The Taurus TX22 is widely considered one of the best rimfire pistols on the market. So, it was only a matter of time before Taurus tried to bottle that magic for the centerfire world. Walking the floor at SHOT Show 2026, it’s clear they didn’t just upsize the TX22; they used it as a blueprint for a legitimate, duty-grade modular system. The new Taurus TX9 is a striker-fired 9mm that feels familiar but brings some heavy-hitting features to the budget-friendly market.
The Heart of the System: Modularity
The main feature of the TX9 is the Taurus Modular System. Much like the Sig P320 or P365, the TX9 is built around a serialized stainless-steel chassis. This means the internal fire control unit is the actual “gun,” allowing you to swap grip modules and slide lengths without another background check. It’s a smart move that signals Taurus is looking to compete with the big dogs in the duty handgun market.
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At launch, they aren’t trickling these out one by one. You have three distinct sizes to choose from:
- TX9 Full Size (TX9F): A duty-ready 4.5-inch barrel with 17+1 capacity.
- TX9 Compact (TX9C): The Glock 19 of the group with a 4-inch barrel and 15+1 capacity.
- TX9 Subcompact (TX9SC): A sub-compact 3.4-inch barrel holding 13+1 rounds.
Ergonomics and Shootability
If you’ve spent time with a TX22, the ergonomics of the TX9 will feel familiar. The grip is ergonomic, with a nice palm swell and rounded nature.
The grip texture is aggressive enough for a solid grip without feeling like it’ll be abrasive for concealed carry. Taurus includes four interchangeable backstraps (XS to L) to help you dial in the fit.
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The trigger is a flat-faced, striker-fired design that breaks at around 5.5 to 6 pounds. While it isn’t a glass rod match trigger, it’s remarkably clean for a duty gun at this price point. It’s predictable, with a short, tactile reset.
Feature-Packed and Future-Ready
Taurus didn’t skimp on the modern necessities. Every TX9 is a T.O.R.O. design, which means it’s optics-ready. It’s a well-established plate system. The iron sights use a Glock pattern, meaning you have access to a massive aftermarket of night sights or fiber optics from day one.
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The controls are mostly ambidextrous, featuring a slide release on both sides and a reversible magazine catch. This gives us the same level of consistency as with something like the Glock 17, 19, and 26. It makes training easier while offering a range of sizes.
A New Tier for Taurus
With an MSRP of $499 and likely a street price closer to $430, the TX9 is positioned to be a contender in a crowded market. It’s built in the USA to meet NATO specifications. Taurus is trying to push past the budget label, and the TX9 is aiming for duty-grade. As a fan of the TX platform, I’m excited that the TX9 raises the caliber to something more defensive-oriented.
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