The new OSP, with SRD9 suppressor
I haven’t been shy about liking the original OSP pistol from Springfield Armory, as you can see in my review here. In fact, I liked that gun so much it changed my opinion of the XD(M) family. Now for me, it was a pretty perfect set up. But for anyone looking for a complete tactical solution, it did have a couple of shortcomings. Springfield Armory heard those cries and did something rare for a gun company: They fixed them. All of them.
Complete Action Johny kit, ready to go on day 1
New for this model, the gun comes as a complete suppressor-ready package. Gone are the standard XD(M) fiber optic sights, replaced by flat black suppressor ready height ones. The gun comes out of the box with a threaded barrel, ½ x 28 thread pitch, but also included is a regular barrel. For the same price as the original model, no less.
1/2×28 thread protector
Why, you may ask, are both barrels included? Well, it actually makes the gun more useful. Some states specifically prohibit threaded barrels on pistols and you may find yourself traveling there. The OSP is also a fantastic choice as an out-of-the-box Carry Optics Division race pistol if you like to shoot competitively. Several organizations also specifically prohibit threaded barrels. With the two barrel option, you are covered no matter your uses for the OSP. Not that most of us are ever going to shoot out a pistol barrel, but it also keeps the round count down on your specialized barrel. All of these things are positive.
There’s plenty of space for a can or compensator.
The threaded barrel isn’t just handy for cans—it can serve another purpose too. If you have never tried a pistol with a compensator, I highly recommend it. Springer Precision makes an excellent model that’s ready to rock and roll. A compensator on a pistol acts like a muzzle brake on a rifle, helping you keep the gun on target. In my experience, it drops the recoil of a 9mm pistol down to that approximating a 22. It is completely insane to experience, but you can hammer a target literally as fast as you can pull the trigger.
Springer Precision compensator
The trade-off is a louder signature, and it isn’t any fun in a confined space. Like inside of a car, shooting out the windshield. Trust me, I tried it. But for getting lead on target, it can’t be beaten. You can gauge how effective it is by the fact they are banned in all but Open class for competitors.
To quote Col Cooper, “Back when we audited the FBI academy in 1947, I was told that I ought not to use my pistol in their training program because it was not fair. Maybe the first thing one should demand of his sidearm is that it be unfair.”
Unfair indeed. If this is your pistol for a potential street fight, unfair is the only way to fly.
The sights are also a big step in the right direction. With a suppressor in place, you obviously can’t see over it with regular height sights. The new sights fix that problem, with the added benefit of being visible through the red dot window. I have yet to run my Vortex Venom out of batteries or break it, but the emergency backup option of irons is nice to have.
Suppressor height front
The new OSP is available in a variety of packages. All are cut for red dots, with the Vortex Venom installed as a factory option if you like. If you already have a red dot or prefer another brand, you can buy with just the plate set. The included plate mounts are robust and numerous, covering every brand of red dot under the sun. If you are looking for the cheapest option, this also allows you to worry about a red dot later. If you just prefer iron sights only, the included plate cover blends in like it aren’t even there.
Visible over the Vortex Venom
One other peculiarity is true of the OSP red dot system. With most polymer handguns, you have to change your presentation from holster to naturally see the dot. It is weird, but if you haven’t tried it, it feels like you need to point the muzzle slightly down. The learning curve takes some reps, and it is also difficult to go back and forth from red dots to irons. If you are trying to shoot fast at least. Having been on the XD(M) train for a few months now, mostly irons on the XD(M) 45, I found something else entirely with the OSP.
Side Profile
For reasons I can’t explain, the XD(M) guns present the same, red dots or irons. Pulling the OSP out, I was on target, on dot, from the moment it came out of the box. Maybe it is grip angle, maybe it is some engineering voodoo my caveman brain can’t grasp. But it is true. And I have tried every double stack under the sun in these configurations. This alone is a huge advantage to the XD(M) family of weapons. Now I just need Springfield Armory to explain to me why it’s so.
Total package, with can installed
The rest of the package is standard for the XD(M) guns. 3 backstrap inserts, small, medium, large, with the medium pre-installed. Two steel 19 round magazines, plenty of bang right from purchase. And a solid, useful, lockable case, an often overlooked accessory.
XD(M) OSP Trigger and ambi mag release
The OSP is a new standard in usefulness and takes the cake for my recommendation as a first pistol for new shooters. It’s 9mm, the cheapest and most popular round available. It is out of the box ready for multiple competitive divisions. It is red dot and iron sight-ready, to give you options for training. And with the new threaded/non-threaded barrel, it covers the gamut of pretty much all tactical and recreational needs. The 4.5-inch slide and barrel are a happy compromise of concealable and duty size. I can find no fault in this new set up, and give this one a high recommendation.
Cocked striker indicator
Outstanding XD(M) ergonomics
Visit Springfield Armory to learn more about Springfield’s by clicking HERE.
I am glad Springfield fixed all the misses on the earlier version. Unfortunately I already own the original OSP. When I contacted Springfield Armory about purchasing a threaded barrel and suppressor height sights, I was told that SA’s policy is that they don’t sell major components separately. They suggested I just purchase the OSP 2. I responded that I will find a firearm from a different company that understands customer service.
I already own the original Saint rifle and also the XDS 9mm, as well as the OSP. Now SA was lost me as a customer.
Finally, a gun company that listened. I’ve been running the XDm for years now. I had to send out the slide to have it milled for my rmr and swapped out the irons for can height and replaced the barrel with a threaded version. I’ve been running this config for years now and it can’t be beat. Nice to see SA finally catch up.
Thank you I really enjoy your articles . Straight forward no flufff. Good useful information. Former ground pounder 3 tours Iraq, Afganistan.
Too bad this doesn’t come in the 10mm version, that would be pretty sweet.
Clay, please do not re-holster your pistol like you are doing in the video. I do not wish to see you get injured.
You risk a negligent discharge when you re-holster in this manner. You want to re-holster a handgun slowly to avoid the holster or anything else pulling the pistol trigger while you re-holster.
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Some of us have spent eons training. And time is relative. Your unease at the rate of anothers ability shows an area that you should spend more time practicing. Because you may never know your adversaries abilities. And should only train at a pace that works for you, always striving for perfection.
I know between my job, family, kids, bills and daily commute I’m always looking for a “complete tactical solution”
Pistol with a suppressor, two barrels and a red dot — “a good first pistol.” Maybe. But for those of us that know we need a red dot to see and prefer to protect what is left of our hearing, it makes a great “last pistol”.
Good shooting, Clay. Obviously this format suits you. Nice review as usual.
excellent points Tail Gunner, it is a pretty much perfect ” only pistol” to boot. I’m making the red dot change, and I like it. Thanks brother, this one was a joy
Clay, your reviews and instructions have always been among the very best. Your experience and knowledge are some of the things I depend upon when teaching. Please keep it up.!!
thank you kindly, my good man. and I intend to, for a very long time
The XDM series is well made and lends itself to all manner of uses. I love the ambi magazine release. I wish SA go ahead with the ambi slide release. The Gen5 Glocks and the P320Xs provide this and is is definitely a plus for lefties or righties who are working the other hand shooting and reloads.
Very nice. I enjoy my 2012 XDM and would own another…. The issue seems to be how to carry the thing… a quick detach for the suppressor? A holster for the red dot? Does it set on the seat in the truck, or the night stand. Total weight with red dot and can? Quick handling with 12″+ of pistol. It looks like a quiet target pistol for now.. Good review Clay, as always.