Taurus GX4 XL 9mm Pistol: First Look

The Taurus GX4 is already welcoming a new member of its line after a successful launch earlier this year. Guns and Ammo’s Keith Wood gave the pistol some high praise when it released, and the general success of the pistol naturally motivated Taurus to work on expanding off the platform. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the GX4 XL boasts a longer barrel at 3.7 inches; a good deal longer than the 3.06-inch barrel of the GX4. A higher capacity also comes with the increased size of the XL, with a 11- and 13-round magazine coming with the pistol (10-round magazines available for low-capacity states).

Additional features include two interchangeable backstraps, a Taurus Optical Ready Option (T.O.R.O.) slide (when choosing the optic-ready configuration) and flat face target trigger. The sights are a blackout steel serrated rear sight paired with a fixed white dot front sight for fast target acquisition when not running a red dot. Taurus has also continued their practice of increased quality control. Their new protocols have been described as doubling the standard for durability testing.

The GX4 XL is an exciting iteration of the GX4, with increased control, sight radius and muzzle velocity all coming from the larger size. Concealability and comfort when carrying were not forgotten during the design process however, as the overall dimensions and design still accommodate comfortable concealed carry. With a suggested retail price of $429 for the base model, the XL is a stack and a half 9mm that should be kept on the radar.

Taurus GX4 XL Specifications:

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 10/11/13 Rounds
• Magazines: 1x11 + 1x13
• Firing System: Striker
• Action Type: SA
• Front Sight: Fixed
• Rear Sight: Serrated Drift Adjustable
• Safety: Striker block; Trigger Safety
• Frame: Stainless Steel Frame Insert and Polymer Grip
• Grip Material: Polymer
• Slide Material: Carbon Steel
• Slide Finish: Gas Nitride Coating
• Barrel Finish: Black DLC Coating
• Barrel Length: 3.7 in .
• Overall Length: 6.43 in.
• Overall Width: 1.08 in.
• Overall Height: 4.40 in.
• Weight: 20 oz