Springfield Armory
https://www.springfield-armory.com/
Have you ever thought of how your hand specifically interacts with your gun? When you draw, when you point, one hand, two hands, under recoil, as the action slams the next shell home? That is the thinking that went into Springfield Armory’s newest entry into the XD line of polymer striker fired pistols, the XD Mod.2. They’ve overhauled their double-stack subcompact, 13+1 in 9mm and 9 + 1 in.40SW. The size is about the same, but the feel of the gun is totally different. The XD Mod.2 is the new cutting edge of firearm ergonomics and usability. We got to shoot both the 9mm and .40SW for this review.
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The new XD Mod 2 with much improved Grip Zone grip.
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The subcompacts will be available in 9mm and .40 S&W.
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If you remember, the 3″ subcompact was the only model in the XD line that didn’t come out in the XD(M) configuration. This XD Mod.2 is leapfrogging the XD(M) guns with new features, and is really made for the new educated consumer. The original Springfield XD was the first of the polymer pistols that many shooters thought actually felt good in their hand. Two generations later, with an entirely new level of ergonomic firearm science, this XD Mod.2 is going to be the gun to beat when it comes to naturally shooting a handgun as an extension of your hand.
The Grip Zone hashes are like Velcro for you hand.
“A Whole New Feeling” is what Springfield calls the Mod.2. Our first experience with the gun bore that out. It does feel different, and we shot it really well. The Mod.2 divides the grip of the gun up into zones, called the Grip Zones(TM). These zones to react with your hand in all modes of use, draw, point, fire, followup shots, and if you look at the pictures here, you’ll see that there are subtle differences in the grip surface in these zones, barely visible to the naked eye.
Springfield explains it very simply:
“The Grip Zone(TM) has improved grasp performance and stickier grip characteristics so that your hand will be less prone to torque, wrench and flip when shooting. The pistol will naturally stay in position due to the increased traction of the innovative textures. Additionally, you’ll be applying less force to the frame. This is ergonomic science applied where it matters the most – to the interface of the shooter and the firearm.”
The original XD design was specifically meant to be an extension of your hand, but it was made of smooth polymer. This is definitely a stickier version of that same concept.
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The new XD, with the original grip extension is very easy to hold.
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The New XD Mod 2 Subcompact
- Caliber 9mm or .40 S&W
- Barrel 3 inch hammer forged
- Length 6.25 inches
- Width 1.19 at the slide drop
- Height 4.75 inches
- Height 5.25 with extended mag
- Weight 26oz–empty
- Capacity 13+1, 16+1 (9mm) or 9+1, 12+1 (.40)
- MSRP $565 (black) $599 (Bitone)
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The original XD.
The question I always ask myself is “where does this gun fit in the firearms market?” A 3″ doublestack 9mm subcompact is one step up in concealed carry from a traditional pocket pistol or small waist pistol or revolver. I’m partial to 9mms, and the original XD Subcompact provided tremendous performance in a very compact package. This stickier Mod.2 Subcompact is mostly the same dimensions as the original, but the edges are slightly rounder and the slide has been greatly improved. For me, as a fan of another Springfield CCW gun, the 9mm XD-S I was an instant convert to the XD Subcompact after I shot it side by side with my XD-S for the first time back in August. Sadly, I had to send the Mod.2 back immediately after the testing. Springfield is sending us another gun for the giveaway.
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The original XD and XD-S 9, side by side, are really close in size, but not capacity.
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That .3″ difference is a big selling point for the XD-S.
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The New Grip–Grip Zone
Look closely at the photos below. What you will see are three distinct areas, or zones. The most aggressive texture is on the front and back of the grip (Grip Zone 1). These two places are where most force is applied by your hand. The nubs of the XD are gone, replaced by these hashes, these miniature rice like blades. Hard to describe, easy to understand. The smaller texture fits better into the grooves of your hand. The nubs bent the skin into submission. This texture acts more like Velcro. Your hand sticks to the texture. As you can imagine, I’ve shot a lot of polymer pistols, ranging from perfectly smooth to something like skateboard tape to actual skateboard tape (ouchies on that one) and after putting a good deal of brass in the air with the Mod.2 I feel that the textures are aggressive enough to make a big difference, but not too aggressive so that you are waiting for that sandpaper dig by the 5th shot of the magazine. Perhaps that is why they split up the textures into different zones for parts of the hand.
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The new texture is very aggressive, without having teeth. What you see here on the transition to the grip’s side is Grip Zone 2. In the middle (where it says Grip Zone) is Grip Zone 3.
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The nubs on the grip extension provided grip, but not as much as all the little slashes in the Grip Zone. It is hard to see, but the lower Grip Zone 1 is slightly more aggressive than the Grip Zone 2 texture that wraps up the side.
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On the front, your fingertips will reach around and fall right where the texture pattern ends–this is Grip Zone 2. For my somewhat average hands it is a perfect fit. The area where your fingers and palm don’t connect are not as highly textured, but still aren’t slick. What looks like slick plastic here feels more like suede or felt (Grip Zone 3). It still provides positive grip. This, in my opinion, is where a few guns go wrong by having too aggressive a texture on the most sensitive part of your hand, so that it “bites.” It is a difficult difference to put into words, but the Mod.2 doesn’t have that bite.
