Slim

Taurus PT709 “Slim” Pistol Review

IMG_20140315_191701 By Justin Goodell

The Taurus PT709 is one of the first handguns I purchased because it fit my criteria: modestly priced, easily concealable 9mm for self-defense. This firearm has a 3.2" barrel, 6.24" length, 4.52" height, and 1.04" width. It weighs in at 19 oz. with an empty magazine. Capacity is 7+1. Sight system is 3-white-dot with a fixed front sight and adjustable rear sight for both windage and elevation. The magazine release is reversible for all of you wrong-handed people, but the slide stop and manual slide safety are not. It is a polymer/blued carbon steel hybrid, also available with a stainless steel slide. Trigger pull is officially listed as 5-7 lbs., and without the proper equipment, I am unable to quantify the trigger pull.

My wife and I have shot around 600 rounds through this gun so far, and I am pretty impressed with the product. However, she is not. She has fired around 200 of those and had 2 failures to feed and 1 failure to extract. I have fired twice the number of rounds and have had zero stoppages of any kind, but it's a habit of mine to strong-arm my handguns. It's possible that those failures have all been from not maintaining a solid grip.

On both sides of the grip frame, just forward and above the trigger guard on either side are little concave grooves. They are very convenient for a trigger finger rest for the dominant hand and the thumb rest for the off hand. They are perfectly placed for my average-sized man hands and assist in attaining the perfect grip consistently, draw after draw. Simple feature, but one of my favorites.

Another thing I would like to mention is that the white paint started to chip off the sights after about 3 months of daily carry with draw/reholster drills with a hybrid leather and kydex IWB holster a few days per week. I attempted to fill the recesses in with some florescent orange nail polish thanks to my wife, but the nail polish seemed to dry somewhat translucent. I removed the nail polish, applied the brightest white model enamel (like the stuff you paint model cars and airplanes with) I could find, and have not had another problem since.

I carry this daily inside the waistband in a leather/kydex holster by Shepperd Leather and have not had any issues with the gun, the holster, or any combination thereof. No accidentally dropping mags, no hang-ups, no sticking. Speaking of magazines dropping, the release is very low-profile but still easy to use. The shape and placement is perfect. The button only actuates when deliberately pressed, yet it's easy to do so.

Finally, the fun factor. I really enjoy taking this gun to the range! It's fun to shoot, makes easy follow-up shots, and is easy to clean, even at the range. It is my everyday carry pistol for now until I can afford to buy something that I can grow into, not out of.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: This gun is very small and thin, allowing a comfortable carry in the waistband or in a pocket holster.

Target Market: The PT709 is intended for concealed carry.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Competitive price
  • Manual slide safety if desired
  • Adjustable rear sight

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Taurus PT709 “Slim” is available in black and 2-tone with a stainless steel slide.

What others are saying?: "The PT709 has a bit of a "Glocky" appearance, with a lever in the middle of the trigger and a very Glock-like takedown lever/latch. It is also striker-fired, as is the Glock, but unlike the Glock the PT709 offers a double-action mode which allows you to attempt to fire a round that didn't go bang the first time." - Russ Chastain

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this pistol from many retailers, including Bud's Gun Shop, Academy and Kentucky Gun Co.

Our Rating:

+ Price + Adjustable sights + Size + Weight + Feel

- 3 failures possibly from sloppy grip

Score: 7.575

VersaCarry Zero Bulk Holster for Ruger LC9 Review

versacarry-holstered By Larry Lovejoy

As a gun owner new to conceal carry I'm not exactly sure which holster is best for me. I did find however that the Versacarry ZeroBulk holster is not the one for me.  Very uncomfortable to wear. Imagine most gun owners will notversacarry-breakin like the idea that the retention rod leaves a residue.   I found this holster to be very uncomfortable although small and lightweight. There isn't any padding/leather between the firearm and body as found in other types of holsters. VersaCarry’s “safety warnings” page should give you a clue for what you’re in for. This is probably not a holster that meets your needs.

Holstering Demo

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmfMOXfbYqs&w=560&h=315]

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Zero Bulk IWB carry

Target Market: Anybody who wants a CHEAP holster

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • There really isn't any unless you consider the trigger guard

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The VersaCarry Zero Bulk Holster only comes in black, but there are many sizes to fit various firearms.

What others are saying?: “Great idea... but for me, my LC9's barrel seemed fused to the yellow plastic rod... at first, it was almost impossible to get it off. I left it on for a couple of weeks as it says in the directions, but it was still very very hard to pull. The packaging says I have the right "holster", but it sure feels like it should be…Read more on Amazon reviews

This products arrived fast and did exactly what it said. I bought this for a ruger lc9 and it sits a little high in the waistband. Small may be a better choice than extra small to get it to sit a little lower. All in all I would definately recommend this product… Read more on Amazon reviews

VersaCarry should be called Very Expensive piece of plastic. It's not scary expensive, but being priced over an actual "holster" puts it in that category. Sure, you can easily access your piece, but when you have to put it away or even just put it on, you have to completely take it off, shove that plastic stud back into the barrel and "shimmy" back inside your pants.

The second and most annoying and disappointing thing about versacarry is there is no shielding between your hammer (if your gun has one) and your body. All day long or even for shorter periods of time.” – Amazon Reviews

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:

Our Rating:

+ Inexpensive, + Small + Lifetime warranty

- Poor quality - Retention rod leaves residue on gun barrel - Cannot be used outside waistband - Manufacturer recommends that you DO NOT carry a firearm with a live round in chamber

Score: 220