Tame Snappy Recoiling Micro Nines With LOK Grip Taurus GX4 Backstraps
The Taurus GX4 is a great economy micro nine, but like all micro nines it has very little real estate to hold onto. The grip is small, the slide is small and all this means is the GX4, like all sub compact 9mm pistols, will have more pronounced recoil which can be difficult to manage. In fact, some micro-nines can be a handful and hard to control when shooting fast. The LOK Grips Taurus GX4 backstrap changes the dynamic of this snappy recoiling micro nine by featuring a super aggressive texture and—if you want—more weight to better manage recoil. LOK also produces GX4 backstraps in two sizes: Small and Large.
Taurus GX4 LOK Grips Backstraps: Choose your Metal
LOK Grips manufactures Taurus GX4 backstraps out of two different metals: brass or aluminum. The brass backstraps add about 1.5 ounces of weight to the GX4, which helps you manage recoil especially with hotter 9mm loads. The aluminum backstrap adds maybe half an ounce for the small backstrap and just under an ounce for the larger backstrap. LOK Grips CNC machines the brass backstrap from solid brass and the aluminum backstrap from 6061 aluminum. LOK Grips GX4 backstraps come with a replacement roll pin for a sure fit.
LOK Grips Taurus GX4 Backstraps in Raw Brass and Red Anodized Aluminum.
The aggressive traction machined into both the aluminum and brass backstraps is a hexagonal texture that offers an excellent adhesion. Four sections of the texture is separated by three smooth strips so the backstrap isn’t overly aggressive. To me the LOK Grips GX4 backstrap feels like it is super glued to the palm of my hand. It might be too aggressive for shooting lots of rounds down range on a training day, but in my experience it offers the correct amount of bite to keep the pistol in your hand. The brass backstrap comes in two finishes a raw brass which gives your GX4 some bling. The brass also comes in a black Cerakote that matches the finish of the Taurus GX4, giving it an unassuming bad-ass look. The aluminum backstrap is available in black, red, orange, or blue anodized finish.
Installing LOK Grips GX4 Backstraps
Remove one pin and you're half way there to installing a Brass LOK Grips Taurus GX4 Backstrap on your GX4.
Removing the factory GX4 backstrap is simple and easy. You will need a 1/16-inch roll pin punch. Remove the magazine and ensure the pistol is unloaded. Use the punch to push out the factory pin, then pivot the backstrap off the frame. Install the LOK Grips backstrap by first inserting the tab at the top of the backstrap into the frame and pivot the grip down. Use the roll pin provided by LOK Grips to secure the backstrap to the frame and you are good to go.
Both the brass and aluminum backstraps perfectly mated with the frame of the GX4. The transition from LOK Grip to Taurus frame was seamless. There was no ridge or edge, which could cause an uncomfortable shooting experience.
LOK Grips Taurus GX4 Backstrap Review
I swapped the factory backstrap on my GX4 with a small size, LOK raw brass backstrap and immediately felt a change in the balance of the pistol and the way the backstrap stuck to my palm. I liked it a lot. Going hot I ripped through two magazines at the start and the hexagonal texture offered better control than the factory backstrap. My grip was more stable allowing me to better manage recoil. I also liked the added weight. While reloading, I could also press the magazine release button with the thumb of my shooting hand without losing my grip. I conceal carried the GX4 with the brass backstrap for a few weeks and found that the aggressive texture did not hamper my carry style. I carry appendix style with micro nines and my t-shirts didn’t snag on the texture.
A LOK brass backstrap installed on a Taurus GX4. This is the small size backstrap.
Swapping the brass backstrap with a large size red anodized aluminum backstrap, I found the large backstrap has a bigger arch so the pistol rotates up in my hand as I grip it. The hexagonal texture provides a sure grip and feels gritty in a good way. After running a few boxes of ammo through the GX4 doing the Bill Drill, it is easy to see why adding a LOK GX4 backstrap is a smart idea. The backstrap enhances your grip for better control especially when shooting for speed. The red anodized finish gives my GX4 a custom look.
The LOK Grip Taurus GX4 aluminum backstrap comes in either small or larger size. Shown is the large size backstrap.
Are LOK Grips GX4 Backstraps Worth It?
Micro nines are easy to carry and simple to conceal. The trade off is they are harder to shoot and manipulate because of the small size. Add sweaty or wet hands to the mix and that small micro nine will be hard to manage under recoil and during a reload. By customizing your GX4 with LOK Grip backstraps you will find that the aggressive texture gives you more control when you need it.