Springfield Armory XD(M) Review

Springfield Armory XDm 9mm 3point8 photo

Springfield Armory XD(M)

Bottomline

The Springfield Armory XD(M) is packed with features that shine at the range, but a few quirks might leave you scratching your head.

Originally launched as part of Springfield Armory’s XD series, the XD(M) was designed to push the boundaries of performance and customization in polymer-framed pistols. With its Croatian roots (manufactured by HS Produkt) and a reputation for rugged reliability, the XD(M) aimed to stand out in a crowded market. It boasts features like a match-grade barrel and aggressive grip texturing but has also faced criticism for being a bit bulky and overly complex for some users. Let’s dive into this review and see how it holds up today!

Bottomline

The Springfield Armory XD(M) is packed with features that shine at the range, but a few quirks might leave you scratching your head.

Pros

  • Consistent trigger action
  • Sight face serrations
  • Hammer-forged, match-grade design
  • Deep grip serrations
  • Reasonably priced
  • Easy field stripping
  • High mag capacity

Cons

  • Heavy

What Customers Say

I really like it. But then again I live Springfields. Smooth firing and a large magazine. It is kinda fun to be able to hook up so many accessories to it, kinda like an AR.

Andrew M.

Springfield Armory XD(M) Specs

CaliberCapacityBBLOALHeightWeight
.45 ACP13+14.5″8″5.75″31 oz. w/empty mag
.40 SW16+14.5″8″5.6″32 oz. w/empty mag
9mm19+14.5″8″5.6″32 oz. w/empty mag
.40 SW16+13.8″7″5.6″28 oz. w/empty mag.
9mm19+13.8″7″5.6″27.5 oz. w/empty mag
Note: High-capacity mags may not be available in some states.

Springfield Armory XD(M): Editor’s Review

Springfield Armory XDm 9mm 3point8 photo
The 9mm XD(M) with the 3.8″ barrel and stainless slide.

The Springfield Armory XD(M) is a striker-fired, recoil-operated, semi-automatic center-fire pistol made in Croatia. It comes in multiple frame sizes and calibers, including 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. The gun comes with two additional backstrap inserts that help size the gun for a wide variety of hands, a feature not lost on police agencies. The ability to make any defensive gun more “point-able” can’t be ignored. The history of gunfighting has shown that the person who gets the first solid hit will usually win. Enhancing one’s ability to get on target quickly is a worthwhile achievement.
Like all XD models, the XD(M) has a grip safety that locks the gun’s action if it’s not depressed. While this may concern some, it’s very hard to get any type of reasonable shooting grip and not deactivate the safety. The trigger has a safety lever contained in the center of its face, similar to that on a Glock, though the XD trigger feels like it’s a bit wider and flatter. Being a striker-fired weapon, the XD(M) has a consistent trigger action that’s both short in travel and smooth in action. This test gun broke my trigger scale at 6.5 lbs. with a very short length of travel. The reset of the XD(M) feels different from other XD models I’ve shot, with a length of travel that’s right at .3″ from striker reset to release with a weight of 4.5 lbs. This makes for a very fast trigger.

Springfield Armory XDm 45 photo
The .45 ACP XD(M) with the stainless slide.

The sights are quite visible with three white dots supplemented by serrated sight faces. While some think this is a gimmick, I disagree: I’ve found sight face serrations help reduce unwanted glare. Springfield also offers tall sights with the threaded-barrel model.

The XD(M) barrel (either 3.8″ or 4.5″ long, with a threaded option for the 4.5″) is a hammer-forged, match-grade design that maximizes accuracy. The slide is forged steel and coated with melonite, which is the product of a salt bath nitriding process that leaves a thick, rust-resistant finish that resists wear and enhances lubrication. Deep serrations allow the shooter’s fingers to maintain a firmer grip.

The frame is made from high-strength polymer (either black or flat dark earth), and the dust cover boasts a three-position picatinny rail that measures 1” long, which allows for the use of white lights and laser sights that users would ordinarily have to employ with their support hand. The grip frame offers a minimal amount of trigger reach while still containing a double-column magazine. This helps those with short thumbs reach the magazine release button, which has been modified on the XD(M) for smoother, quicker manipulation.

Springfield Armory XDm 40 4point5 photo
The .40 SW XD(M) with the 4.5″ barrel and black slide.

The grip has a checkered pattern that Springfield calls “all-terrain.” The company says, “The angle and depth of each contour in the grip has been calculated for maximized control vertically, horizontally and torsionally.” Impressive.

Like all XD models, the XD(M) is simple to field strip for cleaning. Merely lock the slide to the rear, rotate the takedown lever up and remove the slide assembly from the front of the frame. You have to depress the grip safety to push the slide to the rear and lock it.