Another point, and one I feel that is also crucial, is that the grip isn’t so tacky that you can’t move your thumb off the grip to get to the mag release. Some poorly thought out grips are so rough that it becomes difficult to slide from a shooting hold to a manipulation hold to drop the magazine or the slide.
The new XD (Mod 2) maintains the same dimensions, but the slide and grip both feel even narrower in this design.
Kind of an oddball test I thought of for the gun was something I have experienced while shooting all afternoon at summer training facilities. I get sweaty and guns get hard to hold onto. To my surprise, the new Grip Zone is also effective while your hands are wet. It is as if water or sweat (or even blood or oil, for that matter) is forced down into the grooves. The hashes stay above the liquid and still provide grip.
And the other improvements?
The slide has also been redesigned, and as a fan of the original XD Subcompact, I see a huge difference in usability with the Mod.2. The ridges at the rear of the gun are deep and allow for easy manipulation. I thought the original XD was good. This is even better. Racking the slide is very easy, and again, even with wet hands.
I also feel that the new slide design lends itself to a more positively aligned draw stroke. Look at the lines on the slide and frame. These will make holster fit even more exact in the way it clicks in. The shelf that runs along the slide will act like rails, keeping the gun in line.
Below the slide, the Mod.2 has a new trigger guard profile. The convex front edge is gone and the guard is now more like that of a 1911. This is a style issue, for sure, but some shooters have a bad habit of wrapping up on a convex guard and using that position for leverage. The problem is that the pressure exerted there tends to torque the gun, ever so slightly, which makes some people pull shots.
And closer to the grip, the guard connects with at a steeper angle, so you can get the hand higher up on the grip. The result is a fully thought out platform. Your shooting hand connects well with the gun. The support hand is free of structural impediments.
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The Mod 2 also has deeper slide serrations, making manipulation easier.
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The front of the trigger guard is rounded over and has very subtle texture.
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Springfield has also upgraded the sights. The rear sight has a two dot pattern set in black. The sight itself has a slight ridge that allows it to be used as an assistive racking device. Slap it against your holster, or pants pocket, or boot heel, and push. Just about any training routine should include one handed drills, and though this may be a tiny and rarely mentioned feature, being able to rack the slide one handed is a big deal when it comes to actual gunfights.
The front sight has been upgraded as well, to a red fiber optic in a steel frame. Both sights are adjustable, and the combination of the two is an improvement over the old three dot system. The glowing red dot is much easier to pick up for most shooters.
I think the the Mod.2 also points very well, and I think that the garish red at the muzzle helps that. The fiber optic picks up light well. It isn’t a glow in the dark tritium night sight, but it is still highly visible in low light situations.
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The bead sight has been replaced by a red fiber optic.
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The rear sight is streamlined, but has a slight shelf for one handed manipulation.
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How does it shoot?
We ran through 200 rounds of .40, and close to 500 rounds of 9mm during two long days with these pistols. During that time, we ran drills from concealment. We shot from point blank out to 100 yards. We pushed the guns and got them dirty. I shot with dry hands and with wet hands, left handed and right handed, two handed and one handed. I even tried to induce limp wrist stovepipes.
There were no malfunctions. This is typical for the Springfield line. Anything else and I would have been disappointed. We shot every grain weight 9mm we could find. This included high performance rounds like Hornady Critical Defense and Critical Duty, all the way down to the steel case junk 115 grain. Everything worked well.
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20 rounds from 7 yards, from a concealed holster. I pull left and low when I shoot fast.
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I did better with the .40 on this drill. Only one off target.
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As both of these targets show, I have a tendency to pull left when I’m drawing from the holster. Despite all of my practice, I still get too much finger on the trigger and squeeze like a mad man. Still, I had no difficulty getting the Mod.2 free from concealment and on target. I was running about 1.8 seconds from the beep to the round on target at seven yards, and that’s from a couple of sufficient (but not perfect) holsters. From outside the waistband, I’m typically closer to 1.25 seconds, so I’m happy with 1.8.
And when I slow it down and take staged shots, I have no problem hitting point of aim. The 9mm is ideal for me, and I can call shots to within an inch. That’s not bad from a gun with a 3 inch barrel (which counts the length of the case and bullet in that 3 inches). The .40 has a bit sharper recoil, and my guess is that I was anticipating it–and pulling the gun off. So I guess I need to carry two! One .40 for defensive shooting (see target above, right) and one 9mm for more precise shots (left target below).
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This is five shots from the 9 with an eye on accuracy. There had been a 1″ dot on the target that shot off.
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I dropped two with the .40, but the first three were dead on.
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This isn’t the end. It is only the beginning!
The Mod.2 is a great new addition to the Springfield line, and though I am a fan of the XD(M) guns, the Mod.2 is much better. If you want to carry a 9mm, or .40, or a .45, Springfield has to be in the conversation. Their concealed carry guns continue to push boundaries. The Mod.2 XD Subcompact is very concealable. And the capacity is admirable. The grip is the best stock grip on a polymer pistol on the market. It rivals the feel of exceptionally well executed grip modification.
