Springfield Armory Unveils Optical Service Pistol, and More! — NRA 2016

The Springfield Armory folks have been busy. New for the NRA Annual Meeting and Expo are a slew of new models. Let’s take a quick look.

Springfield Armory goes optical

The big news is the launch of the Springfield Armory XD(M) 4.5” Full-Size OSP – Optical Service Pistol. As the name implies, it’s ready out of the box for direct attachment of red dot sights. Actually, the OSP goes one step beyond that. The OSP actually ships with a red dot sight. Included in the new package is a Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight. The Venom has a three MOA red dot with 10 different adjustable brightness levels. Battery swaps are through the top, so you don’t need to remove it to re-power.

“Speed and precision don’t often go together,” observed Springfield Armory® CEO Dennis Reese. “Our goal with the new XD(M)® was to build a pistol that could offer both. Add in the amazing capacity of the XD(M)® Full-Size with its 19-round 9mm magazines, and you’ll see that the XD(M)® is built for volume shooting. Certainly competitive shooters will appreciate this combination, but so will those interested in home defense and more casual recreational shooting.”

Initially, the OSP will ship with Springfield’s #1 adapter plate which fits the included Venom as well as the Burris FastFire 2 and FastFire 3. Word is that two other plates are in the box that will handle Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint and other popular red dots. We can safely assume that Springfield Armory will offer additional plates for different optics down the road.

XD Mod.2 4” Service Model Threaded Barrel

Right on the heels of two threaded XD(M) pistol models, the Springfield Armory folks have added a more compact 4” barrel pistol with all the new Mod.2 ergonomic enhancements. Like the XD(M) Threaded, the Mod.2 Service Model Threaded comes with standard 1/2×28 TPI threading, a thread protector, and suppressor-height sights.

The 9mm 16+1 round capacity pistol ships with a flat dark earth frame and black Melonite slide.

Tactical Grey is in at Springfield Armory

Also new for NRA is the tactical grey frame offering. This will initially be available on two guns, the 9mm 3.3” XD-S and the XD Mod.2 4” Service Model 9mm.

XD-S pistols are currently available in black, stainless and black bi-tone, and via a Davidson’s special edition, flat dark earth frame, and black slide. Like the Davidson’s model, the new Tactical Grey frame includes contrasting black grip back strap inserts that create an appealing visual effect. “The XD-S® has become one of the most respected concealed carry pistols ever,” stated Springfield Armory® CEO Dennis Reese. “Our goal with the XD-S® family was to provide customers with all the major benefits of a full-sized gun in a form factor friendly to concealed carry. Now, we’re extending the line with a variety of functional and cosmetic options to offer additional choice to our customers.”

As for the Mod.2 Service model, customers can now choose from all black, stainless slide and black frame, and the new Tactical Grey frame.

EMP lineup expands

Earlier this year, Springfield Armory announced the 4” Lightweight Champion EMP in 9mm. With an extended four-inch barrel and taller grip, the new 9mm EMP added capacity, controllability, and more grip surface. Now you can get the larger EMP chambered in .40 S&W. It will ship with three 9-round magazines. Like the original EMPs, it sports beautiful cocobolo wood grips and a two-tone finish with a stainless slide and black frame. I’m anxious to shoot this one as I’ve found the EMPs to be the sweetest shooting 1911-ish pistols out there.

Shop for Springfield products on GunsAmerica: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=springfield