Springfield XDM .40 S&W
Have you heard about the new Springfield Armory XDM? I hadn’t until I bought one. I typically stay up with the XD Talk. I have liked the XD ever since I first got my hands on one. It is much like the Glock – but better, of course that depends on who you ask. I will save the XD vs. Glock discussion for later. 9/16/08 That later has come with a comparrison of the XDM vs. Glock 22 & 23.
Springfield’s XDM!
The XDM is built on the XD platform, or the HS Produkt HS-2000 in Croatia, and currently available in the 40 S&W and 9mm. It has a 4.5″ barrel similar to the XD Tactical. The main Difference between the XD Tactical and the XDM is the grip. The XDM comes with interchangeable grips to adjust for the shooters preferred grip size. It is a little bit wider than the previous XD-40′s, not sure – but it seems to be. It comes standard in Alabama with two 16 round high capacity magazines, all the normal XD gear Holster, speed loader, magazine pouch, and an allen/hex key. One thing I did not expect was the new larger case. The case it comes in looks a lot more industrial than previous versions and isn’t crowded for room.
Trigger travel is by far the shortest of any polymer pistol I have handled. Springfield even brags about it in the XD(m) marketing material. The barrel is match grade with a fully supported chamber – Something Glocks don’t have. It has an ambidextrous magazine release that is longer on either side than the standard XD release. The assembly is easier over previous XD versions without having to pull the trigger during breakdown and field stripping.
It comes standard with a 3 dot steel sights and can be changed. It has all the standard safety features like a trigger safety and grip safety. It weights in dry with an empty magazine with a forged steel slide at 2lbs. The trigger pull seems to be around 5lbs untested.
Pros and Cons
Pro: This seems to be Springfield’s attempt at producing a match ready production pistol, hence the “M Factor” in my view. Though polymer pistols have not truly cleared the path in match play this weapon has the potential to really make a name for itself straight out of the box.
Pro and Con: Having a removable grip means one more area to clean, break, and maintain. Instead of making different fixed grips with the weapon they decided to include three different removable parts in the case. Now granted this is nice and helps increase stock and availability, unlike Sig’s Attempt at the form fitting grips.
Con (personal Opinion): As a standard XD comes with a chambered warning. The way it sticks out from the slide it looks as though it can be worn, broken, and plus it will wear your holster too.
I always know if my pistol is locked and loaded. This indicator shows everyone else your pistol is cocked and locked. The warning system is great if you let people, specifically children, play with your gun loaded or leave it laying around. That is sarcasm if you didn’t catch it. If you let others handle your weapon locked and loaded, hand it to them, or don’t even open it for visual inspection before you share it you may not need to own a handgun. <-That is just a gun safety pet peeve. –<
This isn’t a necessary safety precaution and may cause more harm than it is worth for me.
Other review factors:
The price will come down.
Currently only a .40 S&W is available. Different Varieties are sure to follow Update 11/10/08 : The XDM 9mm is available
Since the weapon is so new not many accessories have yet to hit the market. So far I have not found an interchangeable part with the standard XD.
Conclusion and Overall First Impression
If me making the purchase isn’t indication enough – this weapon is well worth the investment and fires like a dream. If you can get your hands on one you will not be disappointed. Go out and get one today. Don’t buy one on GunBroker.com there buy it now prices are way too high. I bought mine for less than $550.
Update 11/10/08: Posted about prices and shopping suggestions
Update 11/12/08: Gun Prices Post Election and Market Demand
If you are having trouble finding an XDM in your local area shoot me a message through my contact form and I can point you towards the right direction. But you should check out the links in updates to find out more.
Thanks for the info. I’m coming back into shooting after a 30 year absence. I got a serious Jones for the XDm when I saw it, but having had only a Colt Python 21/2″ in my past life, I was a little hesitant to purchase it without having fired one. Here in Houston you can get an XD40 to fire, but not the XDm40. My other lust objects would be either a Witness metal 40 or a Steyr M40A1. Despite having lived in Switzerland, and knowing that SIG makes fine firearms (in Germany), and so does HK, and Glock, I just can’t get my mind around the extra $. Not with the kB stories on the web. Maybe I’m funny, but having had a full cylinder around each of the 6 110 grain SuperVels in my 357, I want a fully supported case in my auto.
