Taurus PT709 “Slim” Sub-Compact 9mm
The 709 “Slim” is a new single action only sub-compact 9mm from Taurus.
“SLIM” is the name of this suave new entry into the Taurus line. Elegant in Blue and Stainless this small, single-action-only could be found under a cummerbund or a pair of bibs. It’s what you have been asking for! No revealing lumps or lines makes concealed carry easier than that larger capacity gun you already have. Cool, neat and ready to go-the Taurus Slim will be your companion for a long time to come.
709SS model. Click to expand. Photo by Critter210.
Specs:
Caliber: 9 mm
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel Length: 3″
Weight: 19 oz
Length: 6″
Two models will be available. A Two Tone stainless steel slide model (709SS) and a blued slide version (709B).
The MSRP is $452 and I believe it will be shipping shortly.
709B model
Haven’t commented since last year about this time. Illinois has a retired officer concealed carry law that we have to qualify for yearly. Last year I qualified with the 709 with no problems. This time was just the same. I have no problems firing Remington 115gr JHP. The only ammo that caused FTE was Winchester 115gr from Wal-Mart. I still believe that problem is caused by that ammo causing the gun to get dirty too quickly. I have fired Hornady, Federal, and lesser known ammo with no problems. I will never use Winchester is this gun again. I have also noticed from different writers that their guns shoot low and left if they are right handed and low and right if they are left handed. I had the low right problem at first until I used more pressure on my right hand to keep my left (shooting) hand secure. These little guns do require cleaning after each use but that is common. I carry my 709 with confidence, as I have for over two years.
I wish there was a way to post photos on here.
I just made and added to one magazine a grip extension that gives my little finger a home when holding the pistol.
I’ll attempt to describe. Take a small block of wood about 3/4″ square. Only need about 1 1/2″ long. I used an acrylic impregnated maple burl pen blank. Pen blanks are what folks who make pens out of. You can get them at most good quality woodworking supply stores, like Woodcraft Supply.
I took the plastic end piece off the magazine. You do that by depressing the little catch that is in the middle of the plastic end piece. Just be sure and not just rip it off or the magazine spring will launch across the room. Hold a finger over the end of the magazine as you slide the cover off and release the spring gently. Anyone that has cleaned their magazine already knows how to remove the cap.
I drilled two holes through the plastic on each side of the square hole that the catch latches in. I counter sunk the holes. These are for two wood screws. I used #4 X 1/2″ brass flat head screws. The counter sink is so the head of the screw is flush with the surface of the plastic inside the cover. If the screws aren’t flush you can’t slide the cover back on the magazine without altering the magazine it’s self.
I put the cover on the piece of wood and traced the curve that is on the front end of the plastic piece. Look at some photos of other extensions for other magazines and you get the idea of what the shape should be. Shape the block of wood to the shape you want the finger extension.
Put the plastic piece back on the block after you have shaped it and mark one of the hole locations. Drill to fit the screw and attach plastic piece to your new extension. Then mark the second screw hole, drill it out for it’s screw and put the screw in. If you use brass screws be careful, you can twist them off if the hole isn’t the proper size. Have a couple of spare screws in case you bugger up the Philips head slot in one of them.
With the second screw in place mark the center of the square hole for the latch. Take the screws out and drill a hole completely through the new extension so you can get to the little latch. What ever you do, don’t put the plastic end piece back on with the new extension attached or you can’t get to the latch to take it back off. Drill the hole all the way through. Put the two pieces back together with the screws. Look down in that hole from the outside and make sure you have a clear shot for a small screwdriver to get to the latch so you can trip it.
Once you are sure everything is in order, slide the cover back on and there you go.
If anyone has any question, just ask.
Jeff, in spite of my serious issues mentioned above with the cheesy sights, I would still recommend it highly. I did the thorough cleaning/break in upon purchase and have had no issues at all with FTE FTF etc. My daughter loves to shoot it… especially after I shimmed and GLUED the fragile (did I mention cheesy?) sights to allign POA to POI. The safety and LCI are also plusses for CC. I always carry loaded chamber so the “cocked and locked” approach is natural to me. …as an aside, my daughter (37 years old) just cannot pull the slide back on my Kahr PM9.
…Take a look at the new Kimber Solo and Sig P290 as well, I’m anxious to try them.
What are your thoughts of this as a carry gun for a woman? I thought of buying it as a wedding gift.
Billy/erico,
Thanks I guess it was always there. Maybe I was looking for signs of a fix. Either way the Slim fired well with no issues, save the eloped ammo. Heading back to the range this week for some more fun.
Hey Bob: Mine’s got the Orange Sleeve too – Serial # . . . . 8781. Must have come from the factory that way as it hasn’t been back. Erico.
