Springfield XD Review

The Springfield XD (X-Treme Duty) has become one of the more popular polymer handguns of the last decade. Combining the ergonomics of the 1911 with modern components, the XD has cemented popularity with shooters and law enforcement alike. Remarkably reliable, the Springfield XD has a proven track record that has impressed even the most diehard opponents to the brand. After a 20,000 round torture test by Handguns magazine, Chaim Stein said, “I completed this test with a great deal of admiration for this handgun. So much so, in fact, that it is now my nightstand gun. More than, 20,000 rounds later, with no failures to feed or fire and hardly any wear to the gun’s finish. I have no trouble whatsoever betting my safety on its performance.”

Springfield XD vs. Glock

The XD has spent its existence under the shadow of the Glock which was on the market for 17 years before the introduction of the HS2000/XD. You can definitely tell that the Glock inspired the polymer components of the XD pistol and the trigger flange mechanism made popular by the Glock. The similarities are far outweighed by the differences between the two. Where the Glock uses a striker fired mechanism, (the trigger pull also pulls back the firing pin),the XD’s firing pin sits in the cocked position and a striker block is in place to prevent drop fires. Grip angle, grip thickness, finish, takedown, and overall feel are more Browning Hi-Power or SIG than Glock inspired.

Springfield XD History

The Springfield XD began life in Croatia in 1991. The original design of the XD was called PHP and manufactured by I.M. Metal (later purchased by HS Produkt). The firearm was a work in progress. The PHP showed the difficulties of manufacturing a quality firearm during a War. The quality of the original design was poor. The head engineer in charge of design, Marko Vukovic, knew the firearms deficiencies could be addressed and continued to revise the design until 1999 when the HS2000 was released. The Croatian Army quickly adopted the HS2000 that same year. Springfield Armory, Inc. saw an opportunity in 2002, and signed licensing rights to the US market. Springfield rebranded the HS2000 the X-Treme Duty or XD. Originally released in the 9mm configuration only, the brand has expanded to five calibers.

Springfield XD vs. XDM

Springfield has also released its XDM line of pistols. The XDM has a higher capacity in 9mm & 40 S&W variations (45ACP has the same capacity of the XD and magazines are interchangeable). The XDM also has a match grade barrel, improved serrations, improved grip, interchangeable grip inserts and trigger. The barrel is better than the standard barrel on the XD series but is still not as good as some aftermarket barrels that are available. The trigger feel is better, but the XD trigger has always been heavier for safety then what some shooters prefer. While the trigger is better it’s not as good as a custom trigger job. All XD triggers, whether the XD or XDM, have shown to get better with time. The interchangeable grip inserts are a welcome addition. While everyone’s' preferences are different, most people probably default back to the standard grip inserts. The average price difference varies between $150-250 depending on where you shop. Is it worth it? Probably. The added capacity is enough for some to jump over to the XDM version. The upgrades are a great value upgrade to the XD if you don’t typically make a lot of modifications to you firearms.

When the Glock was first introduced, many in the gun community said “I’ll wait and you’ll see that the Plastic, Tupperware, Toy Gun won’t be able to handle the abuse a firearm takes.” Fast forward 15 years and the Glock has proven that a Poly gun is reliable (maybe even more reliable) and will hold up to the abuse. With the XD (HS2000), you may get the impression that it was designed for the Wheel-gun/1911 crowd. The trigger is more comparable to the pull of a double action revolver, and the grip angle is designed to mimics the 1911. It’s not a Glock and Marko Vukovic probably didn’t want to make a Glock copy. Polymer simply offered the cheapest way to produce a quality pistol. Polymer offers a general weight savings, reduced price over full steel handguns and offers the designer any possibility as to the shape of the frame.

Springfield XD Overview

The XD is a great handgun for the price. Running cheaper than its main competitors (Glock, S&W M&P) and it is one of the top handgun values. Most models come with all the basics that you need to get started shooting:

Out of the Box

Hard Plastic Case (XDM case can service multiple purposes)
XD Pistol
Cable Lock
XD Belt Holster
Double Magazine Belt Pouch
Magazine Loader
Two Magazines (10rd version available)
Bore Brush
Two Back straps (XDM Model only)
Allen Wrench for Back Straps (XDM Model only)

The following table provides an overview of the colors available in each model:

(All Models Available in Black - OD=Olive Drag, Bi=Bi-tone, DE=Dark Earth Finish)

Caliber	Barrel Length
	3”	4”	5”	3.8” (M)	4.5” (M)
9mm	OD, Bi	OD, Bi, DE	OD, Bi	Bi	OD, Bi
357 sig	n/a	OD, Bi, DE	OD, Bi	n/a	n/a
40 cal	OD, Bi	OD, Bi, DE	OD, Bi	Bi	OD, Bi
45 GAP	n/a	OD, Bi, DE	OD, Bi	n/a	n/a
45 ACP	n/a	OD, Bi, DE	OD, Bi	n/a	Bi

Comparable Firearm Reviews

Glock
S&W M&P
Ruger SR9
CZ PO1
Baby Desert Eagle
Beretta Px4
Fabrique Nationale FNX &FNP
Kahr TP

Pro’s

Lower Price point then Glock & S&W M&P
Interchangeable magazines
Loaded Camber Indicator and Striker Indicator
Caliber change with only a barrel & magazine change
Traditional rifling in the barrel allows for the use of lead bullets
Comes with XD Gear (Magazine Loader, Dual Magazine Holder and Holster)
Thumb Safety available on select models
Ambidextrous magazine release

Con’s

Aftermarket not as robust as Glock
Parts not available from Springfield (must send gun in for service)
Trigger not as crisp as comparable handguns w/longer reset
Free gear is only ok (magazine loader is great)