The micro-compact handgun category is flaming hot, and the options keep coming. The latest release is from Taurus with their Taurus GX4. It’s their first-ever micro-compact 9mm handgun, and it’s something not to overlook.
Taurus has stepped up their game with the GX4, and it’s sure to please even those who have shunned the brand in the past. Really, it’s that good.
To kick things off, here’s what they have to say about their new offering:
With the introduction of our first-ever micro-compact 9mm, the all-new Taurus GX4™ boldly outclasses anything else in its class—reaching unprecedented new heights in concealed carry firearm engineering, ergonomics and innovation. On the outside, there can be no doubt that every streamlined inch of this rugged striker-fired semi-auto was meticulously crafted for EDC readiness and reliability. While a game-altering combination of full-sized capacity, accuracy and power resides within its ultra-concealable one-inch-wide reinforced frame. The exceptionally affordable Taurus GX4™ is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty and industry leading customer service for added peace of mind when it matters the most.
The GX4 is sleek, and is one of the few pistols that I really enjoy getting a grip on. It’s incredibly comfortable in the hand and is the best option that Taurus has to date, in my opinion. And the trigger! Well, more on that later. Let’s take a look at the full spec sheet.
Taurus GX4 Specs
- Item Number: 1-GX4M931
- UPC: 7-25327-93539-1
- Capacity: 11 Rounds (10 round model also available)
- Action Type: Single Action Only
- Firing System: Striker
- Front Sight: Fixed Steel White Dot
- Rear Sight: Serrated Drift Adjustable
Measurements
- Frame Size: Micro-Compact
- Barrel Length: 3.06 in.
- Overall Length: 5.8 in. w/ Backstrap Small
6.05 in. w/ Backstrap Large - Overall Height: 4.4 in.
- Overall Width: 1.08 in.
- Weight: 18.5 oz
Materials
- Slide Material: Steel Alloy
- Frame Material: Stainless Steel
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
Caliber
9mm Luger
Safety
Visual Loaded Chamber Indicator
Striker Block
Trigger Safety
Finishes
- Slide Finish: Gas Nitride Coating
- Frame Finish: Matte Stainless
- Barrel Finish: Satin Black DLC Coating
Features
- Flat Face, Serrated Trigger for Better Comfort and Control
- Signature Indexing and Recoil Management Pad. (RMP)
- Magazine and Grip Cuts to Aid in Magazine Stripping if Required
- Reversible Magazine Release
- Easy Take Down Pin for Disassembly
- Magazines Included: 2
The trigger looked silly to me at first, if we’re being honest, but I grew to like the look. It didn’t take me long to enjoy the actual action of the trigger, because it was much smoother and crisper than I had thought it’d be. You’ll notice the dual blade trigger, with that top blade being the trigger safety. If you’ve been around handguns over the last 10 years or so, you already know that it’s a standard thing on semi-autos, so it’s no surprise to see it here.
That trigger safety is nice and smooth moving to the rear, almost feeling like it’s not there.
Handgun manufacturers are getting creative with their grips, and the grip on the Taurus GX4 is definitely a huge step in the right direction for the company. The gun overall is a huge leap ahead for Taurus, and I can’t state that enough. Again, just another opinion of this writer, it’s a masterpiece compared to some of their other releases. I’m not trying to 💩 talk them by any means, but I haven’t been an enormous fan of some of their prior releases.
But this. The GX4. They hit it out of the park.
Sights are sights are sights, kinda, but you’re not getting anything terribly special in this department with this gun. The front sight consists of a white dot, and the rear sight offers no dots at all. That’s fine by me, however.
Looking at the other side of the handgun, we see that the magazine release is ambidextrous, another feature that left-handed shooters look for and pretty much comes standard nowadays.
Absent is a takedown lever (which would actually be on the other side), instead having a pin that you turn counter-clockwise in order to take the gun down. I’d love for it to be turnable with something like a quarter, but you’ll need a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to get the job done.
Shooting the GX4 is enjoyable, but I no longer discuss recoil with these handguns. It becomes irrelevant to me, because they all (mostly) give you the same amount of kick. Once you get used to a new handgun you’ll know what to expect and can train with that knowledge. Telling you that it kicks a little more than another handgun doesn’t do any good unless you’re experiencing it for yourself.
And if you’ve got a Taurus GX4 yourself and have trouble finding the serial number, here it is. I felt more than stupid calling my guy at Taurus to ask him where the serial number was located, after failing to find it on the slide or the barrel. My attention to detail is sometimes lacking, I guess.
The MSRP of the Taurus GX4 is $392, so you’ll likely find it in the range of low to mid $300, which is an absolute steal for what you’re getting.
If you’re in the market for an extremely concealable 9mm that holds 11 rounds, you’ll want to give a serious look at the GX4. I’m going to shop around for holsters and get a feel for carrying it, and will report those findings in the coming weeks.
Great job, Taurus!