I purchased the Taurus PT 709 Slim about a month ago, I had to clean the gun three times to get the grease off. I took off to range with a assortment of different ammo, 115 gr, 124,, 124+P and 147 in both FMJ, JHP. Some of cheap ammo from Wal-Mart Winchester, then some Car-Bon, Federal, Extreme and a few others. I loaded the two clips with the same ammo to see and feel the difference. Well the first was Wal-Mart Winchester 115 gr. FHJ. I had mis fires on both magazines, even with the DA features no fire. I switched to Federal 124 FMJ mis fire three from the two magazines. I switched to Winchester PDX1 147 gr. JHP no mis fires. I releoded same ammo and tried to adjust the sights, it was grouping nicely but shooting low. I adjusted it all the way up but it still shot low. Taurus now has the gun and they told me use 124+P, odd. Problem here is Taurus has had my gun longer than I did.
Just a quick comment, I had my Glock 26 and my Walther PPS with me and finshed off the Winchester 115gr FMJ no problems. By nature I am a Glock man mostly 40 cal. but I always willing to try something new. Let see what Taurus sends back, however the Glock 26 and the Walther PPS cost more but they are reliable. If your looking for gun for CCW, I would recommend the Glock 26 or 27, Walther PPS or XD. I have heard good and bad about the new release from Ruger. My new carry is the Glock 27 Gen 4 40 cal. and it is very comfortable to carry with a Super Tuck.
My point is if Taurus is on a upswing they must of been at the very bottom of the barrel. Yes they are cheap about $346.00 compared to Glock 26 Gen 4 at $ 489.00 and the Walther PPS at $ 604.00. What’s your life worth?
Ammo suggestion: Winchester PDX1 9 mm Luger Bonded 124 gr or 147 for advanced shooters, the police are switching to it over the Federal Hydra-Shock JHP.
Billy, Thanks for the input. Mine is ****0981. Maybe Im just imagining that it has changed. If anyone doesn’t have the orange “sleeve: on their firing pin I would like to know.
Bob, I bought mine about 10 months ago… serial ****3248…. It came with the orange plastic “sleeve” around the firing pin and spring…
Finally a follow up since my Slim took a trip to Miami. My problems /concern were multiple FTF in addition to a unacceptable scoring of the cylinder block from the machining of the slide. Taurus cleaned up the slide and polished the cylinder block as well as replacing the firing pin spring. I packed up my Slim along with my P85 and every brand/weight/load I had in 9mm and went to the range. Ammo varied from Blazer steel casings, Winchester white box, Winchester super X, Independence, Hornady hollow points, Federal hydra shock, and a mix of my own reloads. I started with the Blazer and loaded two clips worth. Fired at 8 mags 7 yards, no FTF (which was the only problem I had). Nice tight groupings center mass both at the bull and head shots. Fired 115/124 gr ball and hollow points with no issues, in fact no issues what so ever with any factory ammo. Moved on to my reloads and the Slim just didn’t like them at all. Many FTF. I will be getting with a more experienced reloader to discuss with him on whether the primers are the problem or maybe the surplus brass. Seems that my reload primers sit a little lower than the factory. Bottom line the Slim has taken the first step in convincing me it is a reliable cc weapon.
On a separate note. When I was cleaning the weapon today I noticed that there was a orange lining around the firing pin and spring. I don’t remember if it was there prior to the repair. Can someone check and see it it was always that way or part of the fix. Thanks Bob
709 is DA/SA. read the manual or fire it. Slide does cock the hammer/stryker. But when it is not cocked you can just pull the trigger to activate the double action which cocks the stryker hammer/ then releases it with one trigger pull. come on guys.
Kenway,
You started off pretty confident about your positive experiences with your 709, and also ended your thread somewhat confident. The only problem with all this exuding confidence is you put so many if’s in. Such as IF you “have a firm grip, clean the gun well, use the correct ammo”.
My life means a lot more than always second guessing how clean is my gun, will my plus p Corbon ammo work well, or did I hold the gun to hard or soft.
In the midst of having to use this gun for my life I would not risk it. I purchased a Sub xd and have shot over 1200 rounds through it. Never cleaned it before firing it the first time. Shot all different types of ammo, and held the gun firm, loose and upside down, and yes it fired all 1200 rds without any problems.
Sorry to be so direct however if anyone with reason reads these threads will come to the conclusion and not by this Taurus gun. Taurus does make decent firearms, this gun however is not one of them.
I’ve had my second generation PT-709 Slim to the range twice now, and thought I’d share my experiences. Note that these observations may not apply to the first generation model pictured at the top of this thread; mine does not look like that! From what I read the first generation had a number of problems, possibly explaining why the current model is so different.
Out of the box it wasn’t even on the paper; I had to adjust the elevation way up, and the windage an inch or so right. Using 124g Winchester NATO rounds, it has no trouble with 3″ groups at 7 yds – with one or two hands. The accuracy surprised a number of range attendants, myself included. Recoil is very manageable, even to someone used to a full-sized steel-framed 9mm like the IMI Desert Eagle. I’ve not had an issue with FTE/stovepipes, but during that first range trip (100 rds) I had an unacceptable number of FTF/lightstrikes that the vaunted “second strike capability” did nothing for (all rounds of which fired no problem from my Baby Eagle, so it wasn’t the ammo). I also noted that the trigger pull started getting progressively heavier near the end of the second box of 50; I would’ve have shot more that trip but started needing two fingers on the trigger, it got that stiff.
