The Taurus “G” series guns have turned a lot of former Taurus haters into Taurus owners. These guns are solid.
The brand-new G3X is the latest addition to an already-distinguished line.
But does the G3X hold its weight in an already crowded and saturated concealed carry pistol market? And even more important, does it hold up at the range?
We were determined to find out, so follow along as we lay out the specs, features, pros, and cons and take this gun to the range to help you decide if it’s the right one for you.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
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Taurus G3X Review at a Glance
Pros
- Nice aggressive texturing on grips
- Easy to conceal
- Rail for adding a light/laser
Cons
- Trigger takes some getting used to
The Bottom Line
The Taurus G3X is a great budget-minded option for those that want a decent concealed carry option without breaking the bank.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Width: 1.2”
- Length: 6.3”
- Barrel Length: 3.2”
- Height: 5.2”
- Weight: 22.6 oz
- Capacity: 15-round standard, 17-round aftermarket mag available
Features
- Picatinny rail for accessories
- Steel sights
Source: Taurus
Taurus G3X Background
Before I present the G3X to you, dear readers, let me acknowledge that Taurus has had many problems in the past with bad QC and even worse Customer Service.
I won’t elaborate too much but suffice it to say that I had personal experience with Taurus’s slow-as-molasses-in-January Customer Service a few years ago.
It seemed to take one forever to get a gun replaced and another forever for two measly little springs to be replaced in my .380 Spectrum – they wouldn’t just send me the springs. And we’re talking a recoil spring – nothing buried in the gun that required fitting.
It’s different now, though. Things are turning around.
When Bret Voorhees took over the company’s reins a few years back, he vowed to clean things up. He has, by and large, done so. Wait times are a fraction of what they used to be, and guns are coming into gun stores ready to rock ‘n roll – QC has been amped up.
This leads us to the gun under the spotlight now, the G3X…
Before the G3 came the G2C Millenium. I owned two of them. They held 12 rounds, offered an adjustable rear sight, had all sharp edges “melted,” and were very reliable.
The G3 comes in three different versions – the G3 full size, compact, and X (the topic of today’s review).
Who Is It For?
The G3X would work very well in an IWB or an OWB holster. The 15-round grip (or 17, with extended mag) stays hidden pretty well.
Some shooters are reluctant to carry an adjustable-sighted pistol because the rear sight could get “knocked” and either broken or put out of alignment.
Whether or not you belong to this particular team, it’s not a problem here. No way could that happen with the G3X. The rear sight is solidly mounted in its dovetail and is made of steel.
Another possible buyer might be those looking for a bedstand pistol that hides well but still carries a bunch of rounds. With the rail below the barrel, you could add a laser or light to help with any nighttime scaries.
Not to mention, at $343 MSRP with street prices lower than that, the price point is pretty decent.
Fit & Feel
The full-length grip of the G3X makes it very easy to shoot well.
The grip is large enough to include six textured sections. This texturing is roughly comparable to about 200-grit sandpaper.
FINALLY!
A gun manufacturer has made a grip that stays put in your hand!
I typically stipple my poly-framed pistols’ grips because they are usually too slick for me. I have also been known to use stair tread tape that I got at my local Rural King.
But the Taurus G3X is just the right amount of texture.
Now let’s talk about the trigger…
The single-action trigger is partially cocked when you rack the slide, so you are not having to cock the gun strictly by pulling the trigger.
When I measured the trigger with my Lyman digital gauge, I got a discrepancy of around 2 pounds when I pulled the trigger after racking the slide versus just using the second-strike capability.
Physically racking the slide lowered the pressure needed to release the striker.
A couple of trigger observations…first, the trigger face was smooth. The central blade’s edges are rounded, as are the trigger surfaces. This doesn’t irritate your trigger finger like some triggers I’ve used.
Secondly, even though there are slightly more than ½ inches of take-up, the trigger broke cleanly. It broke very crisply at just over 4 pounds once the “wall” was reached.
How Does It Shoot?
It was with great expectations that I ventured into my backyard shooting range. I am blessed to live in the boonies, where I have a 100-yard range handy.
So, I set some targets up at 15 yards.
The loads I have on hand are dwindling – ammo is still pretty scarce in my neck of the woods. I had some Fiocchi Range Dynamics FMJ and Training Dynamics FMJ, with 115-grain bullets. I also shot my favorite handload of a cast Lee 120-grain truncated cone bullet over 4.8 grains of Long Shot powder.
