SPRINGFIELD XDS
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Instead of the larger double stack magazine available with the XD, the XD-S uses a single-stack magazine. This significantly cuts down on the width of the weapon—it is less than an inch thick—which makes it ultimately more concealable. However, what you get in concealability you lose in capacity, as the XD-S only holds 5-9 rounds depending on size, model, and caliber.
In some ways the popularity of the XD-S has been negatively affected by Springfield’s 2013 voluntary recall. The gun was determined to be unsafe since “under exceptionally rare circumstances, some 3.3 XD-S 9mm and .45 ACP caliber pistols could experience an unintended discharge during the loading process when the slide is released or could experience a double-fire when the trigger is pulled once.” We have to give Springfield credit, for they voluntarily recalled the pistols and updated them at no cost to the customer. It is important to note that since the recall there have been no problems with the XD-S model series, which makes it a safe and reliable option for your next CCW.
READ MORE BELOW on Specs, Models, and Diagram
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Springfield XDS series review
Do you want a pistol that presents the reliability of Springfield’s XD series, but is easier to conceal? If so, then you are not alone. Springfield answered the call for a more purpose-built conceal carry weapon (CCW) by designing the XD-S. Springfield released their first XD-S pistol chambered in .45 ACP in 2012. They then followed that with the release of their 9mm version in 2013. Currently only one model, the 3.3-inch barrel chambered in .45 ACP is available in mod.2.
XDS models and Specifications
Springfield has only re-released one of their two XD-S models so far, the 3.3-inch chambered in .45 ACP. Thus, in order to present you with a more comprehensive look at their XD-S offerings, we’ve included the specs for both the original and mod.2 models of the pistol. IWB Reviews OWB Reviews
XD-S Mod.2, 3.3 in.: available in .45 ACP
Height: 4.4 in. with Flush magazine,
5 in. with Mid-magazine
Length: 6.5 in.
Weight: 21.5 oz. with Flush magazine,
22.5 oz. with Mid-magazine
Grip Width: .975 in.
Barrel: 3.3 in. hammer forged steel and Melonite
Slide: Forged steel and Melonite finish
MSRP: $568.00
XD-S, 3.3 in.: available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP
Height: 4.4 in. with Compact magazine,
5.5 in. with Mid-Magazine X-Tension
Length: 6.3 in.
Weight: 23 oz.
Grip Width: .9 in.
Barrel: 3.3 in. Hammer forged steel and Melonite
Slide: Forged steel with Melonite finish
MSRP: $499.00
XD-S, 4 in.: available in 9mm and .45 ACP
Height: 4.4 in. with Compact magazine,
5 in. with Mid-Magazine X-Tension
Length: 7 in.
Weight: 25 oz. with Compact magazine,
26 oz. with X-Tension
Grip Width: .9 in.
Barrel: 4.0 in. hammer forged steel with Melonite
Slide: Forged steel with Melonite finish
MSRP: $499.00
Features
While the XD-S and XD-S mod.2 include features common across all of Springfield’s pistol offerings, there are a few that set this line apart. Below we indicate which features appear on the new mod.2 release of the 3.3-inch .45 ACP as opposed to the original release XD-S.
Grip
The XD-S is a sub-compact gun, and so its grip is going to be significantly smaller than larger models. Most hand sizes will struggle to get a full three-finger grip on this pistol. However, Springfield does include an extended magazine, which does allow for correct pinky placement.
The original XD-S comes with interchangeable backstraps that allow you to customize the grip to your hand. The mod.2 XD-S forgoes these backstraps in favor of the new Grip Zone texturing described in our XD review. However, unlike with the XD, with the XD-S Springfield has left off the much maligned “Grip Zone” lettering.
Trigger
Those that like striker-fired pistols will enjoy using Springfield’s trigger. Some even note that the trigger press on the XD-S help make them more accurate. As with most triggers, your opinion will be determined by your own shooting preferences, which is why you should always try the pistol by you buy it.
Accuracy
The new mod.2 additions Springfield made to improve the XD-S’s accuracy makes us hope that they will release all of the XD-S models in mod.2. The inclusion of a Ameriglo Pro-Glo green tritium front sight and all black rear sights makes the pistol ultimately more accurate in low-light scenarios.
Keep in mind that as a sub-compact, any model of the XD-S that you purchase will include more felt recoil than its full-sized cousins. This will be especially true when shooting the larger caliber .45 ACP. Some people—especially newer shooters—have had trouble controlling the larger caliber versions of the XD-S. Springfield has tried to correct this issue by including a higher grip with their mod.2 release.
Safety
Like the other pistols in the XD family—and the Glocks they were modeled after—the XD-S does not include a manual finger safety. Instead, it has a Glock-influenced trigger safety and the grip safety common to all Springfield’s pistols. There are also internal safeties such as the firing pin block and “out of battery” function.
Extras
The original model of the XD-S ships with two flush and one extended magazines, interchangeable backstraps, and a custom molded case. On the other hand, the mod.2 version of the XD-S comes with a custom molded hard case, flush fitting and extended magazines, gun lock, cleaning brush, and manual. This gun does not ship with a holster, but most people dislike Springfield’s free holster anyway, so you are not missing out.
Why Buy?
We recommend you look closely at the XD-S if you want a reliable and concealable self-defense weapon. You may not shoot this purpose-built gun on a day-to-day basis, but that is not what it was built for. The light polymer frame and thin grip make it easy to carry all day without any printing. And, ultimately, that is what makes the XD-S so intriguing. You get all of the best features of Springfield’s larger guns—like the XD and XD-M—in a much smaller package.
Ben Findley, “First Review: SA XD-S Mod. 2 Single Stack .45 ACP,” USA Carry (January 17, 2018), https://www.usacarry.com/sa-xds-mod2-45acp-review/ (accessed 3/5/18).
Dan Zimmerman, “Gun Review: Springfield Armory XD-S 3.3 in. 9mm,” The Truth About Guns (June 25, 2014), http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/06/daniel-zimmerman/gun-review-springfield-armory-xd-s-3-3-9mm/ (accessed 3/5/18).
Ben Findley, “First Review: SA XD-S Mod. 2 Single Stack .45 ACP,” USA Carry (January 17, 2018), https://www.usacarry.com/sa-xds-mod2-45acp-review/ (accessed 3/5/18).
Andy Rutledge, “Review: Springfield Armory XD-S 9mm,” Eagle Gun Range TX (August 7, 2015), https://www.eaglegunrangetx.com/review-springfield-armory-xd-s-9mm/ (accessed 3/5/18).
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