Taurus PT709 Slim - The Perfect CCW Weapon?
Posted: Saturday, July 03, 2010
by Brad Justus
Gunner's Alley, LLC
Given the success of the Millennium Pro models and the PT-745 model, Taurus chose to take elements of design from both weapon series and build a lightweight handgun for concealed carry. The outcome was the PT-709 Slim, which was debuted in the 2009 SHOT show. The 709 Slim is only offered in a single stack 9mm configuration, although other rounds may be coming.
709B - Features a standard blued slide
709SS - Comes with a stainless steel slide
709Ti - Features a Titanium based slide
From a size viewpoint, the 709 Slim is slightly shorter than the comparable Millennium Pro series and weights just under 2 ounces less. While 2 ounces may not seem like all that much weight, it makes a difference if you are carrying the pistol all day. The blued and stainless steel versions supposedly weigh 19 ounces (although I have some trouble believing that with the stainless model), while the more expensive titanium model shaves 2 ounces off cutting the weight down to 17 ounces.
Like many of the other Taurus PT models, the 709 Slim is built as a single action handgun, although it does have a special capacity for double action use as well. As the pistol doesn't feature an outer hammer, the action is single action throughout each firing. However, should a round not fire, the 709 has what's called double strike capability. Normally, with a comparable handgun like a Glock or Springfield XD, if a round misfires, the shooter must pull the slide back, eject the unfired round, and then let the slide go as it rechambers a fresh round. The 709 Slim is different in that, in the event of a misfire, you can simply pull the trigger again and it will strike the same round again. Around 90% of the time, a second strike will ignite the round. While it may sound complicated, it's actually a really useful feature in the possible event of a misfire during a self defense situation.
While the 709 Slim has some really nice features, it also has some areas that could use some work. For example, it comes with the most basic set of sights, and could really due with a nice set of factory night sights. While the grip is narrow, it might be a little small for shooters with large hands. A magazine grip extension or pinky extension would be beneficial as well.
In terms of gun holsters, the 709 Slim doesn't share any dimensions with any other Taurus handguns, so there isn't really any potential crossfits for holsters. As the Slim has been on the market for over a year now, mainstream holster manufacturers are starting to produce a variety of holsters for this model. It's size, weight, and width, make it an ideal candidate for most any concealed carry application. It could be used for home defense as well, but there are probably better, higher round capacity choices for that use.
Finding a holster for your Taurus PT709 Slim doesn't have to a hassle if you just know where to look. We carry a full line of gun holsters for the 709 Slim.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)There are two holsters that I know will fit the Taurus PT703 Slim. The Fobus Evolution E2 paddle holster for the S&W M&P (9mm & 40S&W) fits the PT709 Slim like it was made for it. You would think it wouldn't fit because the M&P is larger, but it snaps into place without any wobble at all. You can hold it upside down and shake it, and it doesn't drop out. American Pride makes a leather belt holster that fits (Size M) that you can buy through eBay. The pistol sits high in it, but the trigger is covered. Another leather belt holster that is also available through eBay is made by Alexander, but I have not examined one.If you have a local gun shop that will allow you to test fit the Fobus holster, you will be surprised.
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