If the Mod.2 is any indication, we can expect to see even more functional design changes down the line. I’d love an XD-S with this texture. And the increase in control offered by the Grip Zone would be even more effective on a full-sized pistol. The XD(M) guns are already very easy shoot flat as compared to other striker, as well as hammer guns. With the Grip Zone technology we are going to see the rest of the pistol world running to catch up.
I shoot a lot. I review a lot of guns and truth be told, I love most of them. It has been said many times in the pages here at GunsAmerica Digest that we are living in the golden age of firearms. There are a ton of great pistols, and many of them are also great values for what you get. In such a crowded field of great guns it is hard to stand out, but I think that Springfield has done it with this new Mod.2. If you are just reading this as the article is published, Springfield is running a Hit The Range promotion at hundreds of shooting ranges across the country, and many of them will have this gun. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Even closer on the grip texture. The detail is really exacting.
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The texture covers the back where your palm hits the grip.
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This odd ridge actually serves to point the thumb directly to the mag release.
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The lines of the Mod 2 are clean and consistent. They flow from the back of the slide down to the muzzle and then back onto the grip.
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The middle of each grip gets less contact with the hand, so it has less texture.
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This ridge at the back of the mag well keeps your palm from catching on the mag when it is released. Even the flush fit mag drops free.
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The original XD grip had issues that some have sought to solve through customization.
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This SSVI grip mod attacks the texture issue and improves on the aesthetic. But such mods are time consuming.
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Striker status indicator in the un-cocked position.
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Ready to rock. The striker status indicator is easy to see, even when the gun is holstered.
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The Versacarry holsters work well with any guns–and even more useful while holster makers catch up with demand.
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As long as the barrel plug fits, the holster is very secure.
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Color coded plugs make picking out proper fits very easy.
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Versacarry–almost painfully simple.
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Or pick something all-purpose. This Elite Survival holster works even better in a bag than it does in the waistband.
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Both the 9mm and the .40 come with one flush and one extended mag.
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Each is made of welded stainless, and very well built.
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Mag wells have a slight bevel and are easy enough to find with the point of the magazine.
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In all my Springfield trigger time, I’ve never found a faulty magazine. It is a great design.
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I’m eager to see which Springfield guns get the Grip Zone treatment next. My vote? the XD-S.
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The Grip Zone logo is prominent.
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I have a number of Springfield guns…I love ’em all…My first hand gun was the Springfield XD9…it’s still one of my favorites…but I must say I have both the XD Mod2 9mm and the XD Mod2 .45 FDE…These are one of the best All Around Guns on the market…
I own the Springfield Mod.2 in 9MM and 40SW, and I am very pleased with these guns and their high capacity capability. I carry concealed everyday and these guns are VERY concealable. I am retired law enforcement and I highly recommend these weapons for concealed carry.
Thank you for your service. I can’t wait to get mine
I own the Springfield Mod. 2 FDE in 9MM and 40SW. I really like the high capacity mags it has and the gun size. Th
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really realize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my website =). We could have a hyperlink trade contract among us!
I purchased the XD-9 mod -2 5″ barrel
Tactical compared to my Glock and HK 40
I ENJOY shooting the Spring . Arm . alot more this gun just fits so well that it actually feels like an extension of my limbs for sure , this is a great gun !
I just bought the 9mm mod 2 and put 200 rounds through it yesterday it shoots very nice the trigger has a nice crisp break everyshot and it is very very aaccurate. The only thing I had to change was the rear sight was off just a little once it was adjusted it was shooting about a two inch group at 25 yards
where do I enter the giveaway at thank you
Today I traded my 2 year old glock 22 for a new xd mod 2 in .40 cal even up. I find my glock was nothing but a bedside pistol & I love to reload my practice loads but dont trust shooting .40 in a glock. I have the xds 4.0 in .45 & love it and the mod 2 will be a great addition to the family.
OMG As a retired 25 year veteran LEO I’ve never read so much whining. I’ve carried everything from wheel guns to semi automatics on duty. I had always been a big fan of Glocks, but as I was preparing to make another purchase for both on and off duty use I checked out every .40 S&W caliber out there and quickly discovered the quality of the new Springfield Armory XD Sub Compact mod 2 is superior to any semi automatic that I looked at. The pistol is exactly what the company tells you about. It’s an extention of your hand and arm and the grip is spot on. When you fire this pistol you have full control and confidence every shot every time. I never picked up or shot any Springfield Armory Pistols ever before but after comparing pistol after pistol brand after brand I was sold. And seriously I could care less about letters or words on the grip like grip zone they don’t bother me at all. And if my new pistol looks like a cordless drill then don’t stand in front of me when I pull the trigger or your gonna get drilled. The only modification I am going to make is add night sights so I can see during the hours of darkness and or during building clearing. If they produce a 4-5 inch service weapon like this I will most likely buy that also.
