Carry Report: Taurus GX4 9mm Pistol

Straightforward reviews of firearms are fantastic, but a solid carry report is a bit like a well-done AAR (after action report). Once a gun has been used — and carried — for an extended period of time there’s more real-life experience and data available.

One gun that’s well worth examining through the lens of daily carry is the Taurus GX4 9mm micro-compact. In recent years, Taurus has really upped their game, and that’s made their handguns worthy of a closer look.

We put the GX4 through its paces including range and carry use, and we’re back to report how it worked out and why you should consider giving the Taurus a shot.

What are the details of the Taurus GX4?

Before we get into carry and long-term use, let’s go over the details and specifications of the Taurus GX4. This 9mm pistol is a micro-compact that was first put into production by Taurus in 2021. The introduction of the GX4 quickly lead to an expansion of the family of guns that includes color options and optic-ready models. Even so, the GX4 remains the founding member of the line and has gained a dedicated following thanks to its size, capacity and affordable price.

The Taurus GX4 has a 3.06-inch barrel with a 1 in 10 twist rate and six RH grooves. A Satin Black DLC (diamond like carbon) coating on the barrel provides superior durability, low friction, and resistance to corrosion and use-related wear. Its overall length is 6.05 inches, height is 4.04-inches, and width is 1.08-inches.

These dimensions make it well-suited to concealment while leaving it large enough to allow decent grip surface during live fire. The frame material and barrel are stainless steel while the is alloy steel, all of which contributes to durability and longevity. It has a capacity of 11 +1 and an empty weight of 18.50 ounces.

As for features, the pistol has wide, angled serrations at the front and back of the slide to make manipulation easier. The grip is aggressively textured for a good hold during live fire as are the backstrap and front strap.

Magazine and grip cuts are strategically placed for smoother, quick magazine changes. The magazine release is reversible for lefties. There’s no manual safety as the GX4 relies its trigger blade safety and internal safety mechanisms. Controls are ridged for easier operation.

Is the Taurus GX4 reliable?

The GX4 has proven itself reliable through extensive use. It’s cycled hollow points and full metal jacket rounds reliably and consistently.

Defensive ammo used includes Federal Premium 9mm 124 grain HST JHP, Hornady Critical Defense 9mm 115 grain FTX, Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 grain JHP, and Federal Premium Punch 9mm 124 grain JHP. Target loads have included Federal American Eagle 9mm 147 grain FMJ and Aguila 9mm 115 grain FMJ.

Reliable function is an absolute must for a carry gun. Ideally, you’d run 500 rounds through your handgun with zero failures before using it for concealed carry, but that isn’t always realistic for many owners. At the least try to put 250 rounds through it, with 80 to 100 of those rounds being your defensive loads of choice. These are tests the GX4 passed easily.

Is the Taurus GX4 accurate?

This is a micro-compact pistol with a 3.06-inch barrel. That means it’s designed for close quarters personal defense use, not precision at significant distances. Within 10 yards the GX4 is accurate, but not precise—it produces a somewhat broad one-ragged-hole, five-shot group with slow, measured fire. At 5 yards and under, it’s possible to create a very nice single hole in a playing card, as long as you’re taking your time.

If you stretch the GX4 out to 25 yards, you can certainly hit your target, but the groups will  spread out. That doesn’t make the gun ineffective for self-defense by any means, it just means it’s best used for closer range targets, as you’d expect.

Is the Taurus GX4 good for concealed carry?

On to the true point of this, which is how well the GX4 works for concealed carry. The Galco Kingtuk Deluxe IWB Holster is a favorite of mine, and it’s available for the GX4. This is a hybrid holster with a leather backing and a molded Kydex holster sheath that’s specifically shaped to securely fit the GX4.

Using this holster, carrying the GX4 is comfortable and easy. And because it’s the Kingtuk, it’s tuckable, meaning you have more options for concealment. Thanks to the smaller dimensions of the GX4, it doesn’t create excessive weight or drag on your gun belt. It’s small enough that you can comfortably ignore its presence.

For a smaller profile holster there’s the Safariland 17 Inside-the-Waistband Concealment Holster. It’s made from SafariLaminate and has a sturdy steel clip that holds it in place on your belt. Whether you prefer the smaller footprint of this holster or are fine with a larger rig such as the Kingtuk, there are plenty of holster options out there for the GX4.

While much of the draw has to do with your holster choice, drawing the GX4 from concealment is smooth. It’s nicely contoured with nothing that’s likely to snag on your clothing. A smooth draw and getting on target quickly come down to practice and experience, but the point here is that the GX4 is large enough to make those things possible. It isn’t so diminutive that you can’t grip it properly. Really, it’s a great size for most shooters.

The Taurus GX4 bottom line

This Taurus GX4 a great pistol as-is, right out of the box. It shoots well, cycles reliably, and is generally accurate at self-defense distances. Some are dismissive of Taurus due to their lower price point, but the reality is not everyone can afford a more expensive gun.

Should your carry gun be reliable and accurate? Absolutely, and the Taurus GX4 is both, making it a very viable option for affordable everyday carry.

Specifications: Taurus GX4 Micro-Compact Pistol

Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 11+1
Barrel Length: 3.06 inches
Overall Length: 6.05 inches
Weight: 18.5 ounces (empty)
Width: 1.08 inches
Magazines: 2 11-round magazines included
MSRP: $393.99