The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin promises to boost the capacity of the already impressive GX4 Carry pistol. As someone who values increased firepower in a compact package, I was eager to get my hands on this extended magazine. The prospect of squeezing in a few extra rounds without sacrificing concealability was certainly appealing, and I had high hopes for this Taurus OEM offering.
My primary reason for seeking out this magazine was simple: maximizing my on-hand capacity without compromising the GX4 Carry’s form factor too much. I’ve always believed in having a few extra rounds in the magazine, especially in defensive situations, and the allure of a 15-round capacity piqued my interest. The standard magazines felt a bit short for my larger hands as well, so I wanted something that filled my grip better.
Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impressions were mixed. The all-black finish gave it a utilitarian look, and the polymer body felt solid enough, although it didn’t quite exude the premium quality of some aftermarket options. Compared to the 11-round factory magazine, the extended length was noticeable, but not excessively bulky. Side-by-side with a similar Glock magazine, the Taurus offering appeared to be of similar construction, but lacking some of the refinement of the Glock offering.
I chose this over aftermarket options hoping for guaranteed compatibility, reliability, and the peace of mind that comes with an OEM product. While third-party magazines might offer similar capacity or features, I was concerned about potential feeding issues or fitment problems. I was excited to see if the Taurus magazine would deliver on its promise of increased capacity and reliability, but also curious about its overall build quality and performance in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine primarily at an indoor shooting range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and reload exercises. The controlled environment allowed me to closely monitor the magazine’s performance and identify any potential issues. I also did some dry-fire practice at home, practicing mag changes to get a feel for the new length.
During the range session, I noticed that loading the magazine to its full capacity of 15 rounds was quite difficult. It required significant force, and the last few rounds felt overly compressed. I experienced one failure to feed within the first 50 rounds, which was concerning. The magazine seemed to function better when loaded with only 14 rounds, alleviating some of the spring tension.
The extended length of the magazine did improve my grip and overall handling of the GX4 Carry. The added length provided a more secure purchase, especially during rapid-fire drills, but not by much. I was surprised to find that it didn’t quite hold the advertised 15 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Taurus GX4 Carry magazine has become more reliable, but still isn’t perfect. It did require a break-in period, with the initial stiffness gradually easing up. I’ve put approximately 300 rounds through it, and the failure-to-feed issues have decreased significantly.
Despite the improved reliability, I’ve noticed some wear and tear on the polymer body, particularly around the magazine release cutout. The black finish has started to fade in certain areas. Maintenance involves disassembling the magazine for cleaning every 200 rounds, ensuring smooth operation and preventing malfunctions.
Compared to the factory 11-round magazines, the Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine offers increased capacity but sacrifices some reliability. While the 11-round mags have been flawless, the 15-round magazine has had a few hiccups. The added capacity is nice, but the slight compromise in reliability is a tradeoff that needs to be considered.
Breaking Down the Features of Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine is specifically designed for the Taurus GX4 Carry pistol. It is chambered in 9mm Luger and has a stated capacity of 15 rounds. The magazine body is constructed from black polymer with a steel internal spring and a polymer baseplate. It is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product.
The specifications are important because they determine the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and overall performance. The 9mm Luger caliber ensures that it works with the GX4 Carry’s standard ammunition. The polymer construction contributes to its lightweight design, but durability is a concern. The stated 15-round capacity is a significant selling point, but actual performance may vary.
Performance & Functionality
The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine does its job of providing increased capacity, but its reliability is questionable. As mentioned earlier, loading it to its full 15-round capacity can be difficult, and it is actually a 14 round magazine. Feeding issues can occur, especially when the magazine is new or fully loaded.
The magazine’s strengths include its increased capacity and improved grip, while its weaknesses include its questionable reliability and potentially reduced durability. It meets expectations in terms of increased capacity but falls short in terms of consistent, trouble-free operation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Taurus magazine features a simple and functional design. The polymer body is lightweight and easy to grip. The extended length provides a more comfortable and secure hold on the GX4 Carry, particularly for shooters with larger hands.
The magazine is user-friendly, but loading it can be a challenge. The stiff spring requires significant force, especially when loading the last few rounds, or trying to reach the stated 15 round capacity. There is minimal learning curve, but repeated loading and unloading will likely be needed to break in the spring and improve its performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine is uncertain. The polymer body is prone to wear and tear, particularly around the magazine release cutout. The magazine’s lifespan will depend on the frequency of use and the quality of maintenance.
Maintenance involves disassembling the magazine for cleaning every 200 rounds, using a mild solvent and a brush. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring smooth operation and preventing malfunctions. Replacing the spring may be necessary after extended use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available, beyond perhaps aftermarket baseplates. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory magazines.
While the magazine itself is not customizable, the GX4 Carry pistol has a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including holsters, sights, and triggers. Compatibility with popular accessories from other brands is limited, as the GX4 Carry is a relatively new platform.
Pros and Cons of Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased capacity for the Taurus GX4 Carry.
- Improved grip and handling due to extended length.
- OEM product ensures guaranteed fit.
- Relatively affordable compared to some aftermarket options.
- Solid polymer construction.
Cons
- Questionable reliability, especially when fully loaded.
- Difficult to load to full stated capacity. Only holds 14 rounds!
- Polymer body is prone to wear and tear.
Who Should Buy Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine is perfect for Taurus GX4 Carry owners who prioritize increased capacity and improved grip. It is also suitable for those who want to maintain the reliability and peace of mind that comes with an OEM product, though reliability is a real concern.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who demand absolute reliability and consistent performance. The magazine’s occasional feeding issues may be unacceptable for those who rely on their firearms for self-defense or duty use. Owners of other pistols besides the GX4 Carry should also skip it, as it’s only compatible with that platform.
A must-have modification or accessory would be a magazine loader to assist with loading the stiff spring, or potentially an upgraded, aftermarket spring that would improve reliability.
Conclusion on Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine 15rd 9mm Luger, Fits Taurus GX4 Carry – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine offers a compelling combination of increased capacity and improved grip for Taurus GX4 Carry owners. However, its questionable reliability and durability are significant drawbacks.
The price of $28.49 is relatively affordable, but the magazine’s performance issues may not justify the cost for some shooters. While the potential of increased capacity is attractive, the reality of the performance is somewhat disappointing, especially considering the magazine’s advertised 15-round capacity versus the real world 14 round experience.
I would recommend this product with reservations. If you are willing to accept the potential for occasional feeding issues and are prepared to perform regular maintenance, the Taurus 358003100 GX4 Replacement Magazine can be a useful addition to your GX4 Carry setup. But, be aware that you’re only getting 14 rounds, not 15. Consider thoroughly testing the magazine and breaking it in extensively before relying on it for critical situations.