OMG As a retired 25 year veteran LEO I’ve never read so much whining. I’ve carried everything from wheel guns to semi automatics on duty. I had always been a big fan of Glocks, but as I was preparing to make another purchase for both on and off duty use I checked out every .40 S&W caliber out there and quickly discovered the quality of the new Springfield Armory XD Sub Compact mod 2 is superior to any semi automatic that I looked at. The pistol is exactly what the company tells you about. It’s an extention of your hand and arm and the grip is spot on. When you fire this pistol you have full control and confidence every shot every time. I never picked up or shot any Springfield Armory Pistols ever before but after comparing pistol after pistol brand after brand I was sold. And seriously I could care less about letters or words on the grip like grip zone they don’t bother me at all. And if my new pistol looks like a cordless drill then don’t stand in front of me when I pull the trigger or your gonna get drilled. The only modification I am going to make is add night sights so I can see during the hours of darkness and or during building clearing. If they produce a 4-5 inch service weapon like this I will most likely buy that also.
I have the service XD .40 9102 with a 4″ barrel. I like it very much. Despite the negative reviews about .40SW being too high in pressure, I was surprised to have been able to get a head shot during my CCW training. And this was during a quick draw from the holster, and then following the remaining procedures by the instructor to shoot center mass twice and one shot to the head, all done very quickly. Maybe it was a lucky shot but I feel that the gun’s grip angle and its barrel design had a lot to do with it.
Despite my satisfaction with my pistol, I realize that it’s not the ideal conceal carry weapon. I plan on keeping it as a home defense weapon (with a tactical light attached), and maybe as my secondary one after I hopefully purchase this Mod. 2 or something equally as good and compact as this pistol. The potential problem is the state that I live in. I’m in California and heard that the Mod. 2 isn’t allowed to be sold here but that I can purchase a used one. Does this only pertain to ones sold in California, or can I get one from a gun shop by having a seller in another state sell it to him, and then subsequently sell it to me? Is it so difficult to get one here that I can only hope to purchase one from a LEO? Are pawn shops a good place to look or is that a waste of time? I tried locating a Mod. 2 in .40SW in California but so far no results. Am I wasting my time and energy doing this? Am I better off getting some other subcompact pistol by another brand?
Great review and the XD Mod 2 looks good. I’m considering this or the XDs but other than width and the number of rounds it holds why would I choose one or the other for CCW?
I didn’t know this gun existed until visiting SA website. I own a G26 because of its capacity and wanting to know what the big deal was with “Glock” everyone speaks of. But every once in a while I bring out my first polymer XD SC9. Some reason it feels better and feels more accurate (not an even comparison of course regarding size), everyone I’ve let try it says the same things I’ve observed.
I dislike the aftermarket magazine extender for my G26, it pinches just for 2 extra rds on top of the default 10. I like the XD mod2 for the capacity and history I’ve had with SA. I mean 13 or 16 in a subcompact? Awesome!! I love the double stack and wouldn’t feel secure with the single stacks out there (6-7 rds). Better to have too much than not enough.
I’m torn between this and the non mod2 subcompact by SA. Love the gripping but not fond of the “Grip Zone”.
Kid how you u be so dumb . The glock 26 is a perfect and the capacity is great I mean you could insert the 10rd/ 15rd/ 17rd & 33rds
glockboy 23, it seems like you are still a boy playing with toys. I own almost every mfg. BUT A GLOCK. Spent time in Nam and started shooting at 10. At 78 I still shoot and prefer a Springfield to any other hand gun. But everyone has there opinion. even if bad.
Have been looking for a compact weapon in 9 or 40 caliber and this one looks good.
Have been looking for a compact weapon in 9 or 40 caliber and this one looks good.
I would like to enter the contest to win one of these guns could you give me some entry information
how much does it cost?
I don’t know why people say xd are better than glock. for one I own both the xd 40 and g19. the glock shoots every thing I put in it so dose the xd but I get better groups with the glock than the xd . and that’s with all ammo even with the crap ammo. the glock is lighter than the xd. I did the torcher test on both dirt, water all that cold weather, snow no problem with glock. the xd on the other hand did not stand up to the test. don’t get me wrong I love both my guns and all but you cant sit there and say o one is better than the other with out doing any type of research. I don’t know if one is relay better or not it could just be the guns maybe if I got two more my glock would mess up and the xd would do well who knows. but if a intruder came into my home I would have no problem having ether one.in a shtf or wrol I would take the glock and the xd would be back up. and another thing the glock is better for is the 33 round mag you can get for it cant do that with the xd. there is no really no better or worse just what one is more suitable for something than the other.
we all know how to strip and clean the obvious, ever notice all the hidden parts and springs in this gun? The crud gets all up in the trigger mech and pin/stryker block, springs everywhere. How can those areas be cleaned to prevent corrosion over a long period of time. its a very valid concern Not all guns, ie Sigs and S&W, Glocks etc. do not have as many hidden areas, especially sigs. I would love to hear or see ANY information regarding this.
pro mag has 34 round steel mags for 34.00, I just bought one and the XD9 MOD 2 SC took it with no problems, cannot let this gun have any grit build up in the trigger housing or in and around the other three areas with springs or it will not stay in battery…have to keep this gun white glove clean or do not buy one for sure, it is a great gun but IT MUST BE KEPT CLEAN.
