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Taurus GX4 Review
Price Range:
$350 - $450
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Taurus |
| Country of Origin | Brazil |
| First Build Date | 2021 |
| Type | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 11+1 or 13+1 (depending on magazine size) |
| Barrel Length | 3.06 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 18.7 ounces |
| Material | Polymer Frame, Steel Slide |
| Price Range | $350 – $450 |
Overview
The Taurus GX4 is a compact, 9mm semi-automatic handgun designed primarily for concealed carry and personal defense. It was introduced in 2021 and immediately garnered attention for its impressive balance of size, performance, and price. The GX4 is part of Taurus’s expanding line of small-frame pistols and is built with a polymer frame, which keeps the overall weight down, and a steel slide for durability and strength. With a 3.06-inch barrel, the GX4 is easy to conceal, yet still provides good accuracy at close distances.
Equipped with either an 11+1 or 13+1 capacity, the Taurus GX4 offers an excellent balance of power and capacity for a handgun of this size. Its single-action trigger is smooth and responsive, contributing to its overall ease of use. The GX4 features a textured grip, making it comfortable to handle and providing solid control even during rapid fire.
Overall, the Taurus GX4 offers an excellent combination of portability, performance, and value, making it a great option for those seeking a concealed carry pistol at an affordable price point.
Strength and Quality
The quality of the Taurus GX4 is impressive, considering its price point. The polymer frame is durable and lightweight, and the steel slide adds strength where it is needed most. The build quality feels solid, and the finish on the slide is smooth. The trigger pull is smooth for its class, although some users might find it slightly heavy compared to more premium models.
Despite being budget-friendly, the GX4 feels like a well-made firearm. The ergonomics are generally well thought out, with a textured grip that helps with recoil control and accuracy. The overall fit and finish of the pistol are high for the price, and it has shown minimal wear after extensive testing.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The Taurus GX4 includes a manual safety, which allows users to disable the trigger while carrying or in storage.
- Internal Safety Mechanism: Includes an internal safety mechanism that ensures the firing pin is not struck unless the trigger is fully pulled.
- Drop Safety: The pistol includes a drop safety feature to prevent accidental discharge if dropped.
Test Results
Accuracy
The Taurus GX4 is incredibly accurate at close to medium range. At 7 yards, the GX4 exhibited tight groupings, with an average spread of 1.5 inches. At 15 yards, accuracy begins to loosen, with groups averaging around 3 inches. Overall, the GX4 is best suited for defensive situations and performs well within the expected range for a compact handgun.
Recoil
With its lightweight build (18.7 ounces), recoil is manageable but noticeable. The recoil is sharper than some heavier 9mm pistols but is still manageable due to the ergonomic grip and well-balanced frame. It allows for quick follow-up shots, though it may be slightly more challenging for shooters new to 9mm or compact firearms.
Reliability
The Taurus GX4 performed reliably over 500 rounds during testing. No malfunctions or stoppages occurred, making it a dependable option for everyday carry or home defense. It functioned smoothly with a variety of ammunition types, including both standard 9mm and +P rounds, which is an important factor in self-defense ammunition compatibility.
Also Read: Sig Sauer M17 Review
Merits
- Compact Size: The Taurus GX4’s small size makes it an excellent option for concealed carry.
- Capacity: With the option of 11+1 or 13+1 rounds, it offers more capacity than many other compact pistols in its class.
- Affordable Price: Priced between $350 and $450, it is an excellent value for a quality 9mm pistol.
- Comfortable Grip: The textured grip ensures solid control and helps mitigate recoil during rapid fire.
- Good Accuracy: At short to medium ranges, the GX4 is highly accurate, making it a solid defensive firearm.
Demerits
- Recoil: While manageable, the recoil may be too sharp for novice shooters or those unaccustomed to compact 9mm firearms.
- Trigger Weight: Some shooters may find the trigger slightly heavier than other premium models in its class.
- Short Sight Radius: The compact design results in a short sight radius, which can affect accuracy at longer distances.
Maintenance
The Taurus GX4 requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning of the barrel and slide is essential after each range session. The small size makes disassembly simple, and the components are easy to access. Users should lubricate the slide and internal moving parts after cleaning to maintain smooth operation. The polymer frame doesn’t require as much upkeep as a metal frame, but it should be checked for any cracks or wear, especially after extended use.
Comparison with Other Guns
| Feature | Taurus GX4 | Glock 19 | Springfield XD-S Mod.2 | Smith & Wesson M&P Shield | Ruger Security-9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm | 9mm |
| Capacity | 11+1 / 13+1 | 15+1 | 7+1 | 7+1 | 15+1 |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 18.7 ounces | 23.65 ounces | 21.5 ounces | 20.3 ounces | 23.4 ounces |
| Price Range | $350 – $450 | $500 – $600 | $400 – $500 | $400 – $500 | $300 – $400 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent option for concealed carry. It’s easy to hide under clothing and comfortable to carry for extended periods.
The Taurus GX4 is best used at close to medium ranges. It performs excellently within 7-15 yards but is less accurate at longer distances due to its short barrel.
The Taurus GX4 offers exceptional value with its compact size, affordable price, and good performance. It compares favorably to other budget-friendly options like the Ruger Security-9, but it falls short of higher-end options like the Glock 19 in terms of capacity and premium features.
The recoil on the Taurus GX4 is more noticeable than on heavier compact 9mm pistols like the Glock 19 but is still manageable for most shooters. The ergonomic grip helps reduce the impact and makes follow-up shots easier.
It’s important to clean the Taurus GX4 after each range session, lubricate the moving parts, and check for wear, especially around the trigger mechanism. Regular maintenance ensures reliability and longevity of the pistol.
