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

The Murdoch & Co. EM85: An SA80 for America

Most modern service rifles are sold in the U.S. in semi-automatic form. There is one glaring exception, and that is the British L85. Murdoch & Co., an American company, is changing that reality with its EM85.

News, Guns

I Have This Old Gun: The British Brown Bess

One of the most iconic military longarms ever made, the British Land Pattern musket, more commonly known as the "Brown Bess," equipped British infantrymen across the world for more than a century.

News, ARTV

Rifleman Interview: CCI Rimfire Ammunition

CCI’s rimfire offerings were part of the Plinkapalooza event in May.

News, Ammunition

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

Reviews, News

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Armed Citizen, News

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

News, Extras