When Taurus introduced the GX4, it marked a significant entry into the world of compact and subcompact pistols. Offering a balance between concealability, capacity, and affordability, the GX4 quickly gained popularity among concealed carry enthusiasts. But first, it had to shake off Taurus’ reputation with some in the gun world (including yours truly) who were, shall we say, less than impressed with its predecessor, the G3 line.
Common complaints about the G3 included its heavy weight, questionable reliability, and gritty trigger. So, Taurus faced an uphill battle when it introduced the GX4. Was it moving on from the G3 the way one flees from an abusive relationship, leaving the past behind and hoping not to repeat it? Or was it simply adding another concealed carry option to its arsenal, hoping to attract new suitors? It might have been a little of both.
Overall, the GX4 is a no-nonsense, no-frills value proposition that offers more than you might expect for a $400 gun but less than some of its competitors. Taurus has since expanded the GX4 lineup with the GX4 TORO, GX4 Carry Pistol, and GX4XL models. This review will explore the original Taurus GX4 and the enhancements and unique features introduced in the newer models.
Taurus GX4 – The Original
The original Taurus GX4, introduced in 2021, aimed to fill the gap in the market for a high-capacity, subcompact pistol. Its standout feature was its impressive magazine capacity, with a standard 11-round magazine in 9mm. This exceeded the capacity of many competing models in its class. Additionally, Taurus offered an extended 13-round magazine option for those who valued even more rounds at their disposal. The GX4 delivered a commendable balance of firepower and concealability.
One of the key strengths of the GX4 was its ergonomic design. The pistol featured textured grips and a well-designed trigger guard undercut, providing shooters with a comfortable and secure grip. The texturing on the grip and the slide serrations allowed for easy handling and quick follow-up shots, contributing to its user-friendly nature.
The GX4 incorporated a striker-fired system, which offered a consistent trigger pull and reset, enhancing accuracy and making it easier for shooters to become proficient with this firearm. The trigger had a smooth and consistent pull with a clean break, which was particularly notable for a subcompact pistol.
One of the GX4’s drawbacks was the limited sight radius due to its short barrel length. While it didn’t hinder the pistol’s overall effectiveness, it did reduce accuracy at longer distances. The GX4 was clearly designed with self-defense and close-quarters engagements in mind.
Another potential issue for shooters with medium to large hands is the flush-fit magazines that leave the pinky dangling off the end. That may be fine for afternoon tea but not so great for gripping the gun. However, Taurus remedied that issue with a 13-round extended magazine and an 11-rounder with a pinky extension on the end, neither of which caused a concealment issue.
Overall, the original GX4 was well-received for its capacity, ergonomics, and reliability. However, as with any firearm, there’s always room for improvement, and Taurus took this to heart when developing the newer models in the GX4 series.
Taurus GX4 TORO – The Compact Powerhouse
The Taurus GX4 TORO, introduced in 2022, builds upon the success of the original GX4. The most significant upgrade in the GX4 TORO is its optics-ready slide. “TORO” stands for “Taurus Optics-Ready Option,” highlighting the pistol’s adaptability to accommodate popular red dot sights. This enhancement allows for quicker target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in low-light situations.
Regarding magazine capacity, the GX4 TORO retains the original’s 11-round standard magazine and allows the 13-round extended magazine. The inclusion of the optics-ready slide (a huge miss on the original model) and compatibility with extended magazines make the GX4 TORO an attractive option for those who want to customize their concealed carry setup.
Ergonomically, the GX4 TORO retains the comfortable grip texturing and trigger guard undercut, which was a strong point in the original model. These features make the pistol easy to handle and help mitigate recoil, especially when using higher-capacity magazines.
Overall, the GX4 TORO is a worthy upgrade, especially for those who prioritize optics and customization. It maintains the core qualities of the original GX4 while addressing some of its limitations, making it a competitive choice for concealed carry enthusiasts.
Taurus GX4XL – The Extended Capacity Model
In 2022, Taurus expanded the GX4 series by introducing the GX4XL. This model is designed for those who prioritize high-capacity magazines and, as the name suggests, an extended grip. It comes with a 15-round magazine, which is a significant increase over the original GX4. For those seeking even more firepower, Taurus also offers a 17-round extended magazine, which is an impressive capacity for a subcompact pistol.
The GX4XL’s grip is longer to accommodate these high-capacity magazines, making it more comfortable for shooters with larger hands. However, Taurus has maintained the same grip texturing and trigger guard undercut to ensure a secure and ergonomic grip.
Like the GX4 TORO, the GX4XL features an optics-ready slide, making it adaptable to red dot sights, enhancing target acquisition and overall accuracy. This model offers an impressive combination of capacity, customization, and ergonomics, making it suitable for a wide range of shooters.
Taurus GX4 Carry Pistol – the G3 Killer?
The Taurus GX4 Carry Pistol departs from the original and TORO models, most significantly in size. No longer considered a sub-compact, the Carry version is nearly identical in size to the G3, including a longer barrel than the original GX4, a full Picatinny rail, a 15-round standard capacity, a bigger grip, and a longer barrel.
The grip on the Carry version is also slightly different from the smaller models, including a Glock 17 Gen 4-style finger notch near the trigger guard. Not sure how well that will go over after all the grief Glock got for changing the grip between generations, but it boils down to personal preference.
With the introduction of the GX4 Carry, Taurus may be signaling the end of the G3 line. That’s not a bad move, as the GX4 is a better gun. Anyone in the market for the G3 will be better served by jumping to the GX4 Carry.
Parting Shots
The Taurus GX4 series has come a long way since the introduction of the original GX4. Each new model in the series addresses concealed carry enthusiasts’ specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize high capacity, optics compatibility, deep concealment, or a combination of these features, there’s a GX4 model to suit your needs.
The original GX4, with its 11-round standard magazine and ergonomic design, set the stage for this series. The GX4 TORO takes it a step further with an optics-ready slide, catering to those who want customization options. The GX4 Carry Pistol offers a compact design for those who prioritize deep concealment, while the GX4XL provides extended magazine options for shooters who want more rounds at their disposal.
Taurus has listened to feedback from the concealed carry community and has shown that they are committed to meeting the diverse needs of its customers. Whether you’re a seasoned concealed carrier or new to subcompact pistols, the Taurus GX4 series is worth considering for its blend of capacity, customization, and reliability.
