Taurus GX4 Review
Last updated July 18, 2026
Best sub-$300 micro-compact before the MC9 showed up — and still a strong value.
Taurus GX4 — Check Current Price →| Taurus GX4 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 11+1 / 13+1 |
| Barrel | 3.06" |
| Weight | 18.5 oz |
| Length | 6.05" |
| Width | 1.08" |
| Height | 4.6" |
| Trigger | Striker-fired |
| MSRP | ~$270 |
What We Like
- 11+1 capacity in a genuinely micro-compact frame
- Sub-$300 price with solid reliability
- Slim 1.08" width for easy concealment
- TORO variant available for optics
- Natural grip angle and good ergonomics for the price
What We Don't
- Trigger is adequate but uninspiring — long take-up, soft break
- Snappy recoil from the light, short platform
- Base model lacks optic cut
- Taurus customer service remains a concern
- Aftermarket holster selection is narrower than SIG or Glock
The Budget Micro Pioneer
When the GX4 launched, it proved that 11-round micro-compact 9mms didn't have to cost $500+. At $270, it undercut the P365 by $300 while delivering similar concealment dimensions and only one fewer round (with flush mag). The GX4 democratized the micro-compact category.
Reliability is solid. Multiple independent reviewers report clean function through hundreds of rounds. The gun runs, the slide cycles, the magazines feed. It does what a defensive handgun needs to do without drama. The Canik MC9 has since matched the GX4's value proposition with a better trigger, but the GX4 remains a strong option at its price.
Carry Reality
At 18.5 oz and 1.08 inches wide, the GX4 disappears in a quality IWB holster. It's one of the lightest 11-round 9mms available. The grip texture is surprisingly good for a budget gun — well-placed stippling provides adequate traction without being aggressive. The grip angle is natural and points well.
The TORO variant adds a factory optic cut for approximately $40 more. If you have any interest in a red dot, buy the TORO — having the slide already milled is dramatically cheaper than aftermarket milling.
Who Is This Gun For?
Best for
Budget-conscious shooters who want a genuine micro-compact 9mm under $300. Also excellent as a backup gun or lightweight summer carry option.
Skip if
Trigger quality is a priority (spend $130 more for the Canik MC9), you want 15-round capacity (Hellcat Pro), or you need the deepest aftermarket ecosystem (SIG P365).