There is nothing wrong with the non-M XD. My shooting partner has one and functions identically. Now granted the trigger is a little better and worth the extra $50 for the “M Factor” but functions just as well.
I talked with the Springfield xdm PNW rep saturday and he let me handle and dry fire a personal xdm that had been modded by springerprecision.com.
He said it was set at 2.5#. What a joy, very little take up, less than normal pull, smooth, soft like a knife through very soft butter.
I had that wow look on my face and he said he gets that a lot. It would be beautiful in four or so pounds. I’ve never felt anything like it.
I have owned the 40 XD Sub-Compact for years and just saw the XDm at my local shop which i bought immediately. I love the Sub-compact for concealment and it does take practice to get used to a 3 1/2 barrel 40 caliber, friends that just pick the gun up can’t hit anything with it, so it can be a bit intimidating at first. However with practice comes perfection, compared to the new XDm which currently is only available in a .40 5 1/2
(I believe). The Out-of-Box experience is perfect and the gun handles like a dream-very stable due to the longer barrel-rare but very low kick. I cannot recommend both guns enough, I like staying with .40 caliber just for ease of ammo. The XD sub-compact is perfectly concealed with a should harness or belt clip and the XDm is just perfect holding 16+1 rounds (the Sub holds 9+1).
Now i have to determine which Benelli inertia M2 or M3 to go with-completing my home weapon protection choices.
m
Thanks Marc,
I went with the M3. Depends on what you plan on doing with it. I bought it for three gun and tactical shotgun matches. But for regular skeet/clay shooting I like the M2. If I plan to shoot clays I prefer my M1 the best. But for overall versatility I like the M2. For the cool factor the M3 is great.
BB
Very good review Chris. I would have to agree with you on the pros and cons. Do not like the chambered warning at all. When I bought my XDM, that was the first thing that came to mind. This is going to get broken or worn. Never shot a XD before, only shot Glocks. When I saw this XDM, and heard of the extra features I had to buy one. This XDM shoots and handles great. Waiting for one to come out in a 45 cal.
As yet, the XDm has not been added to the approved handgun list in California and therefore is not available in the State. I would imagine it’s only a matter of time but Springfield should offer a “California Version” of this weapon which would come with two 10 round magazines in the “case/package” in place of the standard 16 round magazines that are normally provided with this gun. Does anyone have any news or an idea of how long that could take?
Does anyone make a holster for the XDM yet? If so could you let me know were I could buy one? THANKS
Brent,
Believe it or not, my Blackhawk SERPA designed for the XD40 Service and XD40 Subcompact fits the XDm just fine. Also the Crossbreed Supertuck for the XD40 works perfectly for the XDm.
It would seem the XD40 accessories work well with the XDm.
John – I have some XD accessories and found they do not fit my XDM. Admittedly I have not done much test fitting and doubt they are a perfect fit. Before making a purchase I would definitely do some test fitting.
-BB-
The XDM trigger is really overrated. Robbie Leatham knows what a good trigger is and I think hes stretching the truth a little bit on his promotional videos for springfield’s new gun. Im certain that HIS Xdm or any Xdm thats been to the sprinfield’s custom shop is a great trigger, but the stock pull is very poor. Definitely not as short as glock’s, and the reset is longer and less pronounced. The breaking point on the xdm is very mushy as well.
The gun is a bit on the large side as well, that would be my only other gripe. Other than that, its attractive and ergonomic. It doese come with quality sights from the factory, unlike glocks, which is a plus.
I have an XD-45 Service and I have held the new XD-M and the grip is much improved. It is even more comfortable to hold then my 45!
Brent…. If you are looking to go with a blackhawk holster, we are a distributor for them and can save you a little money rather than paying out the rear end through a police supply etc.
I just purchased a XDM from a great little shop in North Houston. Fired a couple of boxes of ammo and had a blast. I am new to pistols but loved it. My only complaint is that I did not get a complete hammer reset in my first 5 shots and had to eject a live shell. I sprayed some oil on it and it was cool after that.
Mike that happens sometimes with brand new guns. Something about the packaging and factory lube. A little oil always helps.