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13+1 same mags as the standard XD meh I was hoping for more
New Springfield XD(M) Rolls Out
As we prepare for next week's National Rifle Association Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, we're starting to get a few previews into what new products consumers and the media can expect to see.
Shooting episodes of Guns & Gear for the fall television season has had me biting my lip because we've seen several new products to which we've been sworn to secrecy. Shooting TV shows months in advance means we're seeing prototypes of new gear, so we have to stay quiet.
Springfield Armory was one of those companies with a new gun on the set and under wraps. Last night, however, I got word that it was OK to talk about the newest member of their XD(M) family of polymer pistols.
Almost from the day the 9mm and .40 Cal models were first introduced two years ago - also at the NRA Show - the question has been asked "What about a .45?"
Springfield Armory's new XD(M) in .45ACP
Next week, the new XD(M) 45 ACP will be rolled out to the general public for the first time.
If you're like me, you might have a hard time picking up the subtle differences between this gun and previous models. It took Springfield's Rob Leatham putting a 9mm side-by-side with the .45ACP for me to actually see the difference.
The new gun is larger - slightly- than the lower caliber models. "It's still the smallest frame 45ACP pistol out there," Leatham told me, "it's actually smaller than the XD-model in .45."
To get the sizing down, it appears the grip area has been slimmed down, but the grip angle remains the same- and the interchangeable backstraps mean you can change the profile of the grips to fit your hand size.
Like the other XD(M) models, this new 45ACP holds a bunch of rounds - with 13 in the magazine and one in the chamber, it's carrying fourteen rounds of .45ACP. Springfield has maintained commonality between their XD magazines in .45, so the XD model mags will work in the new model. "It's a good deal for shooters," Leatham told me, "I don't like it when a new gun means all new magazines."
The XD(M) 45ACP will ship with the same hard case, holster, mag pouch and other accessories as the rest of the line, meaning you won't have to go searching for a holster that fits. The polymer gear isn't the top of the line, but is certainly more than functional. I've been beating a set around for more than a year, and it appears to be none the worse for wear.
Initially, the finishes are limited to black or bi-tone. No word on green or earth finishes.
The new guns will be available in either black melonite or bi-tone (black/stainless) finishes.
For the record, here are the dimensions as supplied by Springfield:
Caliber: 45ACP
Magazines 2-13+1 Round, stainless steel (where permitted)
Barrel: 4.5-inch Melonite, fully supported ramp
Sights: Dovetail Front & Rear (Steel) 3-Dot
Trigger Pull: 5.5-7.7 pounds
Frame: Black Polymer
Slide: Forged Steel
Overall Length: 7.7 inches
Height: 5.75 inches
Weight: 31 ounces (with empty mag)
Triple-position Picatinny rail for lights, lasers or other accessories
No word on when the gun will begin shipping.
13+1 same mags as the standard XD meh I was hoping for more
New Springfield XD(M) Rolls Out
As we prepare for next week's National Rifle Association Annual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, we're starting to get a few previews into what new products consumers and the media can expect to see.
Shooting episodes of Guns & Gear for the fall television season has had me biting my lip because we've seen several new products to which we've been sworn to secrecy. Shooting TV shows months in advance means we're seeing prototypes of new gear, so we have to stay quiet.
Springfield Armory was one of those companies with a new gun on the set and under wraps. Last night, however, I got word that it was OK to talk about the newest member of their XD(M) family of polymer pistols.
Almost from the day the 9mm and .40 Cal models were first introduced two years ago - also at the NRA Show - the question has been asked "What about a .45?"
Springfield Armory's new XD(M) in .45ACP
Next week, the new XD(M) 45 ACP will be rolled out to the general public for the first time.
If you're like me, you might have a hard time picking up the subtle differences between this gun and previous models. It took Springfield's Rob Leatham putting a 9mm side-by-side with the .45ACP for me to actually see the difference.
The new gun is larger - slightly- than the lower caliber models. "It's still the smallest frame 45ACP pistol out there," Leatham told me, "it's actually smaller than the XD-model in .45."
To get the sizing down, it appears the grip area has been slimmed down, but the grip angle remains the same- and the interchangeable backstraps mean you can change the profile of the grips to fit your hand size.
Like the other XD(M) models, this new 45ACP holds a bunch of rounds - with 13 in the magazine and one in the chamber, it's carrying fourteen rounds of .45ACP. Springfield has maintained commonality between their XD magazines in .45, so the XD model mags will work in the new model. "It's a good deal for shooters," Leatham told me, "I don't like it when a new gun means all new magazines."
The XD(M) 45ACP will ship with the same hard case, holster, mag pouch and other accessories as