Taurus G2C vs PT111: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly firearm for concealed carry, it’s no wonder you’ve come across both the Taurus G2C and the Taurus PT111. Both guns are highly popular EDC pistols, and for good reason.
In a nutshell, the Taurus G2C is an upgraded design of the PT111 Millennium G2, meaning they are incredibly similar. However, there are some differences between the two that may influence your decision to carry one over the other.
When comparing the Taurus G2C vs PT111, it’s easy to see they are very similar in appearance, size, and features. Both are compact, semi-automatic, 9mm pistols with a loaded chamber indicator and a polymer frame. However, the G2C features a few upgrades to the PT111, including a solid trigger bar, a more aggressive grip texture, and the elimination of the internal key-locking safety.
In this article, we’ll cover what’s different and what’s the same about these two firearms to help you determine which is the right choice for you.
Taurus PT111 Millennium G2
The Taurus PT111 Millennium G2 is the second generation PT111 and first hit the scene during SHOT Show in 2013. This compact, striker-fired 9mm pistol was designed to be a low-profile, effective concealed carry weapon at an affordable price.
The PT111 has had mostly positive reviews over the years, especially at its price point of around $200. One of the main issues with it has been its hollow trigger bar safety, which some users have reported durability issues with. Beyond that, this 22-ounce pistol features a 12-round capacity, re-strike capabilities, a high-profile three-dot sight, and an accessory rail.
The PT111 also has an internal security lock that locks and unlocks the slide and trigger using a key. It has a loaded chamber indicator, a textured grip, a manual thumb safety, and rear slide serrations. The Taurus PT111 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable firearm without sacrificing features and practicality.
Taurus G2C
Specifically designed for everyday carry, the Taurus G2C is a top performer in the world of concealed carry. The G2C is an updated version of the PT111 series pistol, and quietly hit the scene in 2013. It features multiple upgrades, including a solid trigger bar, a more aggressive grip texture, the removal of the internal slide lock, and a new matte black slide finish.
Otherwise, it’s hard to find many differences between the PT111 and G2C. The size, caliber, and capacity are all the same, as is the loaded chamber indicator, thumb safety, sights, and overall build of the gun.
Like the PT111, the G2C features high-profile three-dot sights, a 12-round magazine capacity, re-strike capabilities, and a rail for mounting various accessories. With an MSRP of about $300, the Taurus G2C is where functionality meets affordability.
Taurus PT111 vs Taurus G2C: Specs
Taurus PT111 vs G2C: Size & Capacity
These two Taurus models are extremely similar in appearance and size. Both are compact, 9mm pistols with a 12-round capacity. They both weigh 22 ounces unloaded and measure about 5 inches tall, 1.2 inches wide, and around 6.3 inches long with a barrel length of 3.2 inches.
G2C vs PT111: Frame, Slide & Barrel
As far as the actual body of these guns goes, they are, once again, nearly identical. Both the Taurus PT111 and G2C are built with a compact, polymer frame, an aluminum alloy slide, and a 3.2-inch stainless steel barrel.
Both also have a loaded chamber indicator on the top of the slide, as well as a 1-inch tactical accessory rail for mounting various compact lights and lasers if desired.
Taurus G2C vs PT111: Sights & Optics
Although neither of these pistols comes optics-ready, they are both equipped with a white three-dot sight, the rear of which can be adjusted for windage. While these standard sights are functional enough as-is, plenty of aftermarket sights are available for these models if you’re looking for something a little more advanced.
PT111 vs G2C: Controls
Trigger
One of the most unique features of the G2C and the PT111 is that they have single-action triggers with restrike capability, making it faster and easier to make follow-up shots.
Essentially, this restrike function means that the gun’s single-action trigger doesn’t need to cycle before you can re-cock the striker. This is a handy feature in that you can pull the trigger a second time in the event a round doesn’t fire, and allows you to practice dry firing without having to recycle it every time.
The G2C and PT111 essentially have the exact same trigger. And while some reviewers have claimed to notice small changes in the trigger pull, Dan of TheFirearmGuy YouTube channel said he felt zero differences between these two triggers during a live-fire review of both weapons.
“I took the G2C to the range to check it out to see if I felt any change in the gun when live firing, and I will tell you that I found nothing,” he said. “As far as the trigger pull is concerned, they are identical. I see no change whatsoever. … There was no change in the trigger pull at all.”
Safety
Safety features are one of the main differences between the Taurus PT111 and the G2C. Both feature a manual thumb safety, trigger safety, loaded chamber indicator, and firing pin block, but the PT111 has one significant feature that the G2C does not.
The Taurus PT111 is built with a Taurus Security System (TSS), which is an internal safety lock that must be engaged or disengaged using a key. When locked, the gun cannot be fired or cocked and the thumb safety cannot be released.
While this TSS system may be a draw to users who are looking for extra security measures while their weapon is not in use, it’s not without its downsides. If you happen to lose your key or don’t have it with you when you need it, you’ll find yourself unable to unlock the slide and trigger. With this feature, it all comes down to personal preference.
Which is Right For Me?
Because the Taurus G2C vs PT111 comparison reveals so many similarities, the right choice for you comes down to your preference on a few specific details. Both guns are compact, lightweight, and feature-rich. They both have an accessory rail, a loaded chamber indicator, a manual thumb safety, and a high-performance three-dot sight.
Because the G2C is an upgraded version of the PT111, there are a few differences worth noting, including a more durable solid trigger bar, more aggressive grip stippling, a matte black slide finish, and the elimination of the PT111’s Taurus Security System.
No matter which you choose, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll be carrying a high-performing pistol that won’t break the bank.
Looking for a reliable, custom-fit Taurus G2C holster or Taurus PT111? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.