This load has proven accurate in most of the guns I’ve put it through. Likewise, any Fiocchi ammo I’ve ever shot in many calibers has displayed more than enough accuracy for the intended purpose.
I had a few outliers that I chalked up to the trigger. It’s not bad; I just wasn’t used to it. Once you get used to the trigger, you’ll be good to go.
Another trigger plus is the central blade in its face. Both it and the trigger are polished and did not bite my finger. I can’t say this for all triggers so equipped on many guns.
The excellent grip helped cement the gun into my hand. I had no problems at all holding the gun on target. I shot off a Caldwell pistol rest and bag, which helped.
And, finally, the sights…
The blacked-out rear was very helpful at “popping” the white-dot front sight out onto the target.
The sights were regulated well, putting the shots pretty much in the center of the target. I did zero sight adjusting because there was no need.
What Sets It Apart?
The G3X presents a decent budget option for those who want a good, concealed carry gun but don’t want to pay over $300.
It’s versatile enough to be a bedside gun or ride along in a holster.
And how about from its other G3 brothers?
| Gun | Capacity | Barrel | Size | Weight |
| G3 | 15 | 4.0″ | 7.28″x1.2″x5.2″ | 24.8 oz |
| G3C | 12 | 3.2″ | 6.3″x1.2″x5.1″ | 22.0 oz |
| G3X | 15 | 3.2″ | 6.3″x1.2″x5.2″ | 22.6 oz |
By the Numbers
Reliability: 4/5
The Taurus G3X worked well at the range and performed as I needed.
Ergonomics: 4.5/5
I liked the aggressive texturing, but the trigger took some getting used to.
Accuracy: 5/5
With both regular loads and handloads, the G3x hit its mark.
Customization: 4/5
You can do some things to enhance the pistol, like adding accessories or even Glock sights.
Value: 5/5
Less than $300, this is a great value for those that don’t want to spend a lot.
Overall: 4.5/5
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Upgrades for the Taurus G3X
The recoil spring is mounted on a polymer guide rod, but you can pick up a Lakeline stainless assembly if inclined.
And, since Taurus made their dovetail cut on the rear to match Glock’s, you can use Glock aftermarket sights!
Finally grab a spare mag or a bigger, 17-round mag to make range time more efficient and increase that capacity.
And of course some available plinking ammo!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Final Verdict
Taurus has its finger solidly on the shooting public’s pulse. They keep bringing out hit after hit, guns that are increasingly well-built and which represent a solid bang for your buck.
The striker-fired G3X supports 15- or 17-round magazines in the world’s most popular caliber. Throw in its good sights, accuracy, reliability, and skateboard-tape rough grip texture, and you have a winner.
Add in the Taurus limited lifetime warranty, and this gun suddenly becomes very attractive.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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What do you think of the G3X? Let us know in the comments below. Interested in more concealable pistols? Check out our guide to the Best CCW Pistols.
12 Leave a Reply
I know this review is old but why only 4/5 for reliability if you didn't have any issues with the reliability of the gun??
On my advice, my brother in law bought the G3C. I'd opportunity to handle one a friend owns, and I must say I was impressed, and if I didn't already run a P365, a G3 would be a serious contender for my CCW. Now I'm going to have to check out the G3X as a backup at home.
I've owned 10 different Taurus starting around 20 years ago. 9, .40, and .45 in the G2 24/7 series including their LS (long slide) 5" long bbl versions - one in Duotone. Not one of them ever had any issue. My G2c and G3c 9mm's both run good. They use the same mags of course.
Then on a whim I grabbed a G2c in .40 priced to move on some supersite. It arrived with a noticeable slight catch in the trigger function. Called Taurus and got a very pleasant young lady with perfect English and an American, who immediately emailed me a pre-paid label for me to affix to the outer shipping box, and take to the shipper to send to them. They wanted the mags back too to see if that was part of the problem, and it was not. Things change so ask them which shipper to use to return a gun.
3 weeks later, a NIB G2c .40 was sitting at my FFL, ready for pickup, and as I'm used to, is flawless in function and not at all picky about what you feed it as some can be.