Range Report

I started my test by shooting five-round groups from 25 yards. From a resting position on my shooting bag, I fired the test groups and measured them from center to center at their widest point. The results were as follows:

  • Speer 165-grain Gold Dot—2.75” group
  • Winchester 180-grain SXT—3” group
  • Hornady 180-grain XTP—3.75” group
  • Corbon 130-grain DPX—2.5” group
  • Federal 165-grain HST—1.5” group

The XD(M) displayed a strong liking for the new Federal 165-grain HST hollow point. While newer than other comparable hollow points, the HST is quickly becoming one of the most popular police loads in the country. This bonded bullet has been designed to expand to twice its original diameter, regardless of the barrier material it might encounter, while retaining weight for deep penetration. Street results are showing that this round is living up to its test reputation, regardless of caliber.

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Conclusion

The Springfield XD(M) points well, is easy to shoot, easy to maintain and comes in a proven caliber. I liked the Springfield XD(M) a lot, and I think it has an excellent future. The best thing to do is try it out and see for yourself.

Springfield XD(M) (.45 ACP) Score Card

ErgonomicsExcellent ergonomics.1.45
TriggerVery short travel and reset.4.35
AccuracyImpressive accuracy.4.5
QualityMelonite finish.4.5
ValueBudget-friendly.1.46
OverallThe Springfield Armory XD(M) is packed with features that shine at the range, but a few quirks might leave you scratching your head.3.25
Dave Spaulding photo

Dave Spaulding is a 28-year law-enforcement veteran, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. He’s worked in all facets of law enforcement—corrections, communications, patrol, evidence collection, investigations, undercover operations, training and SWAT. He currently operates Handgun Combatives, a handgun-combat training program, and he’s authored more than 800 articles for various firearm and law enforcement periodicals. In 2010 Spaulding received the Law Officer Trainer of the Year award, and he’s also the author of the best-selling books Defensive Living and Handgun Combatives.

More Reading

Dave Spaulding has also reviewed the XD(M) Compact. Read it here.

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12 thoughts on “Springfield Armory XD(M) Review”

  1. This is a really nice pistol. I have the compact unit with extended magazine. in a 9 mm. Extremly accurate and reliable. Have fired over 2500 rounds with zero complaints.
    Great Gun.

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  2. Bought my XD 40 from a friend who had to get rid of it. Best purchase I’ve ever made. Feels good in my hand and carries nicely. Haven’t had any problems so far and don’t anticipate any.

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  3. Love the XDm and excited about the new model in this line that is coming out. The single stack .45 called the XD(s). Armslist is giving one away and you can check it out in the link provided.
    http://www.armslist.com/?utm_source=c000019&utm_medium=plink&utm_campaign=p025231

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  4. First time out at the range I had some old lead reloads to get rid of. It went through about 50 rounds with 2 FTF. Then switch to new FMJ ammo and it went through 100 rounds without any issues.
    The gun feels right in my hands and shoots very well with good groupings.

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  5. Great gun but don’t like as much as glock. Don’t like the 1911 back safety and don’t like how far the trigger pull is before it fires. The trigger feels smoother than glocks but glocks trigger breaks sooner. No ftf or fte very reliable. If the trigger would break sooner and that cheap feeling back safety was gone definite ten stars.

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  6. There is a recall on the XDS and I had to explain to my wife why her Birthday Present was unsafe and had to be sent back to the Manufacturer for repair since she only had it for 2 weeks.
    1. It can fire when loading or unloading
    2. It can double fire with one trigger pull.
    My wife now wants a Glock 30 and nothing more to due with Springfield Arms. PS it was also having jamming problems. Looks like I have a new paperweight.
    SFC DP Mullins

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  7. Pingback: Crimson Trace Lasergrips Springfield Armory XD(M) Info & Photo | HandgunLasers.net

  8. Pingback: LaserMax Guide Rod Laser Springfield XDM Info & Photo | HandgunLasers.net

  9. Pingback: Crimson Trace Defender Series Accu-Guard Springfield Armory XD & XD(M) Info & Photo | HandgunLasers.net

  10. Tried my sons XDM 40 cal 4.25″ and loved the way it felt in my hand. Very natural point feel. Bought my own XDM 45 4.25″. Other son liked ours so well he bought a XDM 45 4.25″. I have since bought the XDM 9mm 5.25″ and plan to buy the XDM 9mm 4.25″. Guess you could say I (we) really like the XDM 4.25″. Trigger could be a little better to score a perfect 10 stars.

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  11. Previous post from Phil:
    Barrel lengths should have been 4.5″ not 4.25″.
    Sorry if I confused anyone.

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  12. More rounds through this gun than I can remember. 9mm 4.5 Not one failure. Ever. Anyone who shot it said it was their favorite. Certainly no carry gun but I would trust it to function anytime it’s used.

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