I've been looking at the Shield in 9mm for a CCW. It seems to be a very good pistol. Today the Taurus Millennium G2 also in 9mm came on my radar as well. Sooooo What do all of you think ? I know there are a lot of Taurus haters out there but I can't find anything bad in print or video about the gun. I looked at one today at my local gun shop. It seems really nice and feels great in my hand. It as well as the Shield have some terrific features. I would love some feedback from people who have shot and or owned these two pistols. I plan on going to the range and renting both to see for myself which one I think is best. Thanks,
Jim

Honestly I think you answered your own question. Renting and shooting both would be the best comparison, especially since they would be in your hands. I love my shield and for me it was a good choice.
Good luck and I think either is a good choice.

I have had some bad experiences with Taurus...they were a few years ago, so maybe things have changed, but it's all I have to go on.

I've looked at the Millennium G2, and it's a good looking pistol that fits well in my hand. It's priced very competitively ($329 at Academy) and it gets lots of good reviews. There are several things that concern me about Taurus:

1) They don't generally pay for shipping back for service (they have on a case by case basis, but it's not a given.) Academy says they will ship back to the factory for the first two years (or that was what I was told a year or so ago) so that would be an advantage if you bought it at Academy. S&W does pay for shipping both ways, consistently.

2) Taurus CS has been notoriously bad, and very, very slow. S&W is generally fast to repair and return guns.

3) Taurus products don't generally hold their value (if you think you might be selling or trading in the future.) This model might, since it is generally seen as a good gun, but overall, Taurus guns don't have the resale value of S&Ws, Rugers, SAs, etc.

4) Taurus has been very strict (read that as no sale) about selling parts...they are supposedly taking a look at this, per an article by their CEO, but I'd be concerned about being able to source recoil springs, magazine springs, etc...which are wear items. I don't want to send my gun in to have the recoil spring replaced!

Right now, Academy has the Shield on sale (no, I don't work for Academy) for $425, which is about $25 cheaper than the best price I've found around here. So, the Shield is about $100 more (on sale.) The Shield holds 8 rounds (max) and the G2 holds 12. The Shield also comes in 40, if you want that caliber. I don't think there is a G2 model in 40, but then I haven't checked to see.

There are two things I do like about the G2: the safety is actually big enough to use, and the G2 has second strike capability (I know some don't think that is a good thing, but I like it.) I don't know how many aftermarket parts will be available for the G2 (sights, holsters, etc.)

All things considered, I think I'd go with the Shield. If money was an issue, though, the G2 seems to be a good choice...just make sure you buy it at Academy (and confirm their shipping policy) or a local gun shop that will ship it back to Taurus for you if it's necessary. If you have to pay for shipping yourself, it can run $60 or more.

I wanted to add, in fairness to Taurus, that Ruger and S&W can be equally picky about selling some parts. For example, Ruger will sell the springs and cups for the SR series striker, but they will not sell a complete striker. Their reason: if the striker fails, they want to inspect it to see why. (Then why sell parts for it?) I know this for a fact, since I contacted them about buying a striker for my SR9. I've also read (but can't confirm) that S&W won't sell a striker for it's SDVE series (I don't know about the M&P series strikers.)

So, this may not be unique to Taurus alone. Still, even if I have to send my S&W polymer guns in to have the striker replaced, I feel more confident in S&W than I do Taurus, in terms of shipping costs and repair turn-around time.

I have had three Taurus products. All have been very, very reliable. I have a PT-1911 that has well over 10K rounds through it. I own many S&Ws but all are revolvers except a couple of 3rd gen autos.

I've gotta back up taurus here. Seeing as noone has lol

I have a Millennium Pro 45. I've had it for 5 years. I got it for around $280 i want to say at my LGS.

It fires anything you feed it, its accurate, lightweight and compact. Mags are easy to find, it will also fit any holster made for the M&P compacts :-D So holster selection isnt difficult

Day i got it it came with no safety lock keys, Taurus shipped me some for free, 6 to be exact within 3 days of calling.

About a year ago it started ejecting very strange and had a lot of FTE's *gun is older than 5 years and HEAVILY USED*. I called Taurus up, told them what happened and they had me ship it in *yes i had to pay but it was like $12*.

About a week later a rep CALLED ME. didnt email but called at 11ish AM. Told me it was in the hands of one of their gunsmiths and they would notify me of any findings within 48 hours. less than 24 later they called back and said the ejector was worn, they would replace it.

Had the gun back in my hands inside 18 days. 100% fixed, they even sent me a free mag with it :-)

Now had this been another company that did not carry the lifetime warranty that Taurus did, I would have not paid the $12 shipping, however I would have paid for the extractor, the labor to find the issue, the labor to fix the issue etc. The warranty saved me almost $70.

