The Taurus PT709 "Slim" is a thin, single-stack, polymer-framed 9mm striker-fired pistol with DA/SA-style restrike capability, featuring a 3.0-3.2-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity.
This Brazilian-made compact measures approximately 6.0-6.24 inches in overall length, 4.5-4.8 inches in height, and only 1.0-1.04 inches in width, weighing approximately 19 ounces unloaded. The PT709 Slim is discontinued and has been functionally replaced by the double-stack G2C/G3C line, with phase-out driven by product evolution rather than any PT709-specific recall.
What Made the Taurus PT709 Slim Popular for Concealed Carry?
The Taurus PT709 Slim earned its name through genuinely slim dimensions—just 1 inch wide, making it one of the thinnest 9mm pistols available during its production years. This budget-friendly single-stack served as Taurus's early entry into the slim concealed carry market and directly preceded the now-popular G2C platform.
Taurus Armas manufactured the PT709 in Brazil, with Taurus USA handling distribution. The platform appeared around 2009-2010 as one of Taurus's first dedicated "Slim" concealed-carry offerings. Its thin profile and lightweight construction targeted shooters prioritizing deep concealment over capacity.
The PT709 represented an important step in Taurus's evolution toward the G2C/G3C platforms that now dominate their budget lineup. While the single-stack 7+1 capacity limited firepower, the extreme slimness appealed to shooters who found double-stack grips too bulky for comfortable concealment.
Discontinuation reflects normal product evolution rather than safety concerns. No PT709-specific recall comparable to the Millennium class-action exists. Taurus consolidated on G-series double-stack designs offering similar dimensions with nearly double the capacity, making the PT709's single-stack configuration increasingly obsolete.
What Are the Complete Specifications of the Taurus PT709 Slim?
The Taurus PT709 Slim chambers 9mm Luger with 7+1 capacity from single-stack magazines. It measures approximately 6.0-6.24 inches in overall length with a 3.0-3.2-inch barrel, stands 4.5-4.8 inches tall, spans only 1.0-1.04 inches wide, and weighs approximately 19 ounces unloaded.
Caliber
The PT709 chambers 9×19mm Luger exclusively. The striker-fired action with SA/DA-style restrike capability provides both normal short, lighter pulls and longer, heavier restrike pulls on dud primers—practical for defensive scenarios.
Dimensions
Overall length reaches approximately 6.0-6.24 inches—compact enough for effective concealment.
Height measures approximately 4.5-4.8 inches. Width spans only 1.0-1.04 inches, earning the "Slim" designation. These dimensions positioned the PT709 among the thinnest 9mm pistols of its era.
Weight Specifications
Unloaded weight reaches approximately 19 ounces for standard blued/alloy steel slide versions.
Titanium-slide models achieve approximately 17 ounces—remarkably light for pocket or appendix carry. The lightweight construction aids concealment while creating somewhat snappier recoil.
Magazine Capacity
Single-stack 7-round magazines provide 7+1 total capacity. While some retailer specifications listed 6+1 for particular SKUs, user reviews and Taurus-oriented sources consistently confirm 7+1 as standard. This capacity reflects the trade-off for extreme slimness.
Sight Configuration
The 3-dot system features a fixed front sight and fully adjustable rear sight for windage and elevation. This adjustable rear distinguishes the PT709 from many similar slim 9mm pistols, allowing point-of-impact correction that proved valuable given manufacturing variability.
How Does the Taurus PT709 Slim Design Support Deep Concealment?
The PT709 Slim features a polymer frame with single-stack grip measuring only 1 inch wide, paired with slides available in blued/alloy steel, stainless, or titanium.
Deep front and rear slide serrations and low-profile external controls minimize printing and snags during concealed carry.
Frame and Slide Construction
The polymer frame maintains minimal width through single-stack magazine design. Slides came in blued/alloy steel, stainless, or titanium configurations. The titanium-slide variant achieves approximately 17 ounces—significantly lighter than steel alternatives.
Ergonomics and Grip Design
The slim single-stack grip profile suits smaller hands well but can feel cramped for larger-handed shooters.
Sensible Survival remarks that the "Slim" name is well earned, with only minimal protrusions from safety and slide stop helping avoid printing and snags. The polymer frame with textured grip panels provides adequate purchase.
Controls and Safety Systems
Manual frame-mounted thumb safety (left side), trigger safety, and internal firing-pin block provide multiple safety layers.
The reversible magazine release accommodates left-handed shooters. Low-profile slide stop and safety reduce printing potential. However, some users find the low-profile magazine release awkward to reach depending on hand size.
Trigger System
The striker-fired trigger operates with SA/DA-style characteristics, generally measuring 5-7 pounds. Normal operation provides short, lighter single-action-like pulls. Restrike capability allows longer, heavier pulls on failed primers. This dual capability suits defensive applications.
Accessory Compatibility
No accessory rail exists on the PT709—the design prioritizes slimness over accessories. The narrow profile targets IWB carry and pocket-style carry rather than duty or competition use requiring lights or lasers.
