Definitely the Taurus GX4. Ergonomics, trigger, build quality all to the GX4. I hope not to have to deal with customer service issues, so the GX4 is a win!
@xamot80 those videos are posted from unsafe gun owners. If you run into those issues you don't holster your gun, you clear it. Other videos can't even replicate the issue they claim. Another video was a gorilla holding the gun not allowing you to see anything. Incorrect trigger pull with the trigger safety or holding the slide prevents a lot of things from happening. Please pay attention to how they handle their guns and their firearm safety before giving them credit.
From what I understand, Taurus customer service has improved. And a friend got the GX4 recently and there was a problem with the trigger. She called Taurus and they took very good care of her and immediately emailed a label to send the GX4 in for repair. She shipped it the same day and even though she was told it would take a month for it to be sent back to her, she got an email in about a week that it was on its way back to her. She’s very happy with their customer service.
About 2 weeks ago I called and it took 30 minutes on the phone to get a magazine sent to me they forgot to include. With Ruger a phone call to send a gun back took less than 10 minutes
I just bought a GX4. It’s very nice… even my FFL was surprised when he saw it… he wasn’t expecting the quality. If you’re shopping in this class of firearm, definitely look at the Taurus. The price was more than I’ve ever paid for a Taurus, but I don’t feel like I paid too much. It’s very nice. Oh, 13 round mags available at Academy Sports, I got one for thirty dollars.
I got lucky with my GX4. I got it from GunBroker and after the rebate I paid less than $250 including tax, shipping and FFL fee. With the quality of the pistol I believe it was a great deal. Have a blessed day and keep shooting.
I have had to send both my Max-9 and my GX4 back for warranty service and had a good experience with both. Each had my pistol back to me in approximately 7 business days and both are working great. They have both been great guns. I seem to get marginally better accuracy from my GX4 but they are both accurate, reliable and eat everything I feed them. Thanks for the video and keep shooting 👍.
GX4 all the way for me. Never a bad experience with Taurus firearms. I had a 6" .357 Mag years ago and it was a great wheel gun.. My PT-111G2 9mm has run flawlessly. I've also got one of the 856 ultra light stainless snub nose 38's which I just installed a Wolf trigger spring kit to make it much easier to fire. I'm am thinking about the GX4 as it's available in my area for $379 at the moment. I'd like to get one of the Spectrum 380's too but they're hard to find at a good price at the moment.
Had a spectrum for a couple of years. Extremely easy take down, and went bang every time i pulled the trigger. BUT it was the least accurate gun i owned. Sort of all over the place on the target. If i were in a jam, it would be the last gun I’d pick up. Finally sold it. Sig p238 is the first one id reach for.
As soon as they release an optics ready version, I'll be owning a GX4. Man, they really need to add an accessory rail also in my opinion. I like having a light on my edc.
I get that Ruger's customer service was faster and the phone rep was more knowledgeable but, at the end of the day, Taurus fixed the problem. So, while Ruger gets an A+ and Taurus gets a C, neither of them failed. It seems Taurus put its money into designing and producing a better gun at a better price. And isn't that the most important customer service of all?
I own both, I've had the max 9 a while, it's fun to shoot. Just got gx4 today, haven't shot it yet but it feels great. Both weigh about the same, similar size. Sights are different. Takedown is better on gx4. I'll shoot it soon, will probably love it.
I have the Taurus G2C and had a minor problem with it. I called their customer support and got to talk to a very nice lady immediately. I explained the problem to her, and she e-mailed me a printable shipping label. She told me it would take 4 weeks. So, I packaged the gun and sent it off. Two weeks later - to the day - FedEx showed up at my door with the repaired gun - problem solved. Small sample size I know, but I had a very, very good respond to my issue.
In my current carry rotation in 9mm I have my G2C and M&P Shield. I have been looking at the micro-nines and most closely at the Max-9 and the GX4. I received my new GX4 a few weeks ago and love it. After I received my rebate I ordered an extra mag and a front night sight, which I am looking forward to receiving. Thanks for the video and keep shooting 😊.
Good points on both pistols. I live within 90 miles of the Ruger plant and have always had great luck with any Ruger product. Fair to mention Taurus has really stepped up it's game in quality.