No matter what you do to a taurus, they will fix it, i've had friends blow theirs up with reloads, they gave them new ones, they never charge for repairs or replacement if the gun is damaged or deemed unfireable.

They have a bad rap because for a while they put out a few bad guns, but who hasnt? Look at the issues other guns have, glocks blow up, so do shields. Sigs have firing pin issues.

I would say buy the taurus, or a ruger, they back their product like taurus does. IMO the warranty is the key. Lifetime gun :-D

I'm glad (sincerely) that you had a good experience with Taurus. Question: where did you get it shipped for $12? Even my LGS charges more than that...at (they say) their costs. But then, they use UPS or FedEx, not USPS.

I own a Taurus PT709 and a 9mm Shield. The 709 is essentially a single stack version of the Mil G2. I agree with GKC's comments. Currently, Taurus will pay shipping for 90 days after purchase, after that it will cost you $60-70 to legally ship your gun to Miami for warranty work. Reloads void the Taurus warranty, don't brag about your reloads to Taurus CS. A few months back, Taurus restricted almost all parts although they are reviewing that policy, model-by-model. Parts are now available for the US-made PT738 but critical stuff, like a sear, is still restricted and there are no third party parts for Taurus. There are third-party (e.g. APEX) parts for M&Ps. I like my 709 and my Shield. But I would not consider buying another Taurus until their parts are readily available.

Jim...I'm a S&W guy and have a 669, SD9VE, & M&P FS. Last May I was seriously looking at the Shield but the trigger was way too stout for me. At my LGS, in the case right next to the Shield, was a Bersa BP9CC. The factory trigger was very nice, not to mention the grip feel. Took home the Bersa. I know that Taurus is in the process of "cleaning up their act", but it may be worth it to pursue it. Is the gun you are referring to the PT111 G2? That caught my eye recently, but 4 9mm's are enough for me!

I bought one of those when they first came out...and the trigger on mine was TOO light! I don't have a trigger pull gauge, but it couldn't have been three pounds. That's just too light for a carry gun with no safety. I traded it back in before I even fired it, and my LGS gave me full credit for it on the trade. How's the trigger on yours?

I don't know if mine was unique, because I've never seen another one in any of the shops I frequent. Bersa makes good guns and they have good CS...the only problem I've ever read is finding magazines is difficult. If mine had had a thumb or grip safety, I would have kept it, because it was an excellent size. They have one now with an OD green frame, which I like.

Don't trust your life to a Taurus.

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Dave

There is nothing wrong with Taurus. My issue with Taurus is their triggers, they are usually heavy and suck. If that doesn't bother you or you find a lighter triggered one, I've always had good luck with them from a reliability and service standpoint.

jim.c:

You display the Air Force symbol by your name.

You can buy Shields at First Responder pricing for $335.

I bought three of them at that price.

And the Shield has a lifetime warranty where S&W pays the shipping.

Good luck with your decision!

.

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Kirk / Spock 2020

I've had some bad experience's with Taurus hand guns. I will not buy any more Taurus handguns. hth.

Too each their own but I'll stand behind my statement. I've owned more than six Taurus revolvers back when I thought S&W was overpriced. More than 1/2 of them had to go back for "free" factory repairs .(Several more than once.) Had a brand new Taurus 85 blew up in my hand on first firing. ( Due as it turns out to improperly cut forcing cone.) Maybe they are better now but maybe not. I'm done taking risks and will not buy any economy brand for "serious use".

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Dave

I smell a marketing rat. Anyone else?

Don't misunderstand me, they clearly are not S&W's and I traded my last one away recently. The oldest Taurus I've owned was probably a 2006 or so one, I can't address their earlier quality.

Don't get me wrong, I'd buy a 441, if given the chance. The other one I'd look at is the 44M, I've had two of those that were pretty nice as well. In general though, I do not disagree with you, my carry guns are S&W's. The other brands have been the hide out gun, rarely shot variety with the exception of the 44M's.

If the price difference is truly a deal breaker, get the G2 or an SD9VE. However, if the price difference is not a deal breaker there isn't really a competition.

Get the shield or better yet the M&P 9c (if you can save for it).

Here is the problem I have with unproven platforms:
You can save $100 by getting the G2, but you aren't ready to bet your life on it. So you put 1000 rounds through the gun just to convince yourself that it can do the job effectively negating the cost savings. Now this doesn't mean you shouldn't practice with the shield, just that I get peace or mind in fewer rounds with a proven platform.

