This weekend, we took a close look at the Taurus TH9, a full-size 9mm pistol that costs less than $200. We wanted to see if this super affordable option could actually be a good gun, especially since many of you have asked us to check it out. We put a couple hundred rounds through it with different types of ammo to see if it could handle the pressure.

First Impressions And Ergonomics

The TH9 is a double-single action pistol with a manual safety. Right out of the box, the ergonomics feel pretty good. The grip has a nice texture and the finger grooves fit well. It even looks decent, which is a plus. The sights are basic three-dot sights, nothing fancy, but they should do the job for close-range shooting. One thing that stood out is the slide. Even though it’s a double-action pistol, the slide is surprisingly light. This could be a big plus for people who have trouble racking a slide, like those with arthritis, or for new shooters.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable Price: Under $200, making it accessible for many.
• Good Ergonomics: Comfortable grip and good texture.
• Light Slide: Easier for new or less physically able shooters to operate.
• Double/Single Action: Offers versatility with a double-strike capability.
• Magazine Compatibility: Appears to use Taurus G3 series magazines.
• Potential Reliability Issues: Experienced failures to eject and erratic ejection patterns.
• Terrible Coating: Prone to rust if not cared for.

Hitting The Range: First Shots

We started off at about 20 yards to get a feel for the TH9. The first magazine went surprisingly well. The trigger is a bit stiff, and the magazine release is also quite stiff, but these are things you can likely get used to. For a gun in this price range, getting 17+1 capacity in a full-size handgun is pretty impressive. It’s lightweight due to the polymer frame, making it potentially suitable for concealed carry or as a home defense option, provided it proves reliable.

Pushing The Limits: Longer Distances And Different Ammo

We then moved back to around 35 yards and then 55 yards to see how accurate the TH9 could be. While hitting the targets at these distances was challenging, it was interesting to see how the gun performed. We also tried different types of ammo, including Magtech 115-grain and some lead-free rounds. Unfortunately, we started encountering some issues. A recurring problem was a failure to eject, where the casing didn’t clear the chamber properly. This happened with different types of ammo, which is a bit concerning.

The Ejection Pattern: A Wild Ride

One of the more notable issues was the ejection pattern. The casings were flying everywhere – forward, backward, straight behind, and even off to the side. This erratic ejection is definitely something to consider. While it made for some entertaining shooting, it’s not ideal for reliability or safety.

Comparing The TH9 To Other Budget Options

For its price point, the TH9 is a contender. Compared to a Hi-Point, the TH9 is much lighter, has better ergonomics, and is generally easier to shoot accurately with less recoil. The Hi-Point’s blowback system can be quite harsh. However, the TH9 did have several malfunctions, which is something to weigh against its low cost. If you can spend a bit more, something like a CZ P10 series might be a more reliable, albeit more expensive, option.

Final Thoughts On The Taurus TH9

The Taurus TH9 is an interesting budget pistol. It has some good points, like its comfortable ergonomics, light slide, and double-single action design, which make it appealing, especially for new shooters or those on a tight budget. However, the reliability issues, particularly the failures to eject and the wild ejection patterns, are significant drawbacks. The coating on the gun is also pretty terrible and prone to rust. For $200, you get a lot of features, but you might have to accept some compromises in terms of consistent performance. It’s definitely a gun worth testing if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest 9mm option, but be aware of its limitations.