Springfield Amory has introduced so many new guns this year, we are running out of ink to describe ’em. Apart from the new 911, there were no real revelations at SHOT Show, but I did get hands-on with a couple of models I haven’t reviewed yet.
The XD-E Single Stack .45 ACP
First up was the XD-E in 45 ACP. I have written a lot about the XD-E since it was first introduced in 9mm last year.
I affectionately call it the dark horse of the Springfield family because it is definitely not the first pistol that pops into mind when talking about S.A. For those that dig the XD-E, they’ll argue that it’s the best pistol in the lineup.
XD-E in .45 ACP. Retail price is $568.
Specs
- Caliber: .45ACP
- Recoil System: Dual Spring w/ Full-Length Guide Rod
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Low Profile Combat Rear (Steel)
- Weight (w/ empty mag): 23 oz
- Height: 5″ w/ Flush Magazine, 5.25″ w/ Magazine X-Tension™
- Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite®
- Barrel: 3.3″ Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite®
- Length: 6.75″
- Grip Width: 1″
- Frame: Black Polymer
- Magazines: 1 – 6 Round w/ Grip X-Tension™, 1 – 7 Round w/ Mag X-Tension™
- Trigger Pull: Double Action / Single Action
- MSRP: $568.00
Me, personally, I think it is a great little gun and shoots well beyond its weight. And the hammer option appeals to many shooters, in a DA/SA format. So does the size. The XD-E shares the footprint of my all-time favorite carry gun, the XD-S.
An external safety/de-cocker opens the XD-E up to shooters that prefer a manual safety and offers a lot of options. You can carry hammer down, safety on, for the ultimate in safe carry. Or you can go hammer cocked, safety on if you prefer a 1911-style orientation.
When I carry my XD-E, it is hammer down, safety off, since the double action pull is long enough to prevent shenanigans. The 9mm version was a big hit, so I am happy to see Springfield Armory has upgraded it to men’s sizes as well. 45 ACP, for when you are serious about hurting what you shoot.
MSRP is $568. But I’m seeing them on GunsAmerica for well under $500. Visit Springfield Armory to learn more.
***Buy a new XD-E on GunsAmerica***
Suppressor-Ready XD(M)
Next up was the suppressor-ready XD(m), which is actually several years old, but new to me. I had no idea that this was out. And yet, there it was. Funny how SHOT works.
Specs
- Caliber: .45ACP
- Recoil System: One Piece Full Length Guide Rod
- Sights: Dovetail Front and Rear (Steel) 3 – Dot ; Suppressor Height
- Weight (w/empty mag): 31 ozs.
- Height: 6″
- Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite Finish
- Barrel: 5.28″ / 5.34″ w/ Thread Protector, Hammer Forged, Steel, Melonite®, Threaded (.578″ x 28) / 1:16 Twist
- Length: 8.4″
- Grip Width: 1.26″
- Frame: FDE Polymer
- Magazines: 3 – 13 Round, Stainless Steel (3 – 10 Round for State Restricted Areas)
- MSRP: $673.00
The XD(M) comes with suppressor-height sights, and extended barrels threaded in standard pitches. Now you XD(M) guys don’t have to sit in the truck and pout when the cans come out, you can play too.
MSRP is $645. But I’m seeing them on GunsAmerica in the mid $500s. Visit Springfield Armory to learn more.
I own this sweet little pistol and I prefer it over my Glock 30 all day long. I have only put 300 rnds through it so far. I found it to be a better fit in my hand than the Glock is. I have been shooting my 30 for over 10 yrs and have not surpassed the performance with my XD E yet but i expect that to change by the time I get 1K through it. It’s just more comfortable to me. As for the comment about it being ugly…I aint banging it I’m using it to defend myself and family and for that ugly or not it is a bad ass little pistol chambered in a man round.
I love the concept are they going to make it in a full-size? I would really like it if it use the double stack mag from the original XD 45
UH I carry cocked and locked because I prefer to just have to drop the thumb safety and not worry about a striker fire weapon. Keep you Glock my friend 🙂
Another product I will not purchase from SA because they sold out the dealers here in Illinois.
Illinois has forsaken it’s citizenry. Fight back against your tyrannical state government and elect pro-gun candidates.
Not to sound superficial, but whatever happened to pistols looking sleek and fitting ones’ hand? I know the aesthetics don’t matter during a combat role, but even in comparison with the Glock or Sig, that little XD-E is butt-ugly. I like the features and am happy it shoots well; but couldn’t the R&D guys have tricked it up a touch, so it don’t have to look like a hand full of rocks?!
I would like to see it in 10mm.
Who’s that long haired, well fed terrorist pointing a gun at Rob Leatham?
nobody will commit if the xds mags will work in the xde. who knows for sure?
I ordered 4 new mags from Springfield after I bought the new XD-E .45 and they are marked XD-S/XD-E, yet when you order on their website you have to specify XD-S……???. Don’t own an XD-S so I cant test drive them….
Love DA/SA pistols! Very nice .45, very fairly priced and I would get it if I didn’t already have an HK45CT.
Why buy a gun you can carry cocked and locked if you aren’t going to carry it thus? Just go back to your Glock.
People carry cocked and locked because the had to; 1911 design, not necessarily because it is a preferred method of carry.