I have the N82 (professional) holster for the xd subcompact 9mm and it is phenomenal for every day carry. I know the Mod 2 is super new but has anyone experienced any holster compatibility problems between the older xd sub and this new mod 2. I was just wondering if i got the new mod 2 if i was going to have to get another $70 holster.
Springfield, I like the gun.
Can you please make a plain wrap version?
The only numbers and letters should be the serial #, and I barely want to see them
I have 9mm in the fill size XD . And one in XD45S and they are both very good weapons
I happened to be awake when the “real” email (not another teaser) came out with the mod-2 announcement. I harvested and read all I could find about the weapon. Only to find it would be available in 9mm and .40 cal. (sigh). But! ok. I already have the .45 xds….love it. LOVE it. I’ve read about the grips. I’ve read about the trigger. I’ve read about….well, about everything I could find, about the XDs…..and found my own experience with that weapon to be (I guess) somewhat unique. I LOVE IT. Period.
When the recall notice came out for the XDs, I (apparently) was one of the first to send it in…mine came back very very quickly, with the fix. I was NOT expecting S.A. to include a 2nd gun case AND an extended mag as a “thank you.”
They cemented me in as a dedicated customer right then. Right there.
Biased? Sure. But not without experience, nor would anyone that knows me consider me naive.
I found the .Mod 2 interesting, the grip zone very appealing (still haven’t found one in the Raleigh, NC area, but not for lack of looking….Dixie Gun Show this weekend, maybe I’ll get lucky!), but agree with some here, that the branding of the “grip zone” emblazoned on the weapon is a bit much! But who sees it when you use it, hmmmm???? It’s all about performance, to me.
My father handed down a very ugly, battered 12 gauge semi-automatic Belgian (true Belgian) shotgun from the 30s….beat-up, been used for years in the brush, hunted for pheasant and quail….successfully….in Alaska, Alabama, California, etc…. Ugly gun. Wouldn’t take any money for it in the world. Works great (with light loads). Not pretty. But. Effective. Comfortable. And works EVERY TIME IT’S USED.
THAT’S what I’m looking for in a weapon, regardless of its application, and regardless of its “badging”…..does it work? does it feel good when I use it? and is it consistent?
Just old-school considerations, folks….from an old-school kind of shooter…..
I wish the XD was made in the USA !!!!!
I’ve always been a fan of the XD pistol. I had to have one of the compact .45 XDs as soon as they came out but to my disappointment I found the grip surface just too aggressive. I shoot scandium .357s and .44 magnums so I’m no baby, but I just didn’t like the heavy “tread” pattern and found it really uncomfortable to shoot. I sold the .45 the day after I bought it, at a pretty substantial loss. I really wish this gun had been available then. I’d love one but I really can’t afford another expensive experiment. Great gun, I’m sure,
Love my Shield…but will try the new SA today..
I did not like all of the dumb marketing teasers. Got an email saying that something new was coming every day. All this hype for a grip texture change? I do the same thing myself with a soldering iron. I too am not a fan of the “grip zone” on the sides. Also would prefer a tritium site instead of fiber optic. That being said I do like the change. Means I would not have to burn my own change to the grip. But is it a game changer? I don’t think so.
Had an original XD and subcompact…didn’t get the hang of the trigger. Shot an XDm…loved it, sold the XD’s and was stuck with mags. No one is saying if the Mod 2 is compatible with either XD or XDm mags…OR does SA have another ploy to generate a new mag line????
They are compatible with the original XD compact mags.
Lady at Springfield Armory told me via phone that the XD mags will work in the Mod 2 but not in the XDM, having said that at the store the Xd mag seemed to fit and operate in an XDM but it was a little loose.
“Grip Zone” ? Did they really have to plaster that to the side of the grip? Makes it look cheesy. Plus, what’s up with the fiber optic front sight? It’s called an XD for extreme duty, fiber sights are not durable, I’d rather have a standard white dot front. Other than those two turds it looks great.
Could use some more words engraved in the frame/grip/slide, I don’t think there’s enough.
Nice looking pistol.
Looks great. I have the XD .45 and the XDS .45 Love them both. I think I’ll get rid of my Glock 22 and get the new XD mod.2 Both 9mm and .40. Thank you Springfield!!!!!
It looks like Gripzone just came out with a new gun.
LOL
I dont see much difference compared to my original xd-40 sc. And if you really want a gun that it IS an extension of your hand try the CZ 75 PCR subcompact. I did and its now my new CCW. Its all metal , feel lighter than my xd and its a freaking tack driver. The “shoot low and to the left” is not propietary of the author shooting fast as he said. It is part of the XD subcompact and it is because of the trigger. The trigger mechanism in the XD is in a way that when you push that last microsecond before it actually shots, it makes the gun point down and to the left. I found out by dry firing without bullets, veryyy slowwww, and found a way to correct it, but all of them have it. I still do like my xd40 but it is not my main carry anymore,mostly a 2nd option if I need to leave my CZ for my wife.