Having read the comments on this thread, I gave it a thorough cleaning when I got home – paying particular attention to the firing pin housing. My second trip to the range restored much faith in the Taurus as my ccw piece. The trigger pull didn’t stack up at all in 250 rds, I didn’t get a single FTE (by contrast I got a number of stovepipes on my Baby Eagle that trip…possibly because I was getting used to the Taurus which apparently doesn’t require as strong a grip), and I only started to get FTF’s after the first 100 rds. If I’m carrying a clean gun, I feel I can depend on it for the first 100 rds at least…and anyway if I need more than 14 rds, I’m carrying the wrong gun!
The only other issue I’ve had is with the sights. After my first range trip, the white dot on the front sight became so occluded with powder residue that I thought the paint had fallen out! The white dot was restored with the first blast of nitro however, and for whatever reason the second range trip didn’t occlude the dot, even though more rounds were fired. The rear sight has me currently disappointed, because I just noticed that the rear sight screw part #1.02 (that affixes the sights to the slide) has fallen out and is lost! I just got off the phone with Taurus customer service and they’ve promised me a replacement in about 10 days, so we’ll see. I hate to be without it even that long, but it’s better than 4 weeks!
Because I felt I needed a holster with a retention strap that I couldn’t find commercially (I spend a lot of time on a motorcycle where an accidental ejection is more than an annoyance), I had a custom holster made that rides OWB inverted at the small of my back; the 709 Slim is an excellent carry piece in this position.
Not a pocket pistol by any means, but neither does it feel like a toy. It’s a good fit for my size 8 mitts, but like everyone else I would buy a couple extended magazines with a pinky rest if they were available – hell even pinky rest accessories for the stock mag. I don’t have the strongest draw with two fingers, and feel a pinky rest would really help proper grip acquisition. Apparently Taurus listened: http://www.taurususa.com/2011newcatalog/?catalog_page=8. Not a pinky rest per se, but I’ll take it!
Bought my 709ss a couple days ago and thought I’d mention a few things I’ve found to be pretty consistent on all the forums/threads I’ve found about the 709.
1- Many have issues with WWB ammo
2- Most people that are bitching and moaning about FTE and FTF find that with a firmer grip the gun fires fine AS LONG AS IT HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY CLEANED!!! Taurus packs their guns with all kinds of crap from the factory and it’s very important to give your gun a THOROUGH cleaning. If you don’t you can expect issues. Once it’s properly cleaned most if not all of these issues go away.
3- Doesn’t look like there are any extended mags in the forseeable future. If you are thinking you’re going to find the extended 9-round magazine you will be disappointed!!!
4- Seems like most come with the sights NOT ADJUSTED and shoot low left, and some will not adjust far enough to correct this issue. However… many have said that part of this problem is caused by not being used to the trigger, which is a bit different than most. I’ve also found a few folks that have replaced the front sight with a glock front sight that’s a bit shorter to help to raise the POI, and that with a little filing a glock front sight can be used to replace the factory one.
I thought I’d also mention a cleaning trick that a friend of mine let me in on. Lighter fluid can be used as a very effective cleaning agent, and since it is petroleum based is also a fine lubricant. I disassembled mine and soaked it in a pan half-full of lighter fluid for about 20 minutes. I basically just took off the slide, barrel, and action so I could soak them separately. Then I brushed them down with the brush that came with the gun and wiped it down. GUNK GONE!!! repeat it a couple of times (I also soaked the frame without breaking it down any further and brushed it down). all that grease and crap breaks down pretty easily in the lighter fluid. Also do same with magazines. I’d like to know if anybody else recommends or disagrees with this cleaning method. My friend is a fanatic about keeping his guns cleaned and swears by it.
Finally, I thought I would mention that I bought a couple of grip extentions. I have heard that the Pearce one for the Keltec P11 fits nicely with some modification, but I found one for Kahrs single-stack 9mm guns gives a nice extension that gives me an extra like 1/2″ for my pinky. It doesn’t fit perfectly, but will function fine (a bit of a gap at the rear of the magazine, and it doesn’t fit as flushly as the factory mag floor plate). BUT this allows you to have a firm grip on the gun which I am hoping will provide better control.
I won’t get to the range until Tuesday, but will try to come back and let you know what I think. So far I REALLY like this gun and am confident that with it cleaned well and with decent ammo and a firm grip I’ll have no issues. Wish me luck.
The center screw holds the entire rear site in place. The vertical adjustment is just a little cam that raises the site (then drops it again) my max elevation position got me where I wanted to be but I shimmed under with a drop of glue because it wouldn’t stay there.
Windage was a different deal, full adjustment to right still wasn’t enough so I shimmed it fully to the right. That worked and I glued that as well.
Thanks Billy, I appreciate the feedback.
A light shim on the bottom would help my shooting low issue. What is involved in loosening the rear sight from the slide? If I can achieve that, then it sounds like I can easily solve both the low and shooting left issue and call it good. Thanks for the response.
You can read above where I had to shim my rear sight (and glue it in position) to allign POA with POI. I have been looking for a replacement sight(s) for months now with no luck. I’ve tried Novack, Brownells, Taurus, Midwest Gun Works and several others. Still looking and hoping because I too have had no other problems with the gun.