I know some people will think that you should be putting 1000s of rounds down range every year in whatever gun you choose, but let's be realistic. Many people only get out to shoot a couple times per year - in that case, I think people should bet on proven platforms.

I have a Taurus 38 spl revolv and its a nice little gun. I rented a Taurus 40 cal and thought it was sloppy ( IMOO ).
I love my SW MP40C

GKC...My Bersa pull is sitting at a pinch over 4. I like the reset travel, very short! It's a keeper. The OD one, which I don't have, is a beauty.

I do not have anything good to say about Taurus, so I will not say anything.

Wait - there is one thing good about Taurus. . . Jessie Harrison-Duff (Jessie Duff) is one of their factory shooters.

I have a PT92 and an older production 66 revolver, both are well made guns that I would trust my life to (even though they normally just sit in a safe). I have looked at their newer stuff including the G2 with interest and curiosity, but a trip to my local gun shop where I was able to handle one resulted in no more interest or curiosity. The gun felt low quality to me and the trigger reminded me of an old circuit breaker switch. I was much more impressed by the PT709 next to it. If my choice was a Shield or a Taurus I would definitely buy another Shield. but if I was forced to buy a Taurus I would go with the PT709.

I checked out several of the compact and sub-compact 9mm pistols on the market today, including the Shield and M&P 9c, but I kept coming back to the Taurus PT-111 Millennium Pro G2. I finally bit the bullet and purchased one a week ago. The reason I went with the Taurus instead of the others was mainly because of the full three finger grip. The rest of the field have either a two or two and a half finger grip, and I wanted more control than that. It is a natural pointer and the trigger is also excellent. It is mainly a single action, but has a double strike capability. The difference in pull between the two is only a pound or so, with SA being around 5 pounds, and DA being around 6. I've only put 90 rounds through it so far, but they've been flawless. My EDC load is Hornady Critical Defense, and it shoots them very accurately. If you have not held a PT-111 G2, try one and see how it feels to you.







The holster above is a N8² Tactical tuckable that I use with my EAA Tanfoglio Witness full size 9mm pistol, but the PT-111 G2 fits fine. It's extremely comfortable since there is no part of the pistol that touches my skin and it's thickly padded.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Thanks to everyone for all the feedback. Since my post on this topic both the Shied and the Taurus Millennium G2's have vanished from the LGS. I'm still looking. Jim.C

That G2 is a good looking carry gun. Let me toss in my 2 cents. I own a PT101 that I bought over 10 years ago. While shooting with a friend, he shot some reloads through it. he had 2 squibs and fired a round behind them. the only thing that happened was the barrel swelling just a little. It still shot excellent groups. some time later the rear sight was falling apart so i had it shipped back to Taurus to repair that. When I received it back, It had a brand new barrel in free of charge. So after that Ill be a Taurus fanboy unless something gross happens to me by them.

The reason you can't find anything bad is because those who do buy them hardly ever shoot them. People go to the range shoot a hundred rounds and proclaim it's 100% reliable. Taurus isn't know for longevity.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

I too had reservations about Taurus. I have repaired several over the years. And yeah, getting parts for them was getting to be a major PITA. Thank you , Mark First!
The US CEO Mark Kresser seems to turning Taurus into a good company. He appears to be going thru every aspect of taking care of business, and fixing what used to be a pretty poor excuse of a firearms manufacturer. So far, I have been impressed insomuch as Taurus seems to be cleaning up their act. And I have not been a fanboy for Taurus in the past, either.
On to the Shield Vs G2, I have owned both, more than once. My biggest problem w/ the Shield is capacity. And, I realize to some that is not a problem. I am an LEO and after considering some of the Crazies shooting episodes these days, I decided I needed something for off duty work w/ more rds available. I decided to try the G2, as I liked how it felt and and the capacity. I looked thru anything I could find on the pistol, and to my surprise, no one seemed to be having any problems with them.
I bought the stainless version from Academy, and promptly sold the laser site that came with it. That put me into the pistol at roughly $350. Everything on the pistol seems to be made well enough, castings on frame trunnions are a little rough but clean enough where need be. And someone in the Engineering Dept. has been paying attention, too. Extractor, and striker assembles can be removed from the slide with almost no tools, A la Glock. Nice. And cleaning issues with the frame and slide trunnions can be addressed w/o dis-assembly, as the frame lock work is similiar to the M&P/XD series of pistols, save for the "Double Strike" capability of the trigger. Frame rail, single action style trigger, like an M&P, and, as someone mentioned, a thumb safety that can be used, if you prefer. Sites are plastic, but seem to be well made and the rear site is adjustable. And I believe the sights are the same as the 24/7 series(I may be wrong.) and aftermarket stuff is starting to become available. Little pistol is about the same size as a Shield, albeit a little thicker, and fits my hand well w/o using a magazine spacer. And, as an aside, it just so happens that the G2 fits a Blackhawk SERPA model perfectly. H&K 2000 holster model. Oh, and believe it or not, magazines are available, too. The G2 eats every round I have fed it , so far, w/o a prob. All in all, I think Taurus has a winner here. It's what I now carry off duty. Time will tell. Of course. YMMV.
Ofc.JL