May I ask how you overcame the low or left problem???
This pistol looks very promising, but I’ll wait until the 45ACP version comes out.
I recently picked up a new edc: M&P Shield 9mm with no thumb safety. I looked seriously at the compact and the slimmer XDs in 9mm, but opted for the Shield. Why? The overly aggressive texturing on the grip of the XDs. After shooting for a while it felt like it was shredding my hand like a cheese grater. This Mod.2 might be worth a look. Even better would be this less aggressive grip style on an XDs.
I have the XDs in 45ACP and do not find the checkering to be overly aggressive. I think it’s actually more comfortable to shoot than some of my steel and aluminum framed 45s with grid checkering.
You made a wise choice and you saved about $150 dollars at a minimum too. I know that I saved close to $200 going with the shield over the xds. Still glad I made that decision.
My XDs 45 does not ever feel that way in my hand. I like to shoot it. Never uncomfortable in any way.
Merely a pathetic marketing attempt. everything “new” on this has already been done, so where’s the design breakthrough?. Stipling the grips and deeper serrations on the slide… ooohhh yippee. the company big wigs simply went to these “designers” and told them sales were way down and they needed a change to boost them, So, they merely did the least amount possible just so they could come out and claim a new better gun? it seems more of a admission that previous xd’s were poorly thought out and not made as good as they should have been. Just like the xds, rushed to market by a company desperate for sales, only to find out it is an unsafe and dangerous weapon requiring a Major recall. But I guess quality control is difficult when your company is in Illinois and “your guns” are made in croatia.( by someone else) how the reviewer can pack so much hype into his review is the real work here, I bet it took him longer to write this article, than it took springfield to come up with these “design” changes. it must have been difficult to hype up and get a review this long because of a small grip change and deeper serrations on the slide. if you really want to see a difference, shoot this xd and a Kimber at the range, you won’t want the xd after that.
Going from the xds to a Kimber is like instantly becoming a sharp shooter! I thought it was me the whole time with my xds, but quickly found out it was the gun and not my shooting when I sold the xds and got the Kimber. Too hard to tell if the reviewer is biased because he owns them or merely paid by springfield armory to write such a glowing review about a grip change and deeper serrations? if they truly wanted to make it better, they would have improved the accuracy and not some half-ass attempt doing the least amount possible, just so they could claim the xd’s are ” new and improved” hoping all you xd owners will run out to get the new gun, simply because it says mod 2 on the slide. Having first hand experience shooting these makes it easy to not buy into this marketing hype as I now know from personal experience, and won’t be swayed by the hype the company is putting out. if you want a gun that shoots as good as the xd, buy a Hi-Point (or buy 3 of them and spend the same amount as you would for one xd). You will shoot just as good, spend less money & have an American made gun with a lifetime warranty. not some overpriced import with an American name on the slide. and what does it say about springfield armory when they choose not to make a pocket pistol like the xds in the USA, but merely buy a croation made gun and stamp their name on the slide and import it as their own? It’s reminds me of how this company bought the “Springfield Armory” name, and then claimed the recognition, reputation, and history of the original springfield armory.
But don’t believe me, just go out and shoot an xd with something else and prove it to yourself, then you will learn what I did, and hopefully before you buy one like I did ( which spent more time at the factory than in my possession)
If I win the giveaway xd mod.2, it will immediately be sold as a new never been fired weapon, I won’t even open the box to look at it.
Damn, dude, tell us how you really feel…
To bs: Sour grapes?
My first protection pistol was the XD-40. I had looked at various pistols/brands at the LGS and got a chance to hold each. I was after a Glock because of all the hype that I had read, but went with the XD based on how it felt in my hand.
Later I purchased a XD-9 Sub-compact for my wife. We took our respective guns to Front Sight for the extended self defense course (4 days) firing upwards of 600 rounds in that time – without a single misfire, misfeed, or anything else. We also got into some competition having outshot some of the other students – lots of other brands out there! Since I have purchased the XDs-9 and use that as my primary carry.
I have purchased other guns/brands over the years since and have had to go elsewhere since SA didn’t make a pistol in my desired caliber (380ACP and 10MM) or configuration (revolver) – else I would have purchased an XD instead.
I’m sure the Kimber is a fine gun, but at 3x the cost, it’s out of my price range. The XD line has been very good for me. Sorry you got a lemon (or you just can’t shoot). All my XD’s are dead on at point of aim – if I don’t flinch when pulling the trigger.
I can understand not liking a gun because a gun is personal preference, but I don’t understand a rant like yours, especially when there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that you’ve shot this new gun. Before I purchased my XDm, I tried several handguns and found that the XDm felt best and for me was more accurate. I respect that you like a different brand, but wow, that was quite an emotional soap box you were on. You must have some chip on your shoulder towards Springfield or something to even hurl insults at the reviewer. I’m just wondering if it is a buffalo chip…
Speaking of biased!
bs, what the hell??
