The Taurus Gx4: The 1 Perfect Concealed Carry Handgun
Taurus GX4 is a reliable, compact handgun for concealed carry. An improved design, trigger safety, magazine system, optics, and offers a smooth shooting experience.
Introduction
Time to read: 9 minutes
Date: July 31, 2023
Are you in the market for a reliable, compact handgun for concealed carry? Look no further than the Taurus GX4 9mm. While manufacturers like Ruger and SIG Sauer dominate the market, Taurus has quietly entered the scene with their new micro-compact addition to their budget handgun line. In this article, we will explore whether the Taurus GX4 deserves a spot on your radar. We’ll discuss its improvement over previous Taurus models, its key features and specifications, and its overall performance.
Design and Construction of the Taurus GX4
When it comes to the design and construction of the Taurus GX4, Taurus has made significant improvements over its previous models like the G2C and G3C. The GX4 is a micro-compact 9mm handgun that combines a compact size with impressive features and specifications.
One notable aspect of the GX4 is its well-made polymer grip frame with anti-corrosion properties. The grip is relatively narrow, providing a comfortable and secure hold, especially with the aggressive stippling for added texture. Additionally, the larger trigger guard allows for easy use even with gloved fingers.
The Taurus GX4 features a stainless steel internal chassis, adding durability and stability to the firearm. The chassis has two rails, ensuring smooth slide operation and improved accuracy when shooting. The slide itself is constructed from stainless steel with a gas-nitride finish, giving it a sleek appearance while providing resistance to wear and corrosion.
With a compact size of 5.8 inches in overall length and a width of just 1 inch, the GX4 is designed to be easily concealable. Its beveled muzzle and low-profile sights further contribute to its snag-free design, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry.
In terms of aesthetics, the GX4 has a modern and sleek look. The slide features front and rear serrations, allowing for easy manipulation and slide control. The flat face trigger adds a high-end feel to the firearm, enhancing both comfort and control.
Overall, the design and construction of the Taurus GX4 showcases Taurus’ commitment to improving their handguns. From the well-made polymer grip frame to the stainless steel chassis and slide, every aspect of the GX4 is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.
Trigger and Trigger Safety
One of the standout features of the Taurus GX4 is its impressive trigger and trigger safety system. Taurus has put considerable effort into improving the trigger quality compared to their previous models.
The GX4 features a smooth-pulling trigger with a crisp break, enhancing both accuracy and control. With a trigger pull weight of around 6 pounds, the GX4 provides just the right balance of resistance for fast follow-up shots without sacrificing precision.
To ensure safety, the GX4 is equipped with a serrated safety lever integrated into the trigger. This trigger safety prevents accidental discharges by requiring deliberate and intentional pressure on the trigger to engage.
Additionally, the GX4’s trigger has a tactile reset and minimal overtravel, allowing for quick and precise shooting. The quarter-inch take-up provides a consistent and reliable trigger pull, ensuring a smooth shooting experience.
Magazine and Magazine Release
The Taurus GX4 is equipped with a versatile and user-friendly magazine system that enhances the overall shooting experience. The GX4 comes with two magazines, providing users with options for different carry scenarios.
Inserting a new magazine into the GX4 may cause some pinching on the edge of the hand due to the compact size of the pistol. However, this issue can be alleviated by using a speed loader or opting for an extended magazine with a bumper. Taurus offers a 13-round magazine with a bumper for those with medium or larger hands.
The magazines themselves feature a grippy section, allowing for a thumbs-forward grip and ensuring a secure hold. The magazine release is easily accessible with frame cuts on the sides, making it convenient for both left-handed and right-handed shooters.
To prevent accidental mag drops, the GX4’s magazine has a bottom lip that provides added retention. This ensures that the magazine remains securely in place during rigorous activities or fast-paced shooting scenarios in competition shooting.
Overall, the magazine and magazine release of the Taurus GX4 are designed with user-friendliness and reliability in mind. Whether you prefer the flush-fitting magazine or the extended option, the GX4’s magazine system allows for easy and efficient reloads during self-defense situations or range sessions.
Sight System and Optics Compatibility
The Taurus GX4 is equipped with a sight system designed for accurate and precise shooting. The factory sights on the GX4 consist of front fixed-steel white dot sights and rear serrated drift-adjustable sights. These sights provide decent accuracy at 20 to 25 yards, making them suitable for range shooting.
However, it’s worth noting that the white dots on the factory sights do not glow, which may limit visibility in low-light conditions. If you prefer sights with better visibility, the GX4’s slide cuts are compatible with aftermarket Glock sights, allowing you to install sights with enhanced features such as tritium or fiber optic inserts.