Bought a TX22 and had feed issues. Customer service concluded it was a magazine issue but couldn't submit my issue because there was no mags in stock. I was told to call back when they had mags in stock. I did that and they replaced both mags, this solved my issue. Not the best customer service, kinda like being at a yard sale, but they made it right in the end
My experience with Ruger Customer Service was completely satisfactory. They repaired my revolver quickly and actually modified the hammer at my request.
I hope you can get a SW Shield Plus. It has a nice trigger that's improved over the past renditions. Your reviews are very honest and researched. Thank you!
I just sent in my LCP Max, and I was surprised I was on hold for 43 minutes. They have taken care of me from there in a 1st rate manner. I even got an email today to let me know they received my handgun. If I didn’t grade high end customer service, I’d have to say Taurus wins hands down for the slightly smaller height, the easier field stripping and superior trigger.
So I own 3 Taurus Revolvers a G2C and a G3C in my collection. I just ordered the GX4 and waiting impatiently for it to arrive. I will have a video up soon. Thanks for the vid I subbed
I have the TX22 I really like the way it fits in my hand Taurus did this one right. the only problem I had was ME, I'm used to my 1911 Gold Cup 50+ years but I'm very happy with the TX22 PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
A red-dot optic is a must-have item for me and my old eyes, and I chose the Ruger due to it's great integration, and great suppressor-height sights. The trigger bothers me less since I started thinking of it as a double-action, and acting accordingly. The maraca construction doesn't bother me, but the goofy takedown procedure does - what were the designers thinking? I could make do with pretty much any of this new class of super-micro-nines, but I'm happy with the Ruger, while I can easily see why other folks prefer other pistols. The all-American nature (not that Brazilian firearms workers don't need love as well) and excellent customer service of Ruger are just icing on the cake
Mine I can easily take apart without poking. Just pull the slide back and shake the pin right out. Super easy takedown...idk what these RU-vidrs are talking about!
I bought a GX4. Really like it a lot. Those two gals you talked to at Taurus were probably the same ones I had several email's with when I tried to buy a set of wood grips for the 3" 38 Defender revolver and they couldn't get it right with several emails, and a pic of what I received in the package which was missing the long screw that holds the 2 halves together and only 1 of two small pins. I sent it all back after they sent the screw and still no pin. Waited 50 days before I got my money back to my credit card! That's another issue. Can take up to 60 days I was finally told.
Have both the pt111, and the TX22. Both have been excellent pistols. This one looks like a nice blend of both. Just might have to talk myself into getting this one 😉. Good review!
Have a gx4 paid 300 new gud deal they both are gud I have a AR 15 made by Rugaits a German name and they make all things mechanical very gud at least I think so I also had a blackhawk 45cal. Rugar pistol that I Loved.I like the Taurus also tho there has been a lot of class action suites
I have carried a GX4 for over a year now. I had the original and replaced the slide with the TORO version when it came out. I don't carry it because it is all I can afford but rather because I shoot it very well. That is odd since I used to carry a 43X and my duty weapon is a G45. I also have had to deal with CS (not with this gun), and I will say that Taurus CS has improved by leaps and bounds since the last CEO. Still a long phone wait but good service and speedy return with an explanation of work done.
Before you buy check out the size of both guns. The max 9 is much thinner than the Taurus. Thr Max 9 is only slightly thicker than than the p365 and thinner than shield plus. If you want a gun with the same size as the gx4 get a Glock 26. Notice he never shows guns side by side up close without a shaky camera
I am a Ruger guy the best warranty/cust support in the biz (except for hi-point believe it or not! - lol) and usually super quality firearms, but Taurus is eating them for lunch here... I have been following the evolution of the G series came out to the release of the GX4 and this gun is a new design but has the benefit of almost 10 years of design improvement - it is a clear winner against all challengers - and for $200 less than anything in it's class... unbeatable value here. I just wish that the 13 round extended mag was the standard mag. flush fit/recessed mags suck - you almost always have to seat them reliably with your thumb and extended mags lock with a authoritative palm push - plus an extra round or two...
I’ve got both, but how someone interacts with you means something. If the quality of the firearms comparable but ruger interacts with their customers in a prompt courteous fashion and solves the problem then ruger it is.
