much as other guns. And in the event that you should ever have to draw it, it can be emptied very quickly, and all thirteen shots can be dumped into a target with great accuracy and speed. 

Other features like the threaded barrel and optics cut slide give you many of the more desired features of modern auto-loading pistols. It may not be some top tier handgun, but when it comes to 22’s I don’t know of one that I would say is top tier.

Check out more Vortex Optics

I would say that if you are looking for a fun, reliable, and accurate 22lr pistol, you will not likely find a better option. There might be one that is comparable, but it will be more expensive for sure. I must admit that I have found the TX22 to be well worth the asking price, so much in fact that I have returned to the TX22 again and again. I now own four of them in one configuration or another, if you need a good 22 pistol, buy the TX22 with confidence.

-CBM