I own both a Kimber and XD40 and my go to choice every time is my XD. It is a pure pleasure to shoot and a natural pointer. The Kimber, in my opinion, is a fine firearm but not worth the extra $$ I paid. Yea it shoots straight. But so does my XD, and my XD is far more comfortable to shoot. Espically when we are talking about hundreds of rounds in a short period of time. I own both and won’t be selling either any time soon but my choice is the XD.
How much will you take for it? I am first in line.
WOW BS, did you wake up on the wrong side of the play pen this morning?? I’m guessing your a Die hard Glock fan? Thanks for my morning laugh!
Ok, BS. You used a lot of words, and a lot of bad grammar. I respect your right to have an opinion, but I really wish you had taken the time (given the length of your particular rant) to adequately express your points in a manner that elevates the discussion and keeps this forum from disintegrating into familiar cat-calls or just plain foolish name calling. You don’t care for the Springfield Armory platform of handguns? Detail the reasons….don’t fall back on emotions. Do it logistically, not with silly comparisons, trying to sound literate….and failing. Comparing Kimber with S.A.? BOTH are quality arms manufacturers, with features and details that appeal (and crossover) to various handgun enthusiasts.
You, obviously, fall between all of the above.
You just wanna whine. So whine. Cry. Bleat and beat your breast (or chest…whichever might apply in your case, since you are unwilling to use any kind of real name).
Why deprive someone ELSE of a chance to win a Mod 2 (I ENTERED) when you don’t like the S.A. pistol style whatsoever?
You, sir/madam/whatever are a spoiler….but you won’t spoil genuine enthusiasts…..you simply amuse us.
Write on…..heheheheheheh
Hey, all of you are gas! Good, bad or rotten.. the variance in choices are to have, what best suits “us”! Glocks are pretty tits.. (that slipped) and SA’s are. Kool too! The G22, fits my lg. Grip well. Something, that is a burden upon my choices!
I think its safe to say, we’re all different! So, specifics will not always be appealing. A compact weapon, is not lways a comfortable Fit.. for me! Hampering my concealment of choice! Its whatever works! So a couple you grab a tissue and others.. change the diaper! Butt, YOU gentleman i must thank for the amusement!
Hey, all of you are gas! Good, bad or rotten.. the variance in choices are to have, what best suits “us”! Glocks are pretty tits.. (that slipped) and SA’s are. Kool too! The G22, fits my lg. Grip well. Something, that is a burden upon my choices!
I think its safe to say, we’re all different! So, specifics will not always be appealing. A compact weapon, is not always a comfortable Fit.. for me! Hampering my concealment of choice! Its whatever works! So a couple you grab a tissue and others.. change the diaper! Butt, YOU gentleman i must thank for the amusement!
Been to the High Point facility,quality control is non existent,not aware of cpk values…joke to even compare to XD
Merry Christmas to me!!! XD
I agree with what a couple others have said about the words “Grip Zone”. Kinda hokey if ya ask me. Other than that I would love to put one in my collection.
I know, why do they do that?
Maybe they should print “dead zone” or “wrong person” on the front of the barrel
Or maybe “Smile – Wait for Flash”
Funny!
Very nice, would love this for my collection
Looks to me as if Springfield has taken the example set by Walther and HK. Both of the German brands have already been using this grip texture to great effect. Very promising. I’m not too fond of the XD line, but this does seem to be a significant improvement.
Ya Scott, I noticed that.
I’m a proud owner of the PPQ M1 .40
I really like this new striker fire XD
Glad to see the smoother slide and TD levers and no BS safety, ( just the very efficient back strap and trigger ).
The fiber optic front sight, great grip texture and slide serrations.
It really dose come close to the Q. Put a paddle mag release on that baby and SOLD!
I also like that it’s slightly smaller than my Q.
Might get me a 9mm., Or if they design a 45 like that, I’ll jump on it.
I own two of the original XD .40s, both acquired after the XDm became available. I think the XDm grip was a huge step backwards in ergonomics, and I’m happy to see that Springfield is already evolving. These model 2 grips look like they got a little influence from the HK P30, which is the most ergonomic polymer gun I’ve ever held. BUT, what about those of us who carry on duty, or live in open carry states? Do we really have to be walking advertisements for your lazy marketing “GRIP ZONE” slogan molded into each side? I realize it will appeal to some mall ninjas, but leave that on your print ads and off the guns.
I thought maybe I was the only one that hated the labeling on the grip. I guess it’s good they didn’t paint it white.
Hate that stupid looking logo, too. Looks like a kids toy or some tool of sort.
Good guns but they still look more like a cordless drill than a gun.
Agreed. Man, those things are ugly!!! They do make a quality firearm though.
Very fine piece; I like it.
Looks GREAT !!!
Yeah I think I like it! I got to try one at a hit the range promotion here in Dallas. Its da bomb!
Fine review,but how does it compair to a Glock 19?
Well, the XD9 subcompact is about 1″ shorter, same width, 1/4″ less in height, and a 1″ shorter barrel. Of course, it is a subcompact where as the G19 is a compact. Do you mean the G26?
