Review of the Taurus GX4: The Micro-Compact Handgun You Need to Know About

Review of the Taurus GX4: The Micro-Compact Handgun You Need to Know About

The Taurus GX4 is a standout in the world of micro-compact pistols, a category that has been growing steadily over the past few years. This striker-fired, polymer-framed 9mm handgun offers a blend of features that make it ideal for both concealed carry and personal defense. Since its quiet debut in 2021, the Taurus GX4 has earned a loyal following, and with good reason. Whether you’re looking for a reliable handgun for daily carry or a new addition to your collection, the Taurus GX4 deserves a closer look.

Overview and Features of the Taurus GX4

The Taurus GX4 is part of a growing trend in the concealed carry market: high-capacity micro-compacts chambered in 9x19mm. These guns offer a slim profile and an impressive magazine capacity, delivering both portability and stopping power. The Taurus GX4 is a strong contender in this space, directly competing with other popular micro-compact handguns like the SIG Sauer P365 and Glock 43.

As the successor to the G3c, the GX4 takes what made Taurus’s previous models great and adds several upgrades to improve the shooting experience. The result is a gun that feels modern, ergonomic, and ready for duty.

Key Features

  • Ergonomic Grip: The frame features an ergonomic, textured grip, offering a firm hold even under stress. The 11-round flush-fitting magazine keeps the GX4 slim and compact, giving it a total capacity of 12 rounds.
  • Stainless Steel Slide: The GX4’s stainless steel slide is relatively simple, with front and rear serrations to ensure a firm grip when manipulating the slide. It also features a fixed front sight and a drift-adjustable rear sight for a custom shooting experience.
  • Glock-Style Trigger Safety: The trigger safety is similar to those found on Glocks, providing an additional layer of protection. The flat-face trigger offers a smooth, consistent pull that’s ideal for fast, accurate shooting.
  • Reversible Magazine Release: The GX4 includes a reversible magazine release button, giving left-handed shooters the flexibility they need.
  • Tactile Loaded Chamber Indicator: As an added safety feature, the GX4 includes both a visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.
  • Optics-Ready: For those interested in enhanced accuracy, the GX4 T.O.R.O. variant features an optics-ready slide, making it compatible with a wide range of micro red dot sights, including the Trijicon RMRcc, Holosun HS407K, and more.

Specifications of the Taurus GX4

  • Chambering: 9x19mm Parabellum
  • Overall Length: 6.05 inches
  • Height: 4.4 inches (with the 11-round flush-fit magazine)
  • Width: 1.08 inches
  • Weight: 18.5 oz (empty)
  • Barrel Length: 3.06 inches
  • Trigger Pull: Approx. 6 lbs
  • MSRP: $392

Variants of the Taurus GX4

In addition to the standard model, Taurus has expanded the GX4 lineup to include several variants to suit a wider range of needs. These include:

  • GX4 T.O.R.O.: A version with an optics-ready slide, compatible with several popular red dot sights.
  • GX4XL: A longer slide and barrel for those who prefer more accuracy and control while still maintaining a compact size.
  • GX4XL T.O.R.O.: A version of the GX4XL that also features the T.O.R.O. slide, adding the red dot compatibility to this longer-barrel model.
  • GX4XL T.O.R.O. Riton: This variant comes with a Riton 3 Tactix MPRO2 red dot sight, offering a complete package for shooters who want a ready-to-go setup.

Performance Review of the Taurus GX4

Accuracy

Despite its small size, the Taurus GX4 is a remarkably accurate handgun. Thanks to its 3.06-inch barrel and ergonomic design, shooters can expect tight groupings, especially at typical self-defense distances of 7 to 10 yards. With a red dot sight on the T.O.R.O. models, target acquisition becomes even faster, offering a distinct advantage for self-defense scenarios where speed matters.

At 7 yards, most shooters will be able to place shots within 1.5 to 2 inches, and at 15 yards, groups can range from 3 to 4 inches with careful aiming.

Concealability

The compact dimensions of the GX4 make it an excellent choice for concealed carry. With a width of just 1.08 inches and an overall length of 6.05 inches, it can easily be concealed in an IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster, providing comfort for all-day carry. Compared to the Glock 43 and SIG P365, the GX4 is similarly sized, making it ideal for everyday carry.

Ergonomics and Controls

Taurus has placed significant emphasis on ergonomics with the GX4. The textured grip, undercut trigger guard, and well-placed tang help shooters maintain a high, controlled grip. This reduces felt recoil and enhances shooting comfort. The slide is easy to rack, even for shooters with reduced hand strength, thanks to the broad serrations and recoil spring.

Every control, including the slide release, magazine release, and takedown lever, is intuitively placed and easy to reach, making the GX4 suitable for shooters of all hand sizes.

Recoil and Shooting Comfort

Despite being chambered in 9mm, the Taurus GX4’s recoil is surprisingly manageable for its size. The pistol is designed to be comfortable for extended shooting sessions, even though +P ammunition will increase the amount of felt recoil. For everyday carry and self-defense use, sticking to standard-pressure 9mm ammo will provide the best balance of comfort and effectiveness.

Reliability

The Taurus GX4 is built to last, and it has proven its reliability in independent tests. After 2,000 rounds of consecutive shooting, the pistol only experienced one malfunction related to the magazine and one failure to eject with brass-cased ammunition. While steel-cased ammo showed more malfunctions (as expected), the GX4 performed reliably with most brands of quality 9mm ammunition.

Pricing: A Major Advantage

One of the key selling points of the Taurus GX4 is its affordability. At an MSRP of just $392, the GX4 is significantly less expensive than its competitors, including Glock, SIG Sauer, and Smith & Wesson. Even with its premium features, the GX4 offers incredible value for the money.

Conclusion

The Taurus GX4 is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable micro-compact handgun. Whether you’re looking for a concealed carry option or a backup gun for home defense, the GX4 delivers exceptional performance. The GX4’s combination of features, reliability, and affordability makes it a strong contender in the competitive micro-compact handgun market.

Carry with Confidence — Warriorland Holsters
If you’ve recently picked up the Taurus GX4, consider pairing it with one of Warriorland Holsters’ premium IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) or OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) holsters for a perfect fit. Our holsters are designed for maximum comfort and reliability.

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Warriorland produces 100% American-designed, hand-crafted holsters that cater to all shooters. Whether you’re carrying the Taurus GX4 or any other handgun, carry safely and confidently with Warriorland Holsters.