I just bought a 709 slim for my wife yesterday and took it to the range today and put 200 rounds through it. Not a single FTF or FTE, I was shooting Winchester white box 115 grain FMJ’s.
my only complaint is that at first the gun shot way low and way left… I adjusted it in as far as it would go but it still shoots about 3″ low and 3″ left. Is there any after market rear sites out there that are better than the stock ones that will work on this gun? Looks like I got lucky and dont see any glaring issues but understand I need to put a few hundred more rounds through it before I can say that with confidence.
I purchased the PT709 Taurus a week ago and do my own reloading. I really like the pistol as it is easy to conceal and using 124 fmj and 5 gr. Unique, it fires great. I did have some jhp that fired but didn’t eject, but think that was the power load (to light) I used as the others fired fine. I”m staying under the max loads. I haven’t had it out to shoot but just firing in my garage into a wood pile I have, it did fire to the right so adjusted the site and will see if it does it when I get a chance to take it to the range. Very please with the recoil and lightness of the pistol too. I like the way it shows if you have a round in the chamber too.
Just got an E-mail back from Novak saying that they make sight’s for the Taurus 24/7 and 1911, but have no idea if they would fit the PT709 slim. If anybody does know it will save me a 50 mile round trip to the the only gun shop around here that stocks both models so I can have a look for myself…
Billy,
I would suggest calling Dawson Precision on the phone rather than relying on email. The only purchase I have made from them was an excellent transaction because the rep on the other end took the time to talk with me about what I was wanting to accomplish and he knew the solution right away.
I purchased the front sight and when it arrived, I took it to a local gunsmith and had it installed professionally for $20. Very good investment.
I sold my 709 so I have had no recent need to talk with anyone about the gun, but I expect that the options for that weapon have grown expotentially.
Merry Christmas to all.
Rus
Thanks Rus,
I do indeed have an E’mail in to Dawson, as well as Brownells, Novak and a few others. I’m not sure how to measure dove slots properly and although I really like the gun, I don’t feel it’s worth a custom fit.
Personally, since Taurus seems to have the bugs out, and the platform is a good one, they should offer some good metal sights for it, and the long promised x-mag.
I’m shooting it against my Kahr, XDsub, a few H&K’s and my old Smith… I like it!
Let’s get some sight’s!
….Billy
If you are looking for sights and other aftermarket products, try http://www.dawsonprecision.com. I bought a front fiber optic sight for my Springfield 1911. Priced very well and shipped very fast. They have front and rear replacements for about every gun on the market.
Hope this helps.
Rus
Well, I’m still pretty pleased with the PT709 but am still looking for replacement sights of higher quality…anyone found any yet?
I also bought the Kahr PM9 and am still evaluating (wow, are they tight right out of the box!) We’ll so how it acts after the long breakin period they call for…
To be clear about the “single action”, “double action” debate, the 709 acts like a traditional DA/SA pistol, except that there is no de-cocker. If a round does not go off, the pistol reverts to DA for the “second strike” capability. You cannot purposely put the pistol into DA mode with a round in the chamber.
So is this SA of DA? I don’t know, but that is how it works.
Rich,
This was the same problem I had that also caused massive FTE’s and FTF’s. The mag was dropping after each shot.
My brother-in-law completely fixed the problem by bending the cutouts on the magazines ever so slightly outward so that the eject mechanism had a more solid latch on the clips. He did it on both mags and I’ve since shot several hundred rounds through each clip with no drops and no FTE’s or FTF’s whatsoever.
Not a single malfunction has occurred since this tweak and this was on a pistol that sometimes malfunctioned on every other shot. I’m now very confident that when I pull the trigger it’ll fire as reliably as any other piston I own.
That being said, like yours, mine still shoots way too low and the sights are out of adjustment range. Also I can’t get good groups with it whereas my groups with my other pistols are much, much better.
I’ve been shooting a borrowed Kahr PM9 lately and that’s the perfect CC gun for me. Can’t miss, excellent groups, doesn’t jam, great recoil, just too much money
Purchased this gun last week.
After about 20 rounds the magazine clips start working loose. Eventually neither of the two clips that came with gun would stay in.
Took gun back to dealer and they replaced it with another one. EXACT SAME PROBLEM ! Defective? BOTH guns? Taurus is a very disappointing product. Guess you get what you pay for.
Unexpectedly got out to the range today to Fire Up the new 709. Shot around 270 rnds. No FTFeed. No FTFire. No FTEject. 3 FTLock Back after last rnd. That’s all. I’ll take that thank you very much.
And Ammo was a Grabbag of Odds & Ends I had around. SLIM ate Wolf 115gr. FMJ / Federal 124gr. Hydra-Shoks / Remington 147gr. Golden Sabers.
Even some OddBall Hornady 90gr. JHP-XTP and some Winchester 95gr. Jacketed SP from back in the days when I wanted greater Velocity w/o going “+P” and less OverPenetration w/o going Frangible.
Guys, these variety rnds. were mixed up – two of this – three of that – two of something entirely different – every mag. and no Hiccups (except for 3 absent LockUps).
