The Taurus Millennium G2 has carved a significant niche in the handgun market, attracting both seasoned shooters and newcomers. This review delves deep into its features, performance, reliability, and overall value, offering a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if this pistol is right for you.
Design and Features: A Blend of Practicality and Affordability
The Taurus Millennium G2's design emphasizes practicality and affordability. Its polymer frame keeps the weight down, making it comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The grip is ergonomically designed, providing a secure hold for various hand sizes. While not overly flashy, its aesthetics are clean and functional. Key features include:
- Striker-fired mechanism: This contributes to a relatively short, light trigger pull, which some shooters appreciate. However, the trigger feel is subjective and may require some getting used to.
- Ambidextrous controls: Both the slide release and magazine release are easily accessible for both right- and left-handed shooters, enhancing its versatility.
- Multiple calibers: Available in several popular calibers, including 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, offering choices to suit different shooting preferences and needs.
- Accessory rail: The inclusion of a Picatinny rail allows for the mounting of tactical accessories like lights and lasers, expanding the pistol's capabilities.
- High-capacity magazines: The magazine capacity varies depending on the caliber, but generally offers a respectable round count.
Performance and Reliability: On the Range and Beyond
The Taurus Millennium G2's performance is a mixed bag. While many users report satisfactory reliability, some have experienced issues, particularly with early production models. Recent iterations seem to have addressed many of these reliability concerns. However, proper maintenance and cleaning are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Accuracy is generally considered adequate for self-defense purposes, but it's not known for exceptional precision at long ranges.
Points to note: Some users report occasional failures to feed or extract, especially with certain types of ammunition. This emphasizes the importance of testing various ammo types to find what works best with your specific firearm.
Trigger and Accuracy: A Closer Look
The trigger pull, while generally light, is often described as having a somewhat mushy feel. This is a common characteristic of striker-fired pistols, and the G2 is no exception. While this may not be ideal for competitive shooting, it's acceptable for self-defense scenarios. Accuracy is acceptable for its intended purpose—self-defense at close to medium ranges—but it's not a target pistol.
Value and Overall Impression: A Budget-Friendly Option?
The Taurus Millennium G2 is positioned as a budget-friendly option in the handgun market. Its price point generally makes it accessible to a wider range of buyers. However, it's essential to weigh the trade-offs. While it offers a decent set of features, its reliability isn't universally praised, and some compromises in terms of trigger feel and accuracy are evident.
Conclusion: Is the Taurus Millennium G2 Right for You?
The Taurus Millennium G2 presents a compelling proposition for those seeking an affordable and reasonably feature-rich handgun for personal defense. Its ambidextrous controls and available calibers enhance its versatility. However, potential buyers should be aware of the mixed reliability reports and the somewhat less-than-ideal trigger pull. Thorough research and possibly handling the firearm before purchasing are highly recommended. It's crucial to consider your individual needs and expectations before making a decision. Remember, responsible gun ownership includes proper training and safe handling practices.
