Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. 9mm

Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. 9mm

Taurus’ next-generation concealment pistol

Taurus has been on a tear recently with introducing high-quality pistols that are moderately priced yet are packed with all the features customers have been clamoring for — and many that hadn’t yet realized they wanted. I think back favorably to the company’s excellent .22LR TX22 Competition with a non-standard yet extremely functional optic mounting system, fantastic trigger, spot-on ergonomics, and a 16-round magazine capacity. With a suppressor attached, one of our test pistols will consistently print 10-round dime size groups at 25 yards with Winchester M22 subsonic ammunition. It’s Hollywood quiet and one-hundred percent reliable.

The new GX4 is available in either the optic-ready T.O.R.O. model, or — for about 75 bucks less — the standard iron-sight model. Riton’s excellent 3 Tactix MPRD (Micro Pistol Red Dot) optic — along with many others — can be directly mounted (no separate mounting plates needed) to the GX4’s slide.

Earlier this year, we were nearly equally surprised when we tested the new (at the time) G3c optics ready compact carry pistol. We concluded that, at the end of the day, the G3c is worth a hard look and arrives with standard features not found on other pistols in its class, to include an efficient grip texturing treatment, well placed and useable controls — all in a pistol that is optic ready from the factory. With a suggested retail price of a hair over $300, this pistol is a true value.

Which brings us to the all-new 18.7 oz., 3-inch-barreled GX4 micro-compact pistol ($468.18.) The GX4 shares many of the best features of the pistols mentioned above and crams as many as possible into this pocket rocket of an everyday carry pistol.

Borrowing certain cues from the excellent Taurus TX22 and G3 pistols, the GX4 controls are well laid out, the pull of the flat-faced trigger is surprisingly good, and the grip texturing rivals other micro pistols costing hundreds more.

Starting at the grip, the similarities between the TX22 and the GX4 are hard to miss, even at a glance. The rough — yet not abrasive — grip texture and ergonomic profile, albeit shorter in length, are profoundly present. If you didn’t initially pick up on the visual cues, the contour and fantastic grip texture would be readily apparent as soon as it sits in your hand. However, the GX4 one-ups the TX22 with the addition of user-replaceable backstraps.

The frame lines and trigger also closely resemble that of the TX22. Molded into the frame is a nice groove our support hand thumb naturally rests on, acting like a gas pedal. The faster you want to go, the harder you press downward, the more control over recoil you will have. The trigger is flat-faced and serrated for increased comfort, leverage and, well, flat-faced triggers are currently en-vogue.

Shown in Crossbreed’s new Rogue inside-the-waistband holster/mag carrier combo, the GX4 ships with one flush-fit 11-round magazine, one extended 13-rounder, and two different-sized backstraps to tailor the grip dimensions to your hand.

Taurus has fitted the pistol with their T.O.R.O. system, short for Taurus Optic Ready Option, which is compatible with the smallest red dot sights on the market to include the Riton 3 Tactix MPRD we tested the pistol with, Holosun’s 507K-X2, the Shield RMSc, SIG’s RomeoZERO, Trijicon’s RMRcc and many others. Most others, in fact. Red dot sights have been all the rage for the reasons we’ve outlined many times before; we’re just glad the advantages have become recognized by the greater masses and optics on carry pistols have finally gone mainstream. The feature we found ourselves exclaiming out loud is the compatibility with Glock-pattern iron sights. It’s about time another manufacturer allowed their customers to take advantage of the tremendous array of aftermarket iron sight options — bravo, Taurus, bravo.

With excellent ergonomics and some of the best factory grip texturing we’ve seen, the GX4 stays pretty planted under recoil — especially for a micro-compact 9mm. Reliability was 100-percent with all ammunition.

Magazine capacity is 11- and 13-rounds of 9mm, depending on the level of concealment you require that day. The pistol disappears beneath light clothing, but we found it does so better depending on the magazine length selected. If more concealment is necessary, load the 11-rounder and toss the 13 in your pocket as a spare.

Taking advantage of the GX4’s TORO optic system at the range, we were able to print a single 1.67-inch five-shot group at 25 yards using standard pressure Hornady 135-grain Critical Duty. While we could not come close to replicating it (the overall average group size was 2.8-inches), we did capture an image of it.

Taurus pistols have come a long way in a short amount of time. If you’re in the market for a full-featured micro-compact pistol with a robust, user-friendly optic mounting system and all the features you didn’t know you had to have, look no further than the true value that is the GX4. Check it out at your nearest dealer or for more info. contact Taurus USA; Tel.: (800) 680-6866; Web: www.taurususa.com — Chris Mudgett

Our best 25-yard/5-round group from the bench was shot with Hornady’s 135-grain Critical Duty ammo and measured 1.67 inches. We couldn’t replicate this performance, but it happened, and our test gun shot an average of 2.8-inches.