Now Sights – that’s another matter. Windage ?? No Problemo. Elevation ?? No Remedio. Seems to shoot Low. LOW. LOWLOWLOWLOWLOW. Didn’t realize until I got home that Elevation Adjustment Screw drives a Cam that RaisesRaisesRaises until it starts to LowerLowerLower as it’s turned continually in any one direction. Knowing this, I’m going back to the range ASAP before I’m calling CS @ TIMI.
Well I finally broke down and sent mine back to Taurus this morning. I took my XD sub and Slim to the range over the weekend. I had 9 FTE out of 21 in the slim and it continues to shoot low/ left no matter what I do. The XD had zero issues and in fact has never had one in well over a 1000 rounds. Taurus told me I would have to pay for shipping to them. UPS and FedEx will only ship firearms via next day and this would have been very pricey. Luckily the dealer I bought it from picked up the shipping for me. I’ll keep you guys up to date on the return and what they fixed. I am trying hard to love this gun and I hope Taurus has a permanent solution!
Had an afterthought. If there was an older version of the 709 it might have been SA only, I don’t know. Got mine about 4 months ago, it is DA/SA (see previous comment) and is striker fired. Ran about 300 rounds through it so far. Found that it will stovepipe if not held firmly enough for the recoil mechanism to react correctly to recoil. Firm grip has stopped that problem, no other complaints. I need lots of practice but I can put 7 rounds inside a space the size of the palm of your hand at 7 yards.
Trained shooter should do way better than me. Love it!! Light, easy to carry, won’t break the bank buying practice ammo.
Have not read all posts but there is question concerning DA or
SA for PT709 Slim so question may be answered elsewhere. BUT. Fill magazine, insert, operate slide to load round in chamber, gun is now cocked and will fire SA. If round does not fire the trigger may be pulled again (DA) for second attempt to fire the unfired round. Trigger pulls for dry firing WITHOUT operating slide are DA. As long as loaded rounds fire and slide operates, each succeding shot will be SA until slide locks back on empty magazine. NOW if I can only find some 9 round mags for mine.
Purchased a 709 9/11/10. Haven’t taken it to the range yet, but I’ve cleaned the Bejesus out of it in anticipation. Am curious. Comments go back Soo Faaaaaaar in time. If we assume (I know . . . Make an Ass . . . ) that Taurus is . . . “Evolving” this pistol, and that Serial Numbers are . . . “Chronological”, what are the Serial #’s of these Pistols that are the worst offenders for Malf’s ??? Mine’s TDO787##. Is Taurus still putting out Pistols that are 50/50 Lemons or Saints, or have they been addressing the problems ???
I cleaned my disassembled gun with Carb & Choke Cleaner, Computer Air Duster, Pro-Line “Super Lubricant” (read . . . “Moisture Displacer”) and EEZOX Dry Film. This cleaned out Black Soot, strange White Particles, and numerous Un-named Fibers out of numerous Nooks & Crannies. The gun was a mess from the Gunshow. Is this just a . . . “Priss” of a gun . . . that likes to be Clean ??? Factory “Gunk” was HARD and “Funked”. Spelling ???
Admittedly, Dry-Firing this gun leaves me with a barely audible / barely PALPABLE . . . “Bang-Snap” as if it will just barely go “Pop”. Can we say . . . Striker Spring???
Dawson Precision is another great resource for aftermarket sights.
It seems clear from all of the above posts that the sights just don’t have enough travel for most POA adjustments. I ovaled the mounting hole, drifted right about 1/32″ and still had to use a small composite shim on the left side of the sight to avoid the “canting” mentioned by DaveL. (Plus I assumed that it would be easy to strip the threads on the sight) Mine is dialed in now, with a drop of cyano to hold the shim… all very cheesy…
I have an E-mail into Brownells to see if someone makes an adjustable metal sight that will fit the rear dovetail. A metal front sight to replace the plastic would be nice as well.
As many have posted on various blogs… “I’m really trying to like this gun”… I’d gladly pay more for this design and size if they would upgrade the sights, mag lockup, take the roughness out of the trigger release etc. Then, of course, there is always Taurus’ Quality Contol… or lack thereof.
Update: My 709 came back from Taurus in less than 2 weeks, good turn time. Supposedly they “repaired” and “replaced” something but didn’t provide any detail. For the shooting low and left it says “adjusted”. Interesting, I had the rear site adjusted all the way up and to the side. Wonder how they could ‘adjust’ more than that? So I had sent the gun off through the shop I purchased the weapon from. We are standing at the counter looking at the gun together and it took only a second to notice something funky with the sites. Am I seeing this correctly? I show it to the guy at the counter. Yep, he sees it too. They had the rear site cranked so hard to the side that it is pulled up at a slant to the right side making the rear dots no longer horizontal to the slide. Interesting!? So how does one align the dots when rear are at an angle? Great, back it goes to Taurus. Can’t believe they even sent it back in this condition as being “repaired”. BTW, the smith verified that as the rear site is adjusted closer to the max side (right) the site begins sloping up to the side. The wait begins again…
More evaluation and.. again so far so good…
Did a side by side for function and accuracy with the 709
Slim verses my XDsub, 908 Smith, HK compact… with the Ruger LCP and Smith Guardian .380′s thrown in for good measure… (multiple types of ammo)
No malfunctions of any kind from any of them and the tightest group and best POA was the slim! (Not scientific, but all the variables, me, the range, stance etc. were all the same)
Now I’m hoping that this thing doesn’t break or malfunction…
A high end gun of this size and design would have me racing to the gunshop…
What was the Hogue rubber grip with the pinky extension that fit the 709 slim? I thought I saw it in this string but have had no luck in finding it again…
Btw, I was pretty leery of getting one of these… 100 rounds or so, so far so good… I did some fairly serious mods on the site to dial it in though.
