Alright, it is no secret, Taurus used to have a quality control issue. I remember when I first started in this industry, I heard stories of Taurus revolvers failing (cylinders falling out and rolling down the firing line) and autopistols jamming at media events. It wasn’t pretty to say the least. Taurus’ reputation of lack-luster quality started to follow it around. But here we are with the all-new Taurus GX4.
Taurus GX4 Changes the Narrative
Now anytime anyone mentions Taurus on the web, you can hear the echo chamber banging away on their keyboards, “I hope it doesn’t blow up on you,” “Good luck with the South American POS,” “Be prepared for fails and repairs,” “You’re better off buying [X brand], because PERFECTION!” You get the idea.
Something happened at Taurus almost eight years ago. The company released the Taurus G2, a striker-fired pistol that worked and you didn’t need to send it in for repairs. Yes, the trigger sucked, but the gun worked and was reliable. Then came the Taurus G3 shortly thereafter, with an improved trigger and better ergonomics. It performed reliably and as Taurus was quoted to say, the “performance-to-cost ratio is outstanding.” After that came the G3c and the G3 TORO, each of which proved to be reliable handguns.
There are people out there that will call Taurus G3c a “POS” even though they haven’t shot one or any Taurus recently. I implore to try one and keep an open mind and opinion, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Taurus GX4 Details
The next step for Taurus after the G3 series, is its brand-new micro compact GX4 in 9mm. Taurus assembles the GX4 in the U.S.A., right in Georgia. When you pick it up in your hands, it feels solid, and the aggressive stippling is a very nice touch. Overall, the pistol has nice lines and looks smart. It came with two palm swells, one with a slight swell and the other with a high-swell backstrap. I preferred the high-swell, just fitted my hands better.
The trigger on this pistol, it is a step above the G3 series. I might dare say this might be Taurus’ best trigger on a striker-fired handgun. There is a tiny bit of take-up and so it is with the reset. It’s a quick and short trigger.
Sights on it consist of a white dot front and serrated drift adjustable rear. Taurus kept this simple because most shooters will install the sights they prefer and to keep cost down. I have to say, I was a tad bit disappointed it didn’t have a fiber-optic front, but hey I can put that on myself.
Capacity of the GX4 as it comes is 11+1, and it does come with two magazines. Taurus will offer a la carte 11-shot magazine with a finger extension and a 13-shot extended magazine. It will also come with a 10-shot magazine for those who live in restricted states.
The GX4 retails for just under $400. Out of all the current micro compact pistols out there, the Taurus Gx4 is the least expensive. That doesn’t mean it’s cheap, it just means Taurus is proving itself.
Cross My Heart
I have put over 500 rounds of 9mm through my GX4 (no easy task in these ammo shortage times) without any malfunctions, slide flying off the frame or the pistol locking up. I am hands down impressed with it, so much so, that it has become my daily carry. Yes, I am trusting my life with a Taurus pistol. There can be no greater compliment than that.
There’s so much more to say about the Taurus GX4, look for a full review on it in Personal Defense World Aug/Sept magazine. In the meantime, please visit taurususa.com.
Taurus GX4 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel: 3.06 inches
- Overall Length: 6.05 inches
- Overall Weight: 18.5 ounce (empty)
- Grips: Polymer
- Sights: White dot front, serrated drift adjustable rear
- Action: Striker-fired
- Finish: Gas Nitride
- Overall Capacity: 11+1
- MSRP: $392
