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

I Have This Old Gun: Colt Detective Special

One of the iconic revolvers of the early 20th century is Colt's compact Detective Special, which became popular on the commercial market and was featured widely in film noir from the 1930s until the 1950s. But the road to the Detective Special wasn't the typical route for a new firearm.

News, ARTV

The Real Deal: Mauser's M98 Das Original

In a world of modularity and strict cost-cutting, fine wood and machined steel firearms like the Mauser 98 are disappearing. The Mauser company is making sure the design lives on with the M98 Das Original.

News, Guns

’Merica! | America 250th Products from the Firearm Industry

From guns to knives to storage and beyond, show how your heart beats true for the red, white and blue as we celebrate 250 years of independence, liberty and patriotism with this assortment of commemorative products.

News, Gear

I Have This Old Gun: Witness to the Revolution

It is likely this Long Land Pattern Brown Bess was surrendered by British troops at Saratoga, then used to arm Americans in their fight for liberty before subsequently falling into private hands. Today, it remains as one of a scant few British muskets with a direct tie to the events of the American Revolution.

News, I Have This Old Gun

Don Troiani Illustration with Pattern 1756 Long Land Musket

Rideout Arsenal Leaves Virginia

Rideout Arsenal recently announced it would be leaving the hostile political environment of Virginia for the Second Amendment-friendly state of Georgia.

News