GX4 for the win all day. Gx4 $300, Tritium sights under $100, 13rnd magazine $35. That'll be a done GX4 with two 11rnd mags plus a 13rnd for under $450 for a full chassis micro 9mm.
Have loved my GX4 until the recent recall notice about them firing when dropped, not all of their GX4's but many of them including mine. For that reason, and wanting to support an American manufacturer, I'm interested in the Max9. Both seem to have some pros over the other.
I bought the GX4 with the bronze slide online and was at the range 30 minutes later. I liked the feel but about 60 rounds in the front sight started rattling around. Quality control? The following week I replaced the sights with Truglo tritium sights. The front “tab” that goes into the slide is longer than the stock sight so I doubt it will come out. I also had a few non cycled rounds, probably from lack of lubrication out of the box. I’m wanting to like it so my next range trip should be interesting.
I think a lot is being made about the take down of the Max-9, after taking mine to the range and firing the first 50 rds thru it I took it home to clean it. I had seen a review where the guy said all he did was tilt his gun and shake it and the pin came right out, so I tried it and had the same results. Not a fan of the trigger either but I really like everything else about the Max-9.
Considering you can almost always get an aftermarket trigger I would have to pick the Ruger. Not writing off Taurus though! This is a great example why, the new gx4 seems awesome. They're still getting better every day. Service though oh yes that is important
If I had to pick one, I'd choose the GX4. The max 9 doesn't appeal to me whatsoever; it's just an update of the LC9S with security 9 looks and a higher capacity.
I'm really impressed with the GX4. The S&W Shield Plus does shoot better but it is a bit bigger. I haven't shot the Ruger but I have a Sig 365 and the GX4 handles better to me personally.
I have just acquired a Taurus gx4 Toro. And I love it. To be honest I haven't tried the Ruger, and after seeing how loose it seemed to sound and putting one in my hand at the store, I liked the Taurus better. Hopefully I won't have to go through customer service, LOL
Taurus has stepped up their game with the GX4. The GX4 has 25 % fewer parts than the G2C & G3 series which likely or should equal better reliability. I work at a LGS and compared both the Ruger & Taurus side by side and was quite honestly surprised by the Taurus. Better ergonomics, better trigger & will accept aftermarket Glock night sights. The T.O.R.O. Version is out now but in this category of pistol, I still prefer aftermarket night sights.
Well, I love my Max-9. I had no issue with it and I do very well at the range with it, thank you very much. I love that it's 'boxy' and I loved the 80s. No +P for it - so what, it works for me, and at that price, not the other way around. As we used to say back in the Soviet Union - cheap and angry.
GREAT review---lots of knowledge and insights, no hot air or blather... perfect! The Taurus seems like a "better-than-a-Glock" clone, and the Ruger seems like a "worse than a Glock" clone.. thanks for the excellent video.
I've never had a Taurus gun until I recently picked up the Taurus 942, a 22 magnum 8shot revolver. Taurus to me has always had a bad reputation so I've always stuck to Glock, Sig, Ruger, S&W, and Springfield guns. The GX4 will be my 1st ever semi-auto Taurus purchase. I'll add it to the Glock 43x, Sig 365 and 365XL, Max9, Shield plus, and Hellcat I already own. The GX4 will just complete my "stack and a half" collection of 10+1 guns.
I think your opinions are interesting. I like your thoughtful ideas. So what would be your 3 favorite lightweight compact 9mms? Smaller than a G19 for example. I'd be interested to get your ideas on that.
I have not touched the GX4, but, I was glad to hear the larger back strap will help with control of the gun. From what I've seen in videos, it appears the Taurus pinky extension base plate may be enough for my pinky to hold on to without adding much height. You are exactly right about calling Taurus customer service. However, the only gun I have sent back for service was returned in 8 days. BTW, I like the HeMan clip. (That is HeMan, right?)
I like Ruger and oun a few however I have zero interest in the particular pistol. I do have interest in the Tarus however and it has nothing to do with the price. It appears it is just a good concealed carry option.