In addition to the factory sights, the Taurus GX4 offers optics compatibility through its T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) platform. This platform allows for the attachment of micro red dot sights, making it easier to acquire targets quickly and improve accuracy. Two highly recommended micro red dot sights for the GX4 are the Holosun HS507K and the Trijicon RMRcc.
With the addition of a red dot sight, the Taurus GX4 can provide an even higher level of accuracy and precision. This makes it an excellent choice for shooters looking to enhance their shooting performance, whether for concealed carry or range use.
Shooting Experience and Performance
The Taurus GX4 offers a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience, making it a reliable option for concealed carry and self-defense purposes. The slide operation is smooth, thanks to the recoil spring and medium-deep serrations on the front and back, allowing for easy slide racking.
When shooting the GX4, the recoil is manageable, making it easy to control and providing the ability for rapid follow-up shots. This is especially important in shooting competitions where quick and accurate shooting is essential.
The trigger and ergonomics of the GX4 also contribute to its overall performance. The flat face trigger gives the pistol a high-end feel, while the serrated safety lever ensures safe and intentional trigger engagement. With a trigger pull weight of around 6 pounds, the GX4 provides just the right amount of resistance for fast and accurate shooting.
The GX4 offers improved accuracy compared to previous Taurus models, allowing for precise target acquisition and consistent shot placement. The durable construction of the GX4 and its ability to handle around 500-600 rounds of FMJ ammunition without issues further enhances its performance and reliability.
When it comes to ammunition selection, the Taurus GX4 performs well with a variety of options. Recommended FMJ ammunition includes Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115gr FTX and Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger 124gr FMJ.
Disassembly and Maintenance
Proper disassembly and maintenance are essential for keeping your Taurus GX4 in optimal working condition. Before attempting to disassemble the pistol, ensure it is unloaded and the magazine has been removed. Safety should always be the top priority when handling firearms.
To disassemble the Taurus GX4, exercise caution and follow these steps. First, hold the trigger while pushing the slide forward. This will allow you to rotate the takedown pin with the aid of a flathead screwdriver. With the pin rotated, the slide can be separated from the frame, providing access to the internal components.
When it comes to maintenance, the Taurus GX4 features a number of durable coatings and finishes. The barrel is coated with a satin black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish, which provides corrosion resistance and contributes to the firearm’s overall longevity. The slide is treated with Gas Nitride, a surface hardening process that enhances both durability and wear resistance.
Perform regular cleaning and lubrication to remove debris and ensure smooth operation. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning solvents and lubricants, and pay special attention to the barrel, slide, and internal components.
Sight adjustment may be necessary to fine-tune your aiming accuracy. While the factory sights on the GX4 are fixed and drift-adjustable, it’s recommended to consult a professional gunsmith or consult the user manual for specific instructions on adjusting the sights.
Concealed Carry Suitability
The Taurus GX4 is an excellent choice for concealed carry. Its beveled and snag-free design makes it easy to conceal, allowing for discreet and comfortable carry. The compact size of the GX4, with an overall length of 5.8 inches and width of 1.08 inches, ensures that it can be easily carried in various clothing options.
In terms of reliability, the GX4 impresses with its exceptional performance for a compact 9mm handgun. It offers a smooth shooting experience with its outstanding 6-pound trigger pull, providing the shooter with precise control and accuracy.
Comfort is also a priority with the Taurus GX4. The grips are designed to be comfortable for medium-sized hands, ensuring a firm and secure hold. This is crucial for maintaining control and preventing slippage.
Furthermore, the Taurus GX4 features easy-to-use safeties and a serrated slide, enhancing the overall operation of the firearm. These features contribute to the ease of handling and quick deployment of the GX4.
When comparing the Taurus GX4 to other compact 9mm handguns, it stands out as a lightweight option. Weighing in at 18.5 oz, it is lighter than comparable models such as the S&W Shield Plus and Ruger Max-9. This makes it easier to carry for extended periods without causing fatigue or discomfort.
Need some information on conceal and carry? Then check out our other articles!
– What is the Best Conceal and Carry Holster?
– What is the Safest Concealed Carry Position?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Taurus GX4 is a micro-compact 9mm handgun that has proven to be a worthy addition to Taurus’ budget handgun line. With advancements over previous models like the G2C and G3C, the GX4 boasts features that make it a strong contender in the concealed carry market. The Taurus GX4 is a highly suitable handgun for concealed carry and self-defense purposes. With its beveled and snag-free design, reliability, excellent trigger, and comfortable grips, the GX4 delivers the performance and ease of use. Whether you are a seasoned concealed carrier or new to handguns, the Taurus GX4 is definitely worth considering as your go-to option.
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