Springfield is adding a new handgun to its Elite series of XD-M pistols, the XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact. The newest pistol combines flagship performance and competition features in an everyday carry package.
The XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact is based on the mid-size XD-M pistol chambered for 9mm Luger. It has a 3.8-inch barrel and slide assembly in line with most service and duty handguns with a compact frame and grip.
“This newest addition to the XD-M Elite line of pistols gives shooters and concealed carry users a great option for everyday carry,” said Springfield’s Steve Kramer. “Features like the META trigger, fully ambidextrous controls and a funneled, removable magwell make the XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact a must-have for concealed-carry.”
Being an Elite series model the new 3.8 comes with a number of tweaks and upgrades that make it stand out from the already improved XD-M family, including a factory-installed match-grade trigger, enlarged, flared magwell, and enlarged, extended controls including the grip safety and updated slide serration pattern.
Springfield calls the improved action the META trigger, for Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly. The match-grade trigger features a flat face with a standard trigger safety, polished trigger pull and an integral overtravel stop.
The XD-M Elite series including the 3.8 is fully-ambidextrous, with ambidextrous magazine release buttons and slide catch levers. Like many premium XD products each pistol comes with a red fiber optic front sight and white dot U-notch rear combat sights. It of course has a full-length accessory rail as well for lights and laser sights.
The big magwell also provides a bit of leverage that will be welcome to all shooters except for maybe the few with really big hands. Along with the extra grip comes extra capacity, too. The XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact holds 14+1 instead of 13+1 like the original compact.
See Also: Springfield’s Ronin Operator 4.25 is a Lightweight Mid-Size 1911 for Everyday Carry
For shooters looking for more purchase, the magwell is removable and the 3.8 can be used with full-size 19-round magazines using optional grip sleeves. The 3.8 can also be used with extended magazines for maximum capacity when concealment isn’t necessary.
Each pistol comes with two magazines along with the rest of the XD-M Elite extras and packaging. The handguns have a tough black Melonite finish and with stainless steel magazines.
Beyond that, the XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact is everything that has made the XD and XD-M series so successful. It’s a lightweight, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with a huge following and a tremendous amount of market support.
The MSRP for these is around $559. For more about the Elite series and other Springfield products head over to their website.
I wonder how providing the basic essentials for a quality C/C weapon vaults it into the “elite” category?
My Springfield Elite” models sport optic mounts and threaded barrels.
Granted, mounting a muzzle device on a C/C weapon makes little sense, but how many of us go shopping for a carry pistol and consciously decide to seek out one with lackluster accuracy and a mediocre trigger?
I’ve been a fan of Springfield’s carry pistols for decades, but the nomenclature is getting a bit deep….
When we’re down to the level of complaining about “nomenclature”, they must be doing something right (where it matters).