A few weeks ago we took a first look at the Taurus GX4 from Brownells as one of the newest entries into the micro 9mm concealed carry market. Today we're going to take a look at 2 changes that I think move the GX4 from good to great.
From the factory, the GX4 comes with a grip that is almost, but not quite, long enough for me to get a full fingered grip on. While I can comfortably shoot guns without my pinky being on the grip, I always prefer to have it on the grip. Luckily, Taurus offers a pinky extension for the factory flush fit 11 round magazine.
It is Taurus part number 338-0001-00, and at the time I'm filming this video it costs 5 bucks plus shipping straight from Taurus. It's important to note it's just a pinky rest, it does not add any capacity to the magazine. Installation is simple: you get a punch or other similar tool and press in on this tab on the bottom of the magazine. Slide the base plate off, being careful to retain the spring and follower with your finger. Slide the new plate on until it locks into place, and you're done. With the extension installed I can get my entire pinky comfortably on the grip. This really improves shooting comfort, without adding any length to the backstrap of the handle, so it still conceals just as well.
While the sights on the GX4 are pretty good, they can definitely be improved on. One of the GX4s primary competitors is the Sig P365, which basically invented the micro 9mm category when it debuted in 2018. One of the major features of the P365 are the factory night sights that come on every P365, and it's one feature that the GX4 lacks. Taking advantage of the fact that the GX4 uses Glock style sights, we upgraded to this set of TruGlo night sights. They have a three dot layout with white dots on both the rear and front sights. They also have tritium inserts for use at night. They're a little bit taller than the factory sights, so they should offer a very low cowitness when we mount an optic on the GX4. They're part number TG231G2, and I found these on eBay for 50 bucks.
Installation of the TruGlo sights is simple with the right tools. The factory front sight unscrews from the top and lifts off the slide, and the TruGlo sight drops in from the top and is screwed in from the bottom. It's worth it to note that the TruGlo sight is a press fit, so it will take some effort to get it into place. Meanwhile, the factory rear sight gets pressed out of it's dovetail, and the TruGlo presses into place and is secured via this setscrew. Additionally I walys recommend a dab of blue Loctite on the mounting screws both front and rear as extra insurance from them coming loose.
Once installed, the TruGlo sights are a great upgrade over the stock Taurus sights. They're easier to pick up than the stock sights, and the tritium makes them very easy to line up in low light. The taller profile makes it easier to rack the slide off of a belt or table or shoe if necessary. And again they should set us up nicely for a low cowitness when mounting an optic on here as well.
So for 55 dollars, we've made some simple but very meaningful changes to the GX4 that bring it from a pretty good micro 9mm into a great one. That's all I've got for you this time, so until next time, stay safe!