What do you get when you blend a Taurus G3 full-size 9mm pistol frame and a G3C compact 9mm pistol slide?
The answer is the new G3X Hybrid Compact Pistol, built on a similar full-size frame as the G3, with a grip width of 1.1”/28 mm and an overall height of 5.2”/132 mm with the included 15-round magazine – it is also compatible with Taurus G3 17-round magazines. “In listening to consumer input on the company’s popular G3 and G3C handguns, Taurus identified the need for a pistol that is both slim and easily concealed in the spirit of the Taurus G3C yet features higher capacity and a more substantial grip length for shooters with larger hands or who simply prefer a fuller grip without giving up EDC comfort or concealability,” they say at Taurus.
Taurus G3X, the price is right
Chambered in 9x19mm, at 6.5”/165 mm the new Taurus G3X is more than three-quarters of an inch shorter than the G3, and is compatible with G3 and G3C T.O.R.O. (“Taurus Optic Ready Option”) slide kits.
The Taurus G3X also comes with a dovetail cut for the rear sight, allowing consumers to install popular aftermarket tritium night sights for enhanced low light performance. As standard, it comes with a fixed white dot steel front sight and a serrated drift adjustable rear sight: Barrel is 3.2”/81 mm long. Mechanically, it is a polymer-framed, striker-fired gun with single action only trigger with restrike capability. The stainless steel slide has a matte black Tenifer finish. The frame has an integrated Picatinny rail, while the slide release lever is positioned above the thumb for easy manipulation. No manual safety is provided, but there are the usual trigger safety and stiker block. A visual loaded chamber indicator allows to quickly check the gun's condition.
Particular attention has been paid by Taurus to the 6-lb. trigger, designed with a smooth take-up and a crisp, clean break.
Intended use of the Taurus G3X is obviously personal defense/EDC, but at a price point that is quite interesting: $342.98, with two 15-round magazines included.
Taurus G3X specs and price
| Caliber: | 9mm Luger |
| Magazine Capacity: | 2x15 (compatible with Taurus G3 17 rounds magazines) |
| Firing System: | Striker |
| Action Type: | Single action only with restrike capability |
| Front Sight: | Fixed white dot steel |
| Rear Sight: | Serrated drift adjustable |
| Safety: | Trigger safety, firing pin block |
| Barrel Length: | 3.2”/81 mm |
| Barrel Length: | 6.3”/160 mm |
| Overall Width: | 1.2”/30 mm |
| Overall Height: | 5.2”/132 mm (15-round magazine) |
| Weight: | 22.60 oz/640 g (w/15-round magazine) |
| MSRP: | $342.98 |