The stock plastic dovetail unit comes right out after removing the retainer screw… I ovaled the hole and drifted the whole deal to the right.
Would be nice if someone would make a steel version to slide in and replace the OEM…
Myself and 2 friends just put 75 more rounds through my 709. Not a single problem, no FTF or FTE. We shot slow controlled rounds and other times emptied the clip as fast as we could pull trigger. So far it looks like I may have a keeper.
Took my brand new SS 709 out for the first time today. I have a Taurus Pt140 Millennium Pro that has been absolutely flawless for years so I was real hopeful this would be just as good. Wow! Was I in for a disappointment. I cleaned the gun before shooting to remove all the grease. A friend and I shot 50 rounds of Federal round ball and about 20 rounds of HP. We had at least 1 FTE on just about every mag, sometimes multiple per mag. Most of the time the slide failed to lock back after the last round. I have never been so frustrated with a firearm in my life. I had read about good and bad experiences with this weapon and I was hoping I would be one of the ones to post a positive thumbs up. To think I sold my Kel-Tec 9mm for this. I never liked the trigger on the KT but I was confident it would always go bang, never had a single failure with it. Just could never talk myself into liking that trigger. I guess its time to find out what the Taurus service is like.
I bought a 709 slim and haven’t had any problems with it. I only shot one box of 50 through it so far but haven’t had the slightest glitch. I used Federal Classic 115 gr jacketed hollow points. I cleaned the gun real well with gun scrubber and lightly oiled it before using. It does shoot low and to the left. I adjusted the sights all the way to compensated but haven’t shot it yet to test it out. All shots were in the target though at normal encounter ranges, 7 – 15 yards. I hope my good luck continues with this gun, further shooting will tell.
I have also boght a 709 slim a few months back i had several misfires and major problems with it jamming during ejection. I sent it back to taurus they replaced the recoil spring and firing pin. though it has not misfired since then i am still yet to fire a full magazine without it jamming. I am very dissapointed as a first time buyer of a handgun.
I purchase a pt 709 about two months ago the gun has had serveral FTE and failure to load all the way. I cleaned the gun and carried to the range this week I had 3 rounds out of one mag fail to FTE and on the seventh round it fail to seat all the way in the breach. I now have a live round half in the breach.I will have to carry to a gunsmith to have him remove the round.On the manual with my pistol it stated to clean move the slide about 1/8 of inch back and push down on the release latch and move the slide off the frame I tried this serveral time it did not work I went on line and found you also have to pull the trigger. I have no faith in this gun to many problems that I was not aware of until I found this site.I will go back to my XD 40 sub Compact for CC
Last post. I traded in my slim. I really wanted the extension and after talking to the Taurus rep I doubt it will happen. Makes no since since most CCW have extensions. They said it was the ATF. How about just put a plastic piece on the mag like Ruger. I had to change because our range rules with the tac practice say one hand 25yds. I have never felt comfortable with that distance with the slim. So got a nice trade at my local shop for a Ruger R9SC. It is bigger than the slim but fits in the same holster that I have from crossbreed. Their extension does dig into my large back in my car and it is heavier. But it has a great trigger and very easy to shoot accurately. Less snap than the slim and the 17rd mag makes it shoot like a full size. I still like the slim and it works fine at 7 yds. I do like the trigger on the Ruger better though. Good luck to Taurus I hope they get that extension some day.
Last time I posted here in April I had vowed to sell the PT709. Since then many interferences came up and it never got sold. In July I took it out one more time and every shot jammed and mag dumped – what a POS I thought. My more experienced bro-in-law asked to try it for a few days to see if any adjustments could be made. He came back a few days later and said it had done the same to him but he theorized that the mag wasn’t catching its release properly so he ever so slightly bent the mag catch lip out to see if it improved anything. It sure did. He shot over 200 rds through it without any FTF, FTE, or mag dumps. Amazed, I’ve since put about 500rds through it without a single problem. In my case at least, the mags were the problem – or the design of the mag release. So with my two bent mags, the gun simply doesn’t malfunction anymore. That’s good!
However its accuracy is still poor and low to the left. I know it’s not me because everyone who shoots it has that problem and I and several other people have put it on sandbags to sight it in. One can’t adjust the sights enough to dial it in but the sandbags show even held rigid its hits are scattered. It’s neither accurate or precise (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accuracy_and_precision) – at least compared to Glocks, SD’s, 1911s, etc. Maybe compared to KelTecs and other small pistols it’s in the ball park – I simply don’t know.