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LEO, Instr, Armorer, Gov's 20

I've been researching the PT-111 G2 too, but not for me. My daughter has been considering buying a pistol. Out of the pistols and revolvers I have, she loves shooting the M&P9C best. But, it costs a little too much for her budget. I considered recommending the G2 to her because of its similar size and characteristics with the 9C. As I looked at less-expensive alternatives to the M&P, I've boiled it down to suggesting either the G2, or a SD9VE. She didn't particularly care for my single-stacks, or revolvers and her next favorite was the FS M&P40 (she apparently has good taste:-). If it was me and I was trying to save money, I'd go for the SD9VE, but she did like the size and feel of the compact and my experience with Taurus has been OK. Does anyone know if there is much difference in recoil between the G2 and the 9C?

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M&PC FS BG Shield+ 642 686+

So did you buy one or the other? I looked at both guns too back in November and bought the Taurus Millennium G2 9mm. The feel, price, and capacity made the decision. At the time the G2 was $130 less than the Shield. No regrets so far, couple hundred flawless rounds of all kinds. It's very nice.

turn off the radar and get the Shield, you'll thank me later.

Taurus makes guns for people who don't really need a gun. They are not reliable, period. Customer Service are two words the company does not understand. I teach the required class for a carry concealed license in Kansas. Out of hundreds of students who have shot in my classes over the years, five guns have failed so miserably they had to be replaced during the 25-round course. All have been Tauri. The new CEO can say anything he wants. And of course I'm all for Jesse. But they make **** guns out of **** parts and they don't last. Yes, they are cheaper.

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Jhawk412
Tulsa, Ok.

I would never consider a Taurus for a defense gun.

Outside of Brazil, How many Police Departments or Militaries issue Taurus handguns? There is a reason the won't trust their life to them.

Go with the S&W.

I can't say which is better but I got the Shield. I'll be dumping my LCP for the new M&P bodyguard when it's available too. I like a manual safety. I know everybody has an opinion on the thumb safety. That just happens to be mine.

Well, as her dad, maybe you could kick in the difference over what she can afford, and let her pay you back a little at a time...or make your contribution a birthday present or Christmas present to her. (I mean no disrespect with this comment.)

It'd be nice if her gun could be the one she actually likes the best, instead of one that she can afford.

Very true... but she generally opts for something different at those times. Perhaps I'm just energized that she actually enjoys target shooting and it's more my perception she "wants" her own pistol. She isn't interested in having a pistol for SD, just target shooting. I think she actually just enjoys shooting someone else's pistols and ammo...

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M&PC FS BG Shield+ 642 686+

Sounds like my kids...they were always up for whatever I'd pay for!

When they were young and getting an allowance, they wanted me to buy stuff they wanted and still get their allowance too. (I told them we weren't Democrats, and it didn't work that way.)

I think the 709 slim is a little closer to the shield than the millinium. Both are single stack and both comparable in size. I have both and prefer to carry the Taurus 709,(just a little narrower) I have never had an issue with the slim and it shoots anything I feed it. In fact the Shield is a little more picky. Just me, but I shoot the Slim a little better.
The isssue with Taurus is the lack of after market items to accompany it. ( holsters, sights etc.)
I know people have favorites, but it almost sounds like a bunch of "block snobs" in thier attitude towards the Taurus.
I have full size and compacts in S&W and Taurus in 9 and .45, they are all great guns, I have never had an issue with the Taurus.

This is what Taurus owners in my classes have always said right up until the time their gun fails or jams up so bad you can't unjam it.

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Jhawk412
Tulsa, Ok.

I've owned hundreds of handguns over the past 40+ years and the ONLY one that failed on me (3 separate times over 10 yrs of ownership) was my Taurus (PT-145). I loved the look and feel but here are three separate failures: 1) what I would call the slide stop spring; it broke and made the gun totally un-fireable; 2) a few years later, the manual safety actually fell off the side of the gun; while the gun would still fire, I didn't know if the safety would engage on its own; 3) the final straw was in the 10th year of ownership when the trigger mechanism (plastic) actually broke apart inside the gun. Needless to say, after the FIRST incident, that gun was never carried again, just a range gun. I know it's one individual gun, but 3 catastrophic failures is enough to make me NEVER buy another Taurus ....

