The brand new Taurus GX4XL 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol – freshly announced by Taurus International Manufacturing, the US-based subsidiary of the well-known Brazilian Forjas Taurus group – represents yet another symptom of the sharp turn of the concealed carry pistols market towards the "Crossover" pistols category.

For those who may (still) not be familiar with the concept, "Crossover" pistols are EDC handguns blending some features typical subcompact or micro-compact designs, such as overall width, with a slightly larger overall and barrel lengths. This would, theoretically, result in a firearm that is still easy and comfortable to carry, with minimum printing, while at the same time offering better accuracy and performance thanks to the longer barrel and sight radius.

In this specific case, the new Taurus GX4XL is built on the same metal-reinforced black polymer frame of the baseline Taurus GX4 micro-compact pistol, with the same ergonomic, slip-proof grip and trigger safety.

The nitride-coated black carbon steel slide and DLC-coated black stainless steel barrel are instead a bit longer, bringing the overall length of the new Taurus GX4XL to 11,17 cm / 4.4" – a full inch longer than the baseline GX4.

The barrel itself is 9,39 cm / 3.7" long, with six right-handed grooves and a 1:10" twist rate; the Taurus GX4XL weighs in at 566 grams (20 oz) when empty.

The slide of the new Taurus GX4XL pistol features a set of front and rear sight serrations, dovetailed anti-reflex iron sights, and is available in a T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optics Ready Option) version with a machined modular optics interface that will accept most RMR-footprint micro red dot sights through a set of adapters, including popular options such as the Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3, Shield RMSc, Holosun HS507K, Riton X3 Tactix, and the Trijicon RMR itself.

The new Taurus GX4XL retains the same striker-fired, single-action only trigger of the baseline Taurus GX4, as well as the same controls configuration, with a slide stop lever located only on the left side of the frame and a reversible magazine catch.

The Taurus GX4XL feeds through double-stack magazines holding ten, eleven, or thirteen rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, depending on local laws and regulations. 13-rounds magazines feature an extended floorplate for easier handling by larger-handed shooters.

The Taurus GX4XL is already available on the US market at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $429 for the basic model; the optics-ready version with T.O.R.O. slide is priced at $469.00. The GX4XL is also available with a Riton micro red dot sight from factory, at a suggested retail price of $549.00. Information concerning export availability and pricing is yet to be released.