My bro-in-law thinks it’s adequate for self defense, he carries a KelTec 32 cal in his pocket. However I’m not comfortable with something I can’t aim so it’s got to go. In any case I’ll feel better about selling/trading it because this one works every time and for close up defense it’s just fine.
Update on my PT709 recoil spring replacement… I rec’d it when promised and it has worked fine since. Have put another 400 rounds through with no problems. It’s now my summer CCW and I can trust it to do its part if needed, which I hope is never.
Hey George,
My son had that problem shooting mine….. I don’t, that gun has a tiny grip so it’s subject to limpwristing…. and I bet if you have particularly large hands it’s even harder to get your mits around it and get a good grip… the FTEs I bet happen with longer cartridges, because if the frame is moving with the slide, the longer the round the more likely a FTE is going to happen due to a FTE…… I’m with livefree on that extended grip thing, cause that would solve the limpwristing problem, I don’t know what’s so hard about making that 9 round magazine….? There first advertisements touted the extended magazine…. I like to drop my Pt709 in my pocket and go about my business….. the Glock 26 is a miniture brick without a safety and I’m not dropping that in my pocket, and if I did it would stick out like a sore thumb….. Hey Taurus, get the extended magazine on the ball it’s costing you sales and reputation…..
2 tactical practices, home invasion scenario. I had to hit intruders behind the victim. Worked great. 400 rds with that and another range session. No FTE nor FTF. Still frustrated by the lack of extension. Glock is a great gun that I never want to own but plenty of fans for it out there
Long story. Traded an older gun for the PT 709 “slim” about three weeks ago. Took it to the range and used Winchester ammo. It had 12 of 12 FTE. I took it back to the gun shop and he ordered me another brand new one. It came in the next week, we are only two hours from Miami. Took the factory new one home, cleaned it. Tried four different brands of ammo and had no problems going through about 100 rounds. Took it home, cleaned it, four days later went back the range with buddies and had 4 FTE in about 50 rounds of two different brands. Back to the gun store, paid an upgrade and got a Glock 26. I have had a Clock 17 for a few years and never had a malfunction. I liked the feel of the slim, I liked the safety feature, and when it worked it was a nice gun. Just do not feel comfortable with a handgun I can’t trust.
Hey Lee,
One thing that has irritated me about the Pt 709…. where the hell is that 9 round magazine? The thing that makes it so great to conceal, that tiny single stack grip leaves very little to get your hands around….. if you have big hands it may very will make it particularly difficult to be accurate with this gun….. also since they came out with it the specs have said comes with a 7 and 9 round magazine!!!! Where is the dang thing??
Then it would be perfect if you had a place to wrap your pinky….
I’ve been looking at the gun sites on the Tube for about a month now. I was considering buying the Ruger SR9c because it looked real nice and some on the Tube sites said it would make a great ccg. I also was looking at the Taurus PT 709 Slim. Well today I couldn’t stand it any more so I took the plunge and bought the Slim in SS. I only live about a mile from Academy,so I bought it for $389. I could have gotten the blue one for $349, but the SS one looked so nice. I haven’t shot it yet. There is no ranges to go to where I live so I will have to travel to Austin or Houston to find an indoor range. We have gun stores where I live but no place to practice. When I have a chance to break it in, I’ll get back to you again. I do like all the comments on this site. It sure helped me make the right decsion. I know it will be a lot easier to conceal than the SR9C.
I never said the PT 709 was a target gun and my “firing range” is my friend’s back yard out in the country and I shoot at things fairly large to miss with any gun. The Ruger is not that much bigger physically (heavier mainly which I will see if I decide to carry it if that is too much of a factor to make it a carry gun) as I pointed out in my previous post. But I will say one thing we can agree on–I am a bad shot, but much better with the Rossi 357 snub and the Ruger SR9c than I am with the PT 709 at this point in time. THe PT 709 is a target gun in the sense if someone is trying to kill me I better be on target first!
The Pt 709 is not a target gun….. most confrontations happen around 7 or so yards, if you can’t hit center mass with it at that distance you are a bad shot…… almost any gun that is any bigger or has more to grip or otherwise may allow you to hit a bullseye… but concealed carry is not about shooting a bullseye…….It’s about concealed carry….. the Ruger is a bigger gun….. the PT 709 is easier to conceal…..
Okay, I just shot my new Ruger SR9C and hit my targets much better than I ever did with my pt709. I am new at guns (year and half or so now) but decided after today I will probably not be carrying the PT709 much longer. I also shot my Rossi 357 snub today for the first time and was able to hit my targets with it also. I was beginning to think I would never be much of a shooter with that Taurus as my main carry gun. I also have a Stoeger Cougar 8000 which I did not take with me today. I have hit targets with it, but not as good as today. I admit I have not shot much and maybe the PT709 would be more accurate if I shot it some more and adjusted the sights a little more. Only think I don’t like about the Ruger is that it will not shoot without a magazine in place. I loved the trigger feel and popped about 10 rounds fast and got a pretty good grouping (for a beginner –an OLD beginner though–67).