I've never owned a Taurus or shot one. My buddy has a Taurus .38 cal revolver & loves it. Coming from a S&W collector that's saying something. All I can say is that guns like S&W & Glock have been well documented for their reliability & customer service. There can be dogs made by any gun manufacturer but I'd say that for all the many people with M&Ps & Glocks there are far fewer. There probably isn't a gun forum that doesn't have complaints about S&W & Glocks but for the sheer quantity of them owned by shooters & carriers it's not many.

You'll have to continue your research, rent some, shoot them, compare them & make your decision.

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Former USN, Retired US Army

Having owned S&W and Taurus (but neither of the models in question), I'd say it's worth it to wait and save for the Smith. I've not had a bad experience with my Taurus guns, but they aren't finished as nice or operate as smoothly.

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686/M&P9 Pro/M&P15X/M&P15-22

There are a lot of posters in this forum that have issues with the m&p fullsize and the shield, sending the unit back to the factory multiple times. Any forum, on any make or model, there are issues. Sometimes you get a lemon, sometimes a diamond. Jhawk 412, have you owned or shot a Taurus or just listen to people complain?

I have 3 Taurus handguns. A model 605 357 mag revolver (like a S&W 60), TCP738 (like a S&W bodyguard 380), and a PT111 Millennium Pro - basically the same gun as the G2 as far as I can tell. I've had no issues with any of them and the PT111 has had several hundred rounds down the pipe. I decided to buy the TCP after reading an article comparing it to the LCP and 380 shield. The article was written from the perspective of all 3 being rental guns at a busy range, and of the 3, the TCP was the only one that had NOT had to be returned to the factory for repair over a 2 year period of heavy rental use/abuse.

I received my new 9MM G2 Friday, and I'm impressed with the overall craftsmanship, including a factory hand polished feed ramp. Clearance sale at Palmetto State Armory $257 delivered.

I have both. Both are nice guns. For me, both have been reliable. The S&W seems to be better constructed overall, but the Taurus is fine. I carry the Shield daily because it is thinner and has a better feel to it (for me) than the Taurus does. Of course, the Taurus is a Double stack and the Shield is single (some call it a stack and a half) so the Taurus holds more rounds, but at the expense of being thicker / heavier. I like the thinner feel of the Shield and I use the 8 round clip. However, like I said, both are nice guns.

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M&P Shield 9MM

Is the trigger on the G2 like on the Pt709 slim? I sold the slim when I got my Shield due too that reason. The slim had a lot of take up on the first shot, but after it was ok.

I can't answer that because I never shot a pt709. The trigger on mine is fine, but I'm not one of those people that over micro-analyze it. Pull it, it goes bang, pull it again, it goes bang again. The difference between 6 and 8 pound trigger pulls...I don't care. Neither the Shield or the Taurus G2 are sold as target competition pistols so the way I look at it, it doesn't make a difference. I'm not criticizing people that care about small differences in trigger pull, that's their prerogative, I'm just saying that for me, it doesn't make a difference in recommending a gun or not. All I can say is that both triggers work fine. Hopefully someone that cares about any trigger differences can help you out.

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M&P Shield 9MM

Just a pic of my new Millenium G2 9MM.

I've really been going back and forth over this...I want a new carry gun, and I have held the Taurus PT111 G2 in a shop; it's a really good feeling gun, the trigger is very nice, and it's the right size. Right now, my local shop is selling the blue slide version for $290, and the Shield (w/o safety) is $380.

I like to save money as much as the next person, or maybe more, but $90 isn't that much difference...especially not if I have to pay $70 or so to ship the Taurus in for repairs. (I know they will pay for the initial period of ownership...which I haven't found stated anywhere, and people have said anywhere from 6 months to one year...but it's not unlimited.) The PT111 G2 is certainly an interesting gun, but S&W's service and quality is certainly worth the price difference...and in the event I ever do need warranty service beyond an initial period of ownership and have to pay to ship the Taurus, there may not be any real price difference.

These discussions are helpful to me, because every time I start focusing on price alone, I am glad to be reminded of my prior bad experiences and the current lack of paid shipping...and then it's no longer a question anymore.

Still on sale at Palmetto State Armory for $239.99, add $17 for shipping. The Youtube reviews have been outstanding on the G2, and many reviewers say Taurus hit a home run with this model. All I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised with the craftsmanship and overall quality. I like the double strike capability, unobtrusive manual safety and 12+1 capacity. The Shield can't do that for me.