I would definitely like to see it compared to the glock 26.
I’m not sure that an apples to apples comparison can be achieved between the XD, any of them, and the Glocks. It has been stated many times in many blogs and articals depending on the POV the given writer how excellent one or the other is. Each seem to have their die hard fans. Both are excellent platforms.
First, I’m not a flock fan. I own two Glocks but carry neither. They serve as training/range guns mostly and there have been several converts to them from shooting mine. It’s a well designed platform and does the job it was intended for just fine. Just not for me. The Glock ergonomics never fit well in my hand regardless of what “Mod” they came out with. The rear of the Glock grip has always been uncomfortable in the web of either hand. Glock has never to my knowledge done anything about this area of their design. Even with the interchangeable backstraps, which first appeared with the XD’s, the issue remained. Perhaps in their Mod 5 . . . .or 6, they will address this issue, unlikely due to the cost to retool for it but, …. maybe.
It is very likly however that Glock will copy to one degree or another what XD has accomplished in their
Mod 2 improvements. As Good and Great ideas rarely remain static for long and soon are picked up by those who think it will breath more life into their own products. It will be different, it may even be declared as “original” and “unique” and I’m sure that it will improve their grip just as it has for this XD. Its the way of such things after all.
You can compare these two platforms as much as you like. Writers may try to find common ground between them, trying to bring the two camps together.
Perhaps bringing others into this fold from the 1911, or Sig or Browning etc. onclaves . . . maybe even a diehard wheel gun hold out too! . . . Maybe.
NOT, going to hold my breath or campaign for any such miracles but . . . Maybe!
I have always felt that The XD designers and innovators took a more thoughtful and shooter specific approach to the XD series product line then Glock designers did. The Glock design seemed to have been cut short when the reached the basic geometery of form an function that is found in all “mods” of Glocks, called it good and stopped looking to further improve the product.
They, the XD designers, on the other hand seem to put out a nearly flawless, and functional product with well thought out and incorporated elements of geometery, ergonomics and function that improve dramatically with each variant of their product line. Almost every varient could nearly be considered a new line given the improvements that XD designers construct each new offering with.
If there is a blank spot in the XD lines from the POV of this shooter and end user it would be that there is no 10mm offering and it would be nice to have a .22LR and/or .22 Mag/.17HMR conversion kit(s) available too. Are you listening Springfield?? Hello?? ….. Well, I’ll kerp them on the wish list anyway.
It may be true that if Springfield had come out before Glock the story lines would be different today. We will never know. But I digress.
The question was what a head to head between the Glock 26 and this new XD would look like. My guess ….. Pretty much like all the other head to head between them have always looked.
Glock fans will stick with Glock no matter what, XD fans will smile and be pleased with the new design and each camp will acquire a few new followers to their fold.
As for me, I will acquire one of the new XD’s in each of the offered calibers as I have with previous offerings to add to the collection I’m making of them. I’ll look for a lowest serial number I can get and keep them unfired. If I find them, as I expect to, of greater comfort and better control as has been stated that they are, then, I’ll perhaps get one in .40 to shoot/carry or maybe wait till a .45 offering comes out.
I have a G23C and the M&P9 CORE, 9c and Shield9. I’ve never been a big fan of XD’s and have owned two. I’ve never been a fan of Glock until I tried a G19 with stippling and the trigger guard cut a little higher. That combo makes the gun stick to my hand perfectly. I love my S&Ws, but my Glock feels awesome. Everyone who has shot it loves it. Maybe you should send one of your Glocks to Taran Tactical Innovations in Simi Valley, CA for his grip job.
Well said Carl. Good to hear a neutral point of view. I have 5 Glocks and 3 XD’s. Every time I go to the range, I am starting to really enjoy the XD’s. Glock are totally reliable, as are the XD’s. I love both. I just wish, as you stated, that the XD was produced with my favorite caliber….the 10mm. Your information was well received. Thanks.
Mark
Savannah, GA
Thanks for the essay!
When will your book on this subject be coming out?
Fine review,but how does it compair to a Glock 19?
I think if Springfield had come out with the XD before Glock there would be no Glock today. The XD is made just as well, fits the hand better, has a better trigger and many more features for less money. It’s just plain a better gun.
It is definitely a better gun than the Glock. I got rid of my Glock and bought a XDs.
Mike, you might be correct, but since Glock paved the way for such pistols, it is likely if Glock did not come out with a great poly gun, the XD would not exist. Not defending Glock, and it’s certainly great to see a company improve on an original idea. There is room for both pistols in the market.
Actually, it was H&K that paved the way for everyone in the polymer pistol market. H&K developed a polymer pistol at least 10 years before Glock. I too have switched to the XD series pistols and I love them.
I love my USP
I believe you’re right!
It looks pretty nice. I wonder if they will let me trade in my old XD9 subcompact for one of the new ones?
i love my mod.2 started on a xd9 and ended with a mod.2
i love my mod.2 started on a xd9 and ended with a mod.2
Really terrific firearm. But, the PT 111 G2 stills feels better.