I traced the PT709 and then traced the Ruger SR9C over it and the only difference is that the Ruger is about a half inch longer on the barrel. If you remove the “pinky holder” on the 10 round magazine that is about the only difference other than the Ruger being a little heavier.
I run 50 rounds of Winchester White Box through the Ruger and not one FTF or FTE. I shot about 100 rounds through the Ruger today and am quite happy with it. (also shot some Federal, Remington UMC HP,) and Maybe with more shooting I will get better aim with the 709 as I have never had a FTE or FTF with it either. Both are good carry guns as far as I can determine with my very limited experience, but right now after shooting them, I am inclined to think the Ruger SR9C might be my top choice between the two.
I am still monitoring this blog as my interest in the 709 is still in play even though I was glad to sell mine three months ago.
I wanted to respond to Tad and the Winchester Ammo comment.
I found two of the .45 cal “Value Pack” 100 count boxes and purchased them.
On Sunday, I took a box with my Springfield 1911 to the range and shot the entire box. I had no FTF’s or FTE’s of any kind.
However, when I finished, I noticed that my gun was covered in smoke and powder residue. I have never experienced this with Federal or Remington ammo. The Winchester is much dirtier than the other brands. I took me twice as long to clean my gun after shooting the WWB.
Just as an added note, I bought a Kel Tec P11 to replace the 709 for my wife. After 150 rounds, it works perfectly. No FTF or FTE issues at all.
The trigger pull is terrible out of the box, but I discovered a few “fixes” on the Kel Tec Owners Group that I will work on this week. Hopefully, I can smooth out the trigger pull and the gun will be excellent.
Took the little pistol to qualify and had no problem. I talked to the rangemaster about problems reported with FTEs. He imediately said not to use Winchester ammo in these guns. It seems that Winchester is supplying Wal-Mart and have dropped quality for quantity. As an experiment I bought Winchester at Wal Mart and brought it home to try. Sure enough, after about 10 shots the FTEs started. About 3 out of every mag. I took the gun apart to clean it and had never seen it that dirty. No more Wal-chester for me.
Here you go
https://www.gripsclipsandmags.com/shopexd.asp?id=112027120
I have a PT 709 that I bought the first week they were out. Love the pistol. Talked to Taurus today (07.02.10). They stated no 9 round extended have ever been produced by Taurus. Also said it will be late in 3rd quarter if available then. Funny how you read in these gun blogs that the PT 709 has a 9 round magazine available, wonder where they got their information. Since it such a great little pistol I will just wait for Taurus to get into the game. If anyone hears any different or hear of aftermarket availability please forward information.
First and foremost, while I’m no weapons expert, I’m not a complete novice either, so please take the following with a grain or two of salt.
I purchased my 709 Slim last summer. As has been previously touted, I liked the concealable size and feel in my hand. After purchase, I gave the weapon what I considered a thorough cleaning prior to taking it to the range. Ran ~150 rds throught it without any problems. Yes, it did shoot low and left, but was able to tweak the rear sight to an acceptable level of accuracy. Took it home, broke it down and cleaned it again. Prior to November, I might have went to the local range one or two more times (without any problems), again cleaning it after each session.
In November, an old squid buddy of mine met me in Nashville for a football game. As I knew he was considering a handgun purchase, I brought the Slim and my Ruger P95 along so he could try them out. Everything went well until he had a misfire. He stroked the trigger a couple times but still no joy. I cleared the round for him and he continued on for a couple more rounds…until it happened again. It got to the point where it was a 50/50 chance if it would fire or not. Not good. Of the 10 or so rds that misfired, every one of them worked perfectly in the P95. Each one had had a dimple in the primer from the firing pin of the Slim. Hmmm.
When I got home, I started to see if I could find the problem. Broke it down and cleaned it. Then I got the wild hair to read the included manual more closely (when all else fails, …). Somewhere in there was a statement that the Slim should be cleaned after a max of 200 rds. I went to the local outdoors store where I had bought it and got a can of Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber Synthetic Safe Cleaner. After a general spray down, I started to pay particular attention to the firing pin. I sprayed the cleaner from the backside of the pin and was amazed at the discoloration that oozed from around from the front side of the pin. A couple more spritz and it ran clear. Haven’t had a problem since.
The only thing I can figure is that the clearances around the firing pin has very close tolerances and is susceptible to fouling.
For what it’s worth…
Just started tactical practice at my local club. I am using my slim. Put 200rds thru with draw from my holster at 5-30ft. Had to hit chest and head. Found out trigger pull is important. With good pull was accurate to 30ft, 2hand , strong and offhand. No FTF nor FTE. Very happy with gun and feeling better at my carry ability. But realize my skills have a long way to go. The gun will not be a problem with training though.
Just purchased this PT 709 and I can’t say anything but good about it. I put two boxes of Winchester and one box of Federal through it with no problem. It shot about an inch low until I raised the rear sight a little at a time. Now it shoots a consistent two inch pattern at 30 feet. The only time it’s off is if I flinch at the trigger pull. I use my finger tip on the trigger and take up the slack before I hold a steady aim. I s