You injured my butthole when you compared a gun I own to cheap beer. Nicely done, sir. I have an 1836 leather paddleback made for a Heck-Kitty. It fits the GX4 and P365XL Romeo Zero perfectly, as well as the EC9S. I'm betting it would fit the Maxipad-9 also. And a Houston brand IWB padded leather tuckable fits the GX4 (I wore it all day today). It was bought for the EC9S. I do like the GX4 trigger better than the 365. I too experience pinky dangle with the GX4 but its all good.
I just push the pin cover up, push the slide .010" back,turn the Max-9 over and shake the pin out. Bingo! By the way, +P ammo is perfectly safe to carry. Somebody should read the manual b/4 they give out opinions. 9MM+P+P is a no no, but not +P. I don't waste money on hyper loads. It's where you hit them, not how hard you hit them.
I wonder if Ruger's customer service has gotten so good, because they have had so many opportunities to iron out the kinks. Practice makes perfect. Lol
My gx4 came with a non working trigger saftey. Looks like a spring issue. I bought it anyway since it was the only one they had and Taurus will take care of it. Plus it was 325. To make it better I broke the mag release spring trying to swap it for a lefty. Have not fired it yet. I like how it feels……hope these were flukes .
I highly doubt the gx4 will become a carry gun for me. The sig 365 has earned its keep with me. The gx4 feels high quality at first, but the polymer is definitely cheaper in the grip module than other polymer guns I have had. Maybe they will sell the grip module separately. I bought the gx4 cause it was there and I had gift cards. I am no Taurus fanboy, but so far the G3c has impressed me more than the gx4. I keep them for car guns since they are so cheap and have been reliable for me.
Update on my gx4……..the trigger saftey worked itself out. Must have been some tight molding hanging it up. 20 rounds or so and it’s operating like it should. Ran about 150 rounds threw it……….meh. It did not impress me. I shot my sig 365 side by side and the sig wins easily. I am no sig fan boy either. This is the only sig I’ve ever owned and probably will be the only one. I feel like it’s the best gun in this category. When I shoot the G3c……I can’t help but like it a little bit. Sure the trigger is a little weird, but the ergos are spot on for me. I hate the manual saftey being a wrong handed guy…….otherwise I would have more of them. Car guns and stash around the house guns is what I will keep them for. I might try a toro next. Gx4 works……but underwhelmed me.
Just watched this, 'cuz I'm interested in a subcompact 9 for EDC. TBH, I was biased going in; I wanted Ruger for the win. But I have to admit, having watched your video as well as others, I do have concerns about the Max 9. Not having test driven or even dry-fired either one, I don't know if I'd agree with you about their respective triggers. I do know, however, that's a subjective assessment. And I figure I could adapt. I am a southpaw/left eye dominant shooter that has never owned or fired an ambi or custom firearm, so, yeah, I figure I can adapt. As far aesthetics, I think most semi-auto pistols look boxier than a Nissan Cube, these two included. I'm just an old fool from the old school that way. Gimme a revolver for looks. The slide rattle thing is a concern. And again, though I've never handled much less taken down either a GX4 or a Max 9, just watching the process on the latter has me agreeing with you: *very* fiddly. My decision's not yet made, so I'll be doing more research. Thanks, your video was not good news for me and my bias, but it was helpful.
Now try to cram all of that in that little housing. It's been more than a century and really short 1911s aren't reliable. At the same time they might be able to evade practices that may get them sued as well as not having to pull the trigger during disassembly. If they got a pin sticking out it might be pressed in accidentally after several years of use with the tiny gun in big hands. I'm sure you design it better while you have ultra limited time to throw it on the market while there is still a fear boom going on. Btw...I don't like either.
@@onpsxmember I don’t like either too. I just feel something like the glock style disassembling, that everyone’s copying on every gun, would be better without having any of the downsides you mentioned. Btw I don’t think 1911s are perfect, let alone small ones, it was just a fun comparison about the disassembly, nothing else.
It really doesn’t! You pull the pin guard down slide just a bit back and turn the pistol over. Pin falls right out. All these guys talking about needing a tool to push that pin out are wrong.
@stevailo Yeah... that's not true. I have a Security 9, which has the same take-down pin design and its not complicated or difficult at all. I think people who bitch about the take-down procedure are just repeating what other people have said and have never actually experienced what they're talking about.
