NRA Gun of the Week: Taurus GX4

American Rifleman Staff

posted on October 8, 2021

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Those searching for an affordable, feature-rich sub-compact pistol will find the Taurus USA GX4 to be one of the latest options in this marketplace. Between the gun's sound ergonomics, reliable function and ubiquitous 9 mm chambering, the GX4 stands as a top contender for concealed carry and defensive use.

right side handgun pistol black 9 mm semi-automatic text on image noting Taurus GX4

The Taurus USA GX4 is a single-action-only, semi-automatic pistol that measures 4.5” tall, 6.05” long and 1” wide. Despite small overall dimensions, Taurus supplies its standard GX4 with a flush-fit, 11-round magazine. While providing increased capacity thanks to the improved magazine design, state-compliant 10-rounders, as well, extended 13-round units are available.

hands gun pistol black metal steel shooting

Taurus has configured its GX4 with a striker-fired mechanism built within a Nitride-treated, carbon-steel slide. Steel sights top the slide, a marked upgrade over polymer sights found on previous Taurus handguns. Also, Taurus configured its GX4 with Glock-pattern sight dovetails, making it easy to upgrade.

black plastic gun parts pistol texturing lever trigger handgun closeup details

External controls for the GX4 pistol consist of a low-profile, overmolded polymer slide stop on the left side of the frame, along with the reversible polymer magazine release button. A polymer trigger is supplied with an angled, flat-face with a central safety lever. In addition to the gun’s trigger-shoe safety, a striker-block safety is included.

Though some ballistic performance is lost due to the 3" 9 mm barrel, what is gained comes in the way of sound ergonomics. Replaceable backstraps allow for a custom fit and panels of molded-in texturing throughout help locking it into grip position, shot after shot.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video to see the Taurus GX4 in use.

Taurus USA GX4 Specifications
Manufacturer: Taurus USA
Action Type: single-action, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.08"; Diamond-Like Carbon coating
Slide: carbon steel; Nitride treated
Frame: black polymer, steel chassis
Sights: three-white-dot, adjustable square-notch rear
Magazine: 11-round detachable box
Height: 4.5"
Length: 6.05"
Width: 1"
Weight: 18.5 ozs. (w/empty magazine)
MSRP: $392

Latest

Ankle Holsters: Are They Still a Good Option for Concealed Carry?

The use of ankle holsters is an old-school, deep-concealment method that was popular in the age of the snub-nose revolver. In today’s world of micro-compacts, does it still hold up as a good carry position?

News, Gear

CZ Duty: A Modular Pistol Ready for Service

The Duty marks the first time that CZ has produced a handgun with a serialized modular chassis, and four models comprise the initial lineup of CZ's latest offering.

News, Guns

Ruger to Discontinue Several Major Models

Ruger announced a major change to several of its longtime product lines this week, stating that it would immediately suspend production of several models while finishing out current production runs of other models through 2026.

News

I Have This Old Gun: The British Lee-Metford Rifle

In the late 1880s, the British military adopted its first bolt-action rifle chambered for the .303 British cartridge. This is the Lee-Metford, the first step on the way to the iconic Lee-Enfield.

News, ARTV

Colt Delivers M4A1 Rifles to Guatemala Through Foreign Military Sales Program

Guatemala’s military recently acquired more than 2,000 Colt M4A1 rifles through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program as part of the country's ongoing military modernization efforts.

News

NRA Launches New Texas Senate Ad as Part of Multi-Million Dollar Campaign to Retain Pro-Gun Majorities in Congress

The NRA today released a new 30-second ad highlighting Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s longstanding support for banning so-called “assault weapons” and standard-capacity magazines—the firearms and accessories owned by millions of law-abiding Texans.

News