Taurus GX4 XL 9mm 3.7″ Micro-Compact Black
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Taurus GX4 XL 9mm 3.7" Micro-Compact Black is a purpose-built, extended-slide variant of the popular GX4 platform, engineered to balance concealable dimensions with a longer sight radius for improved practical accuracy. This model represents a specific design choice within the micro-compact 9mm category, prioritizing a measurable upgrade in shootability over absolute minimum size. It's not a downsized duty pistol, but a refined carry tool for those who understand the ballistic and mechanical advantages of a 3.7-inch barrel over a 3.0-inch one.
What is the Taurus GX4 XL 9mm used for?
The Taurus GX4 XL is engineered for everyday concealed carry by shooters who prioritize a longer sight radius and barrel without stepping up to a full-size service pistol. This configuration offers a 0.7-inch longer barrel than the standard GX4, translating to a roughly 60 fps increase in muzzle velocity with 124-grain ammunition, which directly impacts terminal performance. The 6.43-inch overall length keeps it viable for appendix or strongside IWB carry, especially in cooler climates where layering aids concealment.
How does the Taurus GX4 XL compare to the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro?
The Taurus GX4 XL operates in the same ‘slightly larger micro’ category as the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, but with a different balance of priorities. The GX4 XL has a superior out-of-the-box trigger break at 5.8 pounds of consistent pull weight, while the Hellcat Pro holds a clear advantage in standard-capacity magazines, shipping with 15-round and 17-round flush-fit options versus the Taurus's 11 and 13-round configurations. The Hellcat Pro is better for those who rank round count above trigger feel, whereas the GX4 XL prioritizes a cleaner shooting experience in a marginally narrower frame that's 0.2 inches slimmer across the slide.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This pistol weighs 20 ounces unloaded and measures 6.43 inches in overall length, with a slide width of 1.08 inches, making it comparable in profile to many single-stack 9mm pistols despite its double-stack magazine. The 3.7-inch DLC-coated stainless steel barrel defines the XL variant, paired with a grip height of 5.0 inches, which is sufficient for a full three-finger purchase for most shooters. For hunters or sport shooters looking for a more substantial platform for reaching out, you might consider the longer barrel and cartridge versatility of a centerfire rifle like our Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
Who is this NOT for?
The Taurus GX4 XL is not for the shooter who demands ultimate magazine capacity or aftermarket optics support from day one. The slide is cut for a specific micro red dot footprint (Shield RMSc pattern), but direct-mount plates for common optics like the Holosun 507K require a separate, often aftermarket, adapter plate. This adds cost and height over bore compared to a slide milled specifically for that optic. It's also a poor choice for a full-size home defense primary, where weapon-mounted lights and extended magazines are non-negotiable.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol with one 11-round flush-fit magazine and one 13-round extended magazine, a basic cable lock, and a soft case. Unlike some competitors, Taurus does not currently include a hard-sided case, a loading tool, or additional optic mounting plates in the standard packaging. The total package weight shipped is approximately 3.1 pounds, which factors in the packaging and documents.
Is the Taurus GX4 XL worth it at $263.99?
At $263.99, the GX4 XL presents a compelling value if your primary metric is features-per-dollar for a duty-finish micro-compact. You're getting a gas-nitrided slide, DLC barrel, and adjustable sights for significantly less than most direct competitors. The trade-off is accepting Taurus's historically longer break-in period of approximately 200-300 rounds for flawless reliability with a wide variety of ammunition, a process that costs around $70-$100 in range ammo. For those seeking a proven, out-of-the-box reliable shotgun at a similar price point for different applications, our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge offers a traditional over/under experience.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 3.7-inch DLC-coated barrel provides ~60 fps velocity gain over 3-inch models with 124gr ammo
- Gas nitride slide finish offers 500+ hour salt spray corrosion resistance
- Weighs 20 oz unloaded — 1.5 oz lighter than a Sig Sauer P365 XL with similar dimensions
- 1:10-inch twist rifling stabilizes heavier 147gr subsonic ammunition for suppressor use
Trade-offs
- Optic cut is proprietary RMSc footprint — requires $30+ adapter for popular Holosun K-series
- Break-in period for reliable feeding with flat-nose defensive ammo can require 200+ rounds
- Ships with only 11-round and 13-round mags — 15-round competitors like the Hellcat Pro offer higher capacity
- No metal accessory rail — only a proprietary polymer lip that limits light/laser mounting options
Key attributes
| upc | 725327938347 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-GX4XL941-10 |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.70" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 6.05 |
| model | GX4XL |
| number of magazines | 2 10 rd. |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 8.7 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Manual/Trigger |
| shipping weight | 2.5 |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Front/Adj Rear |
| slide description | Serrated |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the slide optic-ready?
- Yes, the slide is milled from the factory for a micro red dot optic with a Shield RMSc footprint. This includes direct-mount compatibility for sights like the Sig Sauer Romeo Zero and certain Shield models. You will need an adapter plate, typically $25-$40 from CHPWS or similar, to mount a Holosun 407K/507K.
- Does it fit in a Glock 43 holster?
- No, it will not. The GX4 XL has a distinct slide and trigger guard geometry. You need a holster specifically molded for the Taurus GX4 or GX4 XL. Major manufacturers like Vedder Holsters and Tulster offer GX4-specific models, with lead times of 5-10 business days for production.
- What is the trigger pull weight?
- The striker-fired trigger breaks consistently at 5.8 pounds out of the box, with a clean reset of approximately 0.25 inches of travel. This is within the acceptable range for a defensive carry pistol and is one of the stronger points of the platform compared to some competitors.
- Can you install aftermarket night sights?
- Yes, the dovetail cuts are standard. The front sight is a standard 3/8" dovetail and the rear is a Novak-style cut. Popular tritium sets from AmeriGlo or TruGlo (like the TFX Pro for Novak cuts) will fit, but professional installation is recommended as the factory sights are installed under significant tension.