springfield armory

For a complete tactical solution, the XD(M) has some shortcomings. Springfield Armory heard that concern and and did something: They fixed them.

Some days, however, you see a unique combination of design features, such as those found on this older Springfield Armory XD-S.

In conjunction with the brand-new release of their Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2® in 9mm, Springfield Armory has another giveaway in the works bringing you the ultimate concealed carry package in exclusive partnership with eight premium industry partners: Crossbreed Holsters, Viridian Weapon Technologies, Federal Ammunition, AR500, Propper, Short Round Supply, Identilock, and Walker’s.

Successful firearm sequels balance “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” with real, value-adding improvements. If a manufacturer re-engineers a popular design like the XD-S, they risk losing those features that made the firearm successful in the first place. But if they don’t improve enough components, “new-and-improved” starts to look suspiciously like “the-same-and-more-expensive.” Those were my thoughts heading into this review, but I think Springfield balanced these two extremes well.

The Springfield XD(M) is great for competition or just for recreational shooting. You can usually find them on GunsAmerica for around $650.

The controls on the XD Sub-Compact are easily accessible and intuitive. Its ambidextrous magazine release is large enough to make confident, quick mag changes.  There are 3 safeties: a blade safety on the trigger, a grip safety on the beavertail and an internal firing pin block to provide maximum confidence. The slide release is relatively flush with the frame, so it reduces snagging and yet provides a positive feel.

My holster came with a retention strap, though a full cover flap is also an option if you’re really worried about protecting the pistol from the elements. For a backcountry gun, the extra security of the retentions strap is worth the slight penalty in speed. And if you need to get ready for the O.K. Corral, it is easy to move it out of the way.

Sometimes, as the tagline goes for Springfield’s new 911, the police are minutes away, the threat is seconds away, and you’re your own first responder—whether you want to be or not. Springfield’s new 911 may look like other sub-compact 1911-style 380s, but it handles better than any I’ve shot. The engineers at Springfield tweaked the mini-1911 design to minimize felt recoil, improve ergonomics, and provide a clearer sight picture even in the most stressful situations. Plus, it’s a great looking gun. The 911 stands out among the crowds of striker-fired handguns, and it won’t fail to deliver in a crisis.

We unbox the Springfield Armory XD-E. The hammer-fired SA/DA polymer pistol purpose-built for concealed carry and home defense.