Taurus GX4 9mm 3.06 in 10+1 Gold PVD Slide
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 18.5 oz unloaded — 2.3 oz lighter than a Glock 43X
- Includes two 10-round magazines for immediate backup capability
- Gold PVD slide coating provides superior corrosion resistance over standard nitride
- 1.08-inch width allows for deep-concealment holster options
Trade-offs
- No optics-ready slide cut — requires $120+ and 3-4 weeks for milling
- Fixed 10-round magazine capacity limits utility in unrestricted states
- Gold PVD finish shows holster wear more visibly than matte finishes within first 200 draws
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taurus GX4 9mm with Gold PVD Slide? It's a 10+1 capacity micro-compact striker-fired pistol, with a 3.06-inch barrel and a Gold PVD-coated slide, designed for concealed carry where state capacity limits apply. This specific configuration ships from Ironclad Armory with two 10-round magazines, a black DLC-coated barrel, and white-dot sights, balancing compact dimensions with shootability for defensive use. At 6.05 inches overall length and a width of 1.08 inches, it fits a niche between subcompacts and full-sized service pistols, prioritizing concealment without sacrificing a full firing grip.
What is the Taurus GX4 9mm with Gold PVD Slide used for?
The Taurus GX4 is designed primarily for lawful, everyday concealed carry, particularly in jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions. Its 3.06-inch barrel and 6.05-inch overall length make it suitable for appendix or strong-side IWB holster carry, offering a balance of concealability and a stable shooting platform. The flat-face trigger and interchangeable backstraps support practical accuracy during defensive training sessions of 200-300 rounds.
How does the Taurus GX4 compare to the SIG Sauer P365?
The Taurus GX4 is better for budget-conscious shooters in restricted-capacity states, while the SIG Sauer P365 is a superior platform for modularity and aftermarket support. The P365 offers a wider ecosystem of grip modules, optics-ready slides, and a proven track record, but commands a price premium of roughly $200 over the GX4's $274.99 MSRP. The GX4 excels as a cost-effective, reliable entry point into the micro-9mm category, especially in its 10+1 configuration.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The GX4 weighs 18.5 ounces unloaded, measures 6.05 inches in overall length, 4.4 inches in height, and has a width of 1.08 inches. The 3.06-inch barrel contributes to the compact profile, while the slide's Gold PVD finish adds minimal weight—typically less than 0.1 ounces over a standard nitride finish. These dimensions make it approximately 0.3 inches shorter in height and 0.8 ounces lighter than a Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle action alone, highlighting its carry-purpose design.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters in unrestricted states seeking maximum capacity, competition shooters needing optics-ready cuts, or those prioritizing extensive aftermarket customization. The fixed 10-round magazines are a legal necessity but a functional limitation where standard capacity is lawful. If your primary use case involves high-round-count training, consider a full-sized service pistol or a Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun for a fundamentally different recoil management experience.
What's in the box?
The box contains the pistol with its Gold PVD slide, two 10-round magazines, a cable lock, interchangeable small and large backstraps, and the owner's manual. You receive exactly what's needed for immediate function-check and range qualification, with no filler accessories. Total package weight shipped is approximately 2.8 pounds, including all documentation and security devices.
Is the Taurus GX4 with Gold PVD Slide worth it at $274.99?
At $274.99, the GX4 represents significant value as a compliant, reliable micro-compact, especially when compared to similar offerings from SIG or Springfield Armory. The Gold PVD slide is a cosmetic upgrade over the standard model, offering increased corrosion resistance with a distinctive appearance. For a shooter needing a carry pistol that meets specific capacity laws and prioritizes mechanical function over brand prestige, this price point is objectively competitive.
Key attributes
| upc | 725327943099 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-GX4M931-10G |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 2 10 rd. |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.8 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Striker Block/Trigger |
| shipping weight | 2.7 |
| sights | FS: Fixed White Dot RS: Drift |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Gold PVD slide compatible with standard GX4 holsters?
- Yes, the Gold PVD slide maintains identical external dimensions to the standard GX4 slide and is fully compatible with all holsters made for the standard model. The PVD coating's 0.001-inch thickness variation will not affect retention. We recommend Vedder Holsters or Tulster for kydex models with proper fit confirmation.
- Does this model have an optics-ready slide cut?
- No, this specific GX4 configuration with the Gold PVD slide does not include a pre-milled optics cut. Adding an optic would require third-party slide machining, costing approximately $120-$180 and a 3-4 week turnaround time from a specialist like Jagerwerks.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships all firearms within 2 business days after FFL verification is complete. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 3-5 business days continental US. Total time from order to your FFL's receipt averages 5-7 business days.
- Can I use 11-round or higher capacity magazines with it?
- No, this model is configured and shipped specifically with two 10-round magazines to comply with state capacity restrictions. While the firearm's mechanics may function with higher-capacity aftermarket magazines, Ironclad Armory only sells and supports the compliant 10-round configuration for this SKU.