We’re taking a closer look at the budget-priced Taurus GX2, which offers some premium features while giving new or price-conscious gun owners an easy-to-shoot, entry-level, defensive handgun.

Measuring in at 7.28 inches long, 4.99 inches high, 1.18 inches wide, and under 21 ounces, the Gen 4 is a rare pistol that straddles the line between compact and full-sized.

In recent years, Taurus has fully fleshed out its polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, culminating in the third-generation G3 series available in several configurations. One of the more-recent ...