Way back -- Taurus did have some QC issues, though blown out of proportion in my estimation. I know a guy with a VERY expensive 1911 (won't mention the maker) I could never afford, a gun snob type, from one of those high end houses, and that gun had to go back to be worked on. Today, I'd venture the Taurus guns, especially any 2nd generation varieties, have no more or almost the same failure/issue rate requiring a return to the factory as any other "mass producer". I don't know if the actual return %'s are out there to compare brands and models return for work rates, but that would sure be interesting to read if it was. Most of the current Taurus 9mm releases are just a rehash of the G2c/G3c lines and tweaked a little - one of the most successful volume sold guns of all time. I have zero hesitation to buy a Taurus, found their customer service excellent for my return, good email communications too. And no, I don't work for them. :)
ANY gun you buy is like dating a new lady friend. They ALL have their little quirks, likes and dislikes. Some like different foods to eat, some eat whatever you set in front of them and are happy, some require more care but give back to you when it's important, and do so reliably. Find out what ammo your gun likes and is reliable with, and for serious potential use be sure it's loaded with that.
I've seen cases where the worshiped Glocks have to go back for repair too. Your odds of being very happy with a Taurus purchase are high.
I bought a G3C two years ago and it's a decent gun, but did have a couple of failures on it so ended up getting a Shield Plus. It shoots so much better and never had a failure, the peace of mind was worth a few extra bucks. just my .02
I planned to purchase one, contacted customer service with a few basic questions, (aka are the sights metal or plastic, etc.) and they never responded, so Yes: I agree they have customer service issues and as a result I have never purchased nor plan to purchase anything from Taurus -- there are many excellent pistols in this category and this is a purchase that your life may depend upon -- so only buy from companies that stand behind their product!
Sights on my brother in law's G3C are metal. The G3X is metal too. I believe the Full size G3 is also metal, though I've not had opportunity to handle the Full Size model. The reviews I've read mentioned metal sights on the G3 as well.
Hope that helps.
Chuck, G3c sights are also compatible with Glock g26/19/17 sights, so that opens up some options. Thanks for writing!
For those with big hands who already own the G2c or G3c and just want that last finger applying a better purchase, you can simply buy the 17 rd mags that fit with the much bigger base plate, and call it good - IF they ever come back in stock. Problem solved. Done. Same gun otherwise.
OR, get the Adams Grip extension custom fit black base plate replacement right from their web site. Doesn't add capacity, just extends the grip length. Shipping was free last time I was there. I use the 12 rd stock mag.
THEN I cut a little piece to fit the front side of the Adams extension, using skate board stick-on traction tape. Comes in strips, sheets, whatever. The Zon has it. Lots of uses for this tape with real grit on the non-sticky side!! Put a little piece into the fingertip dip wells on pistols too so you know you are there. More uses.
Pretty tough stuff guys!! Instant grip wherever you stick it. A file or sandpaper sponge could take some of the prickly tips off easily for a little more forgiving grip on the skin if you wanted, but I like it as-is.
I got it to stick well to the rear side of a Hogue rubberish slip-on grip after good cleaning with 90% alcohol or 70% ok too. Use a hair dryer or your heat gun to warm this traction tape a bit before you apply, and after you apply for a bit. It has never moved since.
THEN compress it onto the rubber part and hold it for 2 minutes tight. Never had one come off at the range yet but odd it sticks to the rubbery stuff at all. Expect it to come off some day but not yet.
You stick this stuff on aluminum or metal, clean surface first, but get it on right the FIRST time, cause you aren't moving it again.
That's my only complaint with the G3C and my P365. With the flush fit mags my pinky hangs off, so my spare P365 Mags are 15 rounders. My late Father in Law teased that I was the missing link because of my 2XL hands (LOL).
Thanks for the tip, as I've been contemplating a G3 as another home backup gun.
Hi Chuck
Adams is awfully proud of their extensions and they are too expensive for a piece of plastic, but they work, fit well, do the job, easy to install and solid. Another company, Pearce, (Zon) makes magazine pinkie extensions that are inexpensive, but only make them for a few guns. See if they make one for yours. At last check, they didn't make one for the G3c. The BEST fix is to buy the actual Taurus 17 rd mag that fits the G2/3c perfectly AND gives me the longer grip I need. Been out of stock forever at Taurus and the mag sellers. :) My hands are 2 - 3XL too. Finding good leather gloves is not easy either.
I have a G3C T.O.R.O . & have enjoyed it tremendously. Will the optics ready slide from my G3C work on the G3X? If not do the have a TORO for the X
The G3X was my first Taurus pistol. My great experience out of the box, ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy convinced me to buy another G3 model. My pistol has performed flawlessly with FMJ, JHP, and monolithic, in 65gr up to 147gr using the OEM Mec-Gar magazines. The bargain price made this a no-brainer. I'm very pleased with it, and I don't mind that it is a budget pistol with a dull Tenifer finish and a spotty reputation.