I’ve taken both the Taurus G3 Vs Taurus GX4 XL out for a spin, and now I will share my hands-on experience with these two fine pieces of engineering.
So, let’s get into the details and find out which model comes out on top when they’re put to the test in real-world scenarios.
| Feature | Taurus G3 | Taurus GX4 XL |
| Caliber | 9mm | 9mm Luger |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches | 3.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.3 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Height | 5.2 inches | 4.4 inches |
| Width | 1.25 inches | 1.1 inches |
| Weight (empty mag) | 25 oz | 20 oz |
| Capacity | 10, 15, or 17 rounds | 11, 13 rounds |
| Sights | 3-dot; adjustable rear | Serrated; adjustable rear, white dot front |
Overview of Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 comes as a robust contender in the 9mm category, offering a blend of full-size firepower with manageable dimensions. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a reliable sidearm that feels just right in the hand and on the range.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 7.3 inches
- Height: 5.2 inches
- Width: 1.25 inches
- Barrel: 4 inches
- Sights: 3-dot; Front fixed, rear drift adjustable
- Weight: 25 oz (with an empty magazine)
- Capacity: 10, 15, or 17 rounds
Overview of Taurus GX4 XL
The Taurus GX4 XL steps into the arena as a compact powerhouse designed for those seeking a balance between concealability and performance. It’s a testament to Taurus’s commitment to innovation, packing a serious punch in a sleek, modern design.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 11, 13
- Barrel: 3.7 inches
- Length: 6.4 inches
- Height: 4.4 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 20 oz.
- Sights: Serrated, plain black drift-adjustable rear, white dot front post
Features Comparison: Taurus G3 VS Taurus GX4 XL
1. Ergonomics and Handling
Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 is a testament to ergonomic design, offering a pleasing balance between comfort and control. Its fuller grip ensures a secure hold, making it ideal for users with larger hands or those who prefer a more substantial feel.
The slightly longer barrel and overall dimensions contribute to a stable shooting experience, allowing for better recoil management and enhanced accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
Its design borrows the best elements from both the full-sized G3 and the compact G3C, offering an excellent grip and a well-balanced weight that feels just right in the hand.
Taurus GX4 XL
Conversely, the Taurus GX4 XL presents a more compact and streamlined option, designed with concealed carry in mind. Despite its smaller size, it does not compromise on ergonomics.
The grip, adorned with a detailed stippling pattern, provides a non-slip surface, ensuring a firm and comfortable hold.
Its lighter weight and sleek profile make it exceptionally well-suited for all-day carry, appealing to those seeking a blend of discreetness and ergonomic handling. The GX4 XL is a clear choice for individuals prioritizing ease of carry without sacrificing the overall shooting experience.
Winner
The GX4 XL takes the crown in ergonomics and handling, offering unparalleled comfort and control in a compact package.
Its thoughtful design ensures that it remains easy to manage, even during long periods of use, making it the superior choice for those who value both concealability and ergonomic efficiency.
2. Trigger System
Taurus G3
The trigger system of the Taurus G3 sets a high standard for reliability and performance. Featuring a single-action trigger, it offers shooters a crisp and clean break, typically around four and a quarter pounds.
One of its standout features is the re-strike capability, which is highly valued for its practicality, allowing shooters to attempt firing a round again without the need to cycle the slide.
This feature not only enhances the shooting experience but also adds an extra layer of reliability, making the G3 an excellent choice for both range shooting and self-defense scenarios.
Taurus GX4 XL
The GX4 XL, on the other hand, introduces a modern flat-faced trigger that changes the game. This design choice results in a trigger break that’s slightly heavier, around five and a quarter pounds, but it significantly improves finger placement and leverage.
The flat surface provides a consistent finger position for each shot, leading to enhanced control and potentially more accurate shooting.
The short reset is ideal for quick follow-up shots, making it a favorite among those who prioritize speed and precision.
Winner
While both triggers have their merits, the G3 emerges as the victor in this category. Its lighter trigger pull and invaluable re-strike capability offer a blend of precision and practicality that is hard to beat.
The G3’s trigger system is not only suitable for a broad range of shooting activities but also adds a significant safety and reliability factor that is crucial for defensive use.
3. Sights and Accuracy
Taurus G3
The G3 is equipped with a versatile 3-dot sight system, which includes a front fixed sight and a rear drift-adjustable sight. This setup is both classic and effective, offering quick and intuitive target acquisition across a variety of lighting conditions.
The added length of the G3’s barrel not only improves the handgun’s balance but also increases the sight radius, which is a critical factor in enhancing potential accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
The G3’s sights are designed for shooters who appreciate traditional sight configurations and demand reliability and precision.
Taurus GX4 XL
Alternatively, the GX4 XL features a serrated, plain black rear sight paired with a white dot front post, a configuration intended to minimize glare and maximize visibility.
This sight setup, combined with the compact design of the GX4 XL, ensures that accuracy is maintained without the bulkiness of larger models.
Although the barrel is slightly shorter, it does not significantly impact the gun’s accuracy, thanks to its overall balanced design and effective sighting system.
Winner
In the sights and accuracy department, the G3 takes the lead. Its longer barrel and effective 3-dot sight system provide an enhanced shooting experience by offering a superior sight radius that contributes to greater accuracy over distance.
The G3’s sights are not only user-friendly but also versatile, making it the preferred choice for accuracy-focused shooters.
Pros & Cons of Taurus G3
Pros
- Larger capacity options
- Stable shooting platform
- Re-strike capability
Cons
- Heavier weight
Pros & Cons of Taurus GX4 XL
Pros
- Superior concealability
- Lighter weight
- Modern flat trigger design
Cons
- Slightly higher price
- Shorter barrel may affect accuracy at longer distances
Similarities Between Taurus G3 & Taurus GX4 XL
- Both chambered in 9mm Luger
- Feature adjustable rear sights
- Available in optic-ready models
- Have forward serrations on the slide
- Designed with ergonomic grips for better handling
Differences Between Taurus G3 & Taurus GX4 XL
- G3 has a 4” barrel; GX4 XL has a 3.7” barrel
- G3 is longer, taller, and wider than GX4 XL
- GX4 XL is lighter than G3 by 5 oz
- G3 offers a re-strike capability; GX4 XL does not
- GX4 XL has a flat-faced trigger, while G3 has a traditional curved trigger
- G3 is more affordable compared to GX4 XL
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and consideration, it’s clear that choosing between the Taurus G3 and the Taurus GX4 XL is no easy task.
Each firearm brings its own set of strengths to the table, catering to different preferences and requirements.
However, after weighing all the comparisons, my choice leans towards the Taurus GX4 XL. The decision comes down to its superior balance of ergonomics, handling, and concealability.
FAQ’s
Which is better Taurus G3C or GX4?
The Taurus GX4 offers a higher quality finish and materials compared to the G3C, making it the better choice for those prioritizing build quality and finish.
How big is the Taurus GX4 XL?
The Taurus GX4 XL has a barrel length of 3.7 inches, an overall length of 6.43 inches, a width of 1.08 inches, and a height of 4.40 inches.
Does a Taurus G3 XL have a safety?
The Taurus G3 XL is designed without a manual safety to ensure quick draw and fire capabilities, focusing on ease of use and quick response.
What is the difference between Taurus G3 and G3X?
The Taurus combines the full-size frame and 15-round capacity of the G3 with the shorter barrel of the G3c, while the G3XL offers the longer slide of the G3 paired with the compact grip of the G3c.
