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: Ruger Mini-14 GB

When initially released in 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 quickly made a name for itself on the recreational-shooting market. Designed by L. James Sullivan and Bill Ruger, it combined the best attributes of the M1 Garand and the M1 carbine with a “rock-’n’-lock” detachable box magazine inspired by the M14.

News, I Have This Old Gun

Preview: Mec-Gar Glock Magazines

Mec-Gar took its expertise in metal-formed magazines and applied the technology to one of the most ubiquitous designs on the market: Glock. Now you can have incredibly durable metal magazines for your 9 mm Luger-chambered Glock handgun, as all of Mec-Gar’s offerings are made using heat-treated carbon steel.

News, Gear