Rifleman Review: Taurus GX4XL

Taurus USA developed its GX4 as a competitive player in the micro-compact marketplace of handguns, but in recent years, the company has built out its line with several different variants. One such option is the GX4XL, which provides a bit of extra barrel length and sight radius. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to learn more.

"So we've seen a surge in interest regarding micro-compact pistols in recent years, and Taurus USA wisely entered that market with its GX4 back in 2021," American Rifleman Managing Editor Christopher Olsen said. "And now we've got a brand-new iteration in the GX4 lineup. Meet the GX4XL."

Equipped with the same frame size as the original GX4, the Taurus GX4XL accepts a flush-fit, 11-round magazine, as well as lengthened 13-round magazines as well. A variant that uses a 10-round magazine is also available for those who live in states with magazine-capacity restrictions.

"As you may notice, this is not an optic-ready version," Olsen said. "Now Taurus does offer its T.O.R.O. Package in the XL, so should you want to put a red dot and carry it concealed, they've got one for you."

Designed as a concealed-carry gun, the Taurus GX4XL has a well-blended profile free of sharp edges and snag points, and there are serrations at the front and rear of the slide that aid in easy manipulation.

A unique feature of the Taurus GX4 is its interchangeable backstrap, which is a feature not commonly seen in the micro-compact pistol market.

"The GX4 is a gun that's meant to be carried probably more than it's shot, but it's a lot of fun to shoot. Its user-customizable frame allows for two backstraps. They provide both, a large and a small," Olsen said. "I prefer the smaller one. I can get my hand really nice and high, thanks to the undercut on the trigger guard and the big recess at the back of the frame."

One other highlight is the gun's Glock-compatible front and rear sight dovetails, opening up a wide aftermarket of options for owners of this slightly upsized micro-compact pistol.

"Taurus's GX4 line has proven itself to be a very worthy competitor as a subcompact carry gun," Olsen said. "And its GX4XL takes that just another step further."

Taurus GX4XL Specifications
Maker: Taurus USA
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 3.7"; stainless steel, Diamond-Like-Carbon finish
Slide: carbon steel, black nitride finish
Frame: black polymer
Trigger: striker-fired
Sights: drift-adjustable rear, fixed front
Magazine: 11-round detachable box
Length: 6.43"
Height: 4.40"
Width: 1.08"
Weight: 20 ozs.
Accessories: owner's manual, hard case, 13-round magazine, interchangeable backstraps, lock
MSRP: $438

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.