Longer is better: new Taurus GX4XL pistol

The Taurus GX4 micro-compact 9mm EDC pistol grows with the addition of about 20 mm to slide (and barrel) length when compared to the original model: this is the new GX4XL, that offers increased muzzle velocity and sight radius. The GX4XL barrel is in fact 3.71”/94 mm long, instead of the 3.06”/78 mm barrel of the standard GX.4. Height remains the same, at 4.4”/112 mm, just as the magazine capacity of up to 13 rounds (with extended magazine, or 11 rounds with the standard one).

Same frame, different slide and barrel

The carbon steel slide is gas nitride coated, The polymer grip has a stainless steel frame insert. 

This is a trend we have already seen in other manufacturers' models, such as SIG's P365 XL: take a micro-compact gun, add a longer slide and barrel, et voilà – what you get is a hybrid compact carry pistol with (almost) the same performance of a full-length model.

The flat face trigger delivers accuracy and predictability thanks to its crisp sear break and the pleasingly short and tactile reset.

For the rest, apart from the longer slide/barrel assembly, the features of the GX4XL are exactly the same as the GX4. 

The standard backstrap profile features a slight palm swell. The pistol comes with two backstrap options.

Among them, the DLC-coated stainless steel barrel that ensures reduced friction and greater wear and corrosion resistance enhancing accuracy and overall performance, and the two backstrap option with a slight palm swell. 

Sight system is based on a blackout steel serrated drift adjustable rear sight and fixed (white dot) front sight promote fast target acquisition. The carbon steel slide is gas nitride coated, while the flat face target trigger delivers accuracy and predictability thanks to its crisp sear break and the pleasingly short and tactile reset. 

Nothing new with regard to controls and safeties, either: we have a striker block and trigger safety, visual loaded chamber indicator, signature indexing and recoil management pad, and reversible magazine release. The polymer grip has a stainless steel frame insert.

As for the price, if for a standard GX4 you have to pay around $393, the longer GX4XL can be yours for $429 (MSRP price in the USA). The  GX4XL is also available in T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) slide variants.

Video: introducing the Taurus GX4XL 

Taurus GX4XL pistol specs and price