What Variants of the Taurus PT709 Slim Were Produced?
Taurus produced the PT709 Slim in standard blued slide, stainless slide, and titanium slide variants.
All share the same dimensions and mechanics while differing in weight and corrosion resistance. No optics-ready factory variants exist—later G2C/G3C lines provide that evolutionary path.
PT709 Slim (Standard)
The standard PT709 Slim features a blued slide over black polymer frame with 3.2-inch barrel. This configuration represents the most common variant encountered on the used market at the most affordable prices.
Stainless Slide Variant
The stainless slide variant pairs a silver-toned slide with polymer frame, offering enhanced corrosion resistance for carry use. Same dimensions and mechanics as the standard version.
Titanium Slide Variant
The titanium-slide variant achieves approximately 17 ounces unloaded—notably lighter than steel alternatives. This weight reduction benefits extended carry comfort while potentially increasing felt recoil slightly.
Evolution to G2C/G3C
The G2C effectively replaced the PT709 concept with double-stack capacity (12+1) in similar dimensions. Modern G2C/G3C pistols offer improved triggers, better aftermarket support, and nearly double the capacity—making PT709's single-stack configuration obsolete for most buyers.
What Similar Pistols Compete with the Taurus PT709 Slim?
The Glock 43 offers proven single-stack 9mm reliability at higher cost. The Smith & Wesson Shield provides similar slim concealment.
The Taurus G2C/G3C delivers double-stack capacity in nearly identical dimensions—most advisors steer buyers toward these modern successors. The SIG P365 revolutionized micro-compact capacity, further dating single-stack designs.
How Does the Taurus PT709 Slim Perform at the Range?
The PT709 Slim delivers good to very good accuracy for a small single-stack 9mm, with the adjustable rear sight helping tune point-of-impact.
Reliability proves sample-dependent, some owners report thousands of trouble-free rounds while others encounter serious issues. Recoil is sharper than larger 9mms but remains controllable.
Accuracy Testing
Accuracy earns consistent praise when individual examples function properly. Sensible Survival reports "very good" accuracy, showing a 7-shot group at 30 feet within a 2.5-inch bull.
A Firing Line user calls accuracy "unbelievable" for such a small gun. Firearms Insider's long-term owner review confirms adequate accuracy at defensive distances, with the adjustable rear sight helping tune point-of-impact—valuable given manufacturing variability.
Recoil Characteristics
Recoil proves sharper than larger, heavier 9mm pistols but remains controllable. Sensible Survival states recoil "is not nearly as bad as you would expect," encouraging smaller shooters not to fear it.
The 19-ounce weight (17 ounces for titanium) contributes to snappier recoil compared to heavier compacts.
Reliability Assessment
Reliability appears very sample-dependent—the PT709's most significant concern. Some owners and reviewers report hundreds to thousands of rounds with minimal issues. MrGunsnGear's video review describes reliable function with hollowpoint carry ammo.
However, Guns, Holsters & Gear documents a PT709 with pronounced case bulging and a stuck slide. A pistol-forum review indicates reliability with "carry ammo tested, but not with any of the three practice loads used." Some owners report early failures to feed within the first 100 rounds that then clear up. This variability demands careful vetting with carry ammunition before defensive reliance.
Trigger Performance
The 5-7 pound trigger with SA/DA-style operation provides acceptable defensive performance. The restrike capability adds practical value for failed primers. While not refined by modern standards, the trigger proved adequate for the platform's budget positioning.
What Ammunition Works Best in the Taurus PT709 Slim?
The PT709 shows ammunition sensitivity that varies by individual example, requiring careful testing to identify reliable combinations.
Premium defensive hollow-points often function better than certain practice loads in some guns. Thorough break-in and ammunition testing prove essential.
Defensive Load Selection
Premium defensive hollow-points from Federal, Speer, Hornady, and similar manufacturers generally function well in properly vetted PT709 examples.
MrGunsnGear confirmed reliable function with hollowpoint carry ammo. Individual testing remains critical—what works in one PT709 may not work in another.
Practice Ammunition
Standard brass-cased FMJ ammunition suits range sessions, though some examples show ammunition sensitivity even with practice loads.
The pistol-forum review noted reliable function with carry ammo but problems with all three practice loads tested—underscoring the importance of testing your specific gun with your chosen ammunition.
Pre-Carry Testing
Given documented ammunition sensitivity and quality-control variability, extensive function testing before defensive reliance proves absolutely essential.
Run several hundred rounds of both practice and defensive ammunition through any PT709 before carrying. The adjustable rear sight allows point-of-impact correction if needed.
What Are the Best Use Cases for the Taurus PT709 Slim?
The PT709 Slim served primarily as a budget deep-concealment option where extreme slimness outweighed capacity concerns.
Today, used examples suit budget-minded shooters who thoroughly vet their specific pistol, though modern alternatives like the G2C offer more capacity in similar dimensions.
Is the Taurus PT709 Slim Good for Concealed Carry?
The PT709 excels at deep concealment due to its 1-inch width and 19-ounce weight. IWB and appendix carry benefit from the slim profile with minimal protrusions.
However, sample-dependent reliability demands thorough vetting before defensive reliance. The 7+1 capacity limits firepower compared to modern micro-compacts achieving 10+ rounds in similar dimensions.
Does the Taurus PT709 Slim Work for Home Defense?
Home defense represents a suboptimal PT709 application. The 7+1 capacity limits defensive capability compared to higher-capacity alternatives.
No accessory rail exists for weapon lights, important for home defense scenarios. Larger firearms with more capacity better serve dedicated home defense roles.
Can the Taurus PT709 Slim Compete in Shooting Sports?
Competition viability is essentially nil for serious events. The 7+1 capacity, lack of accessory rail, and budget trigger don't support competitive shooting.
Casual skill development proves more realistic, though larger platforms better serve even practice purposes.
Is This a Professional Tool or Budget Backup?
The PT709 functions as a budget backup or deep-concealment option rather than a professional primary tool.
Quality-control variability and limited capacity position it below modern alternatives for professional use. For budget-minded shooters who thoroughly vet their specific example, it can serve concealed carry roles adequately.
What Holster Options Work Best for the Taurus PT709 Slim?
Finding the right Taurus PT709 Slim holster benefits from the platform's years of popularity. Multiple manufacturers offered specific molding for this thin single-stack. The narrow profile enables various carry methods optimized for concealment.
Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 delivers exceptional comfort for inside-the-waistband carry of your Taurus PT709 Slim. The breathable backing and adjustable retention make this PT709 holster ideal for all-day concealed carry applications.
ShapeShift OWB Paddle Holster
Paddle holsters allow quick attachment and removal of your Taurus PT709 without threading a belt. The paddle design works excellently for range sessions with your slim 9mm pistol.
Swivel Drop Leg Holster
The drop leg configuration positions your Taurus PT709 Slim holster on the thigh for specialized applications. This setup accommodates shooters wearing gear that interferes with belt-mounted carry.
Belly Band
Belly band holsters enable deep concealment of the Taurus PT709 under various clothing types. The elastic band conforms to your body while securing your 709 Slim against your torso.
Appendix Holster
Appendix carry positions your Taurus PT709 Slim holster at the front of the body for rapid access. This carry method suits the PT709's slim dimensions for deep concealment.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Taurus PT709 Slim?
Strengths:
- Extremely slim profile (1 inch width)
- Lightweight at 19 oz (17 oz titanium)
- Good to very good accuracy when functioning
- Fully adjustable rear sight
- 7+1 capacity in tiny package
- Restrike trigger capability
- Low-profile controls reduce printing
- Reversible magazine release
- Budget-friendly used pricing
- No recall issues like Millennium series
- Manageable recoil for size
Limitations:
- Quality-control variability documented
- Serious individual defects reported (case bulging)
- Ammunition sensitivity varies by example
- Requires thorough vetting before carry
- Customer service concerns documented
- Limited 7+1 capacity vs modern alternatives
- No accessory rail
- Small controls challenging for large hands
- Discontinued—limited parts support
- Superseded by G2C/G3C with more capacity
- Some early FTF issues during break-in
Should You Buy a Taurus PT709 Slim?
The Taurus PT709 Slim earns a conditional recommendation for budget-minded shooters who prioritize extreme slimness over capacity and thoroughly vet their specific example. Most buyers should consider the G2C/G3C instead—similar dimensions with nearly double the capacity and better support.
Who Should Consider the Taurus PT709 Slim?
The PT709 Slim suits shooters who find even modern double-stack micro-compacts too wide for comfortable concealment. Budget buyers finding deeply discounted used examples willing to thoroughly test their specific pistol may discover functional capability. Those who already own vetted, reliable PT709s have reason to continue using them.
Buyers prioritizing capacity should choose the G2C/G3C offering 12+1 in similar dimensions. Those uncomfortable with documented quality-control variability should select more consistent alternatives. New buyers seeking budget concealed carry should generally prefer current-production pistols.
Value Assessment
Used PT709 Slim pistols at sub-$200 prices represent potential value for informed buyers accepting trade-offs. The extreme slimness, adjustable sights, and functional capability (when properly vetted) justify investment for appropriate use cases.
However, the G2C's similar pricing with nearly double capacity makes the PT709's value proposition weaker than during its production years.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
The PT709's discontinued status creates long-term concerns. Parts support relies on surplus availability. Customer service experiences during production years varied significantly. The G2C/G3C platforms receive current factory support. Existing PT709 owners with reliable examples can continue using them, but new acquisition should consider support limitations.
The Taurus PT709 Slim demonstrated that budget pricing could deliver extreme concealment capability—paving the way for the successful G2C platform while highlighting the importance of individual specimen vetting that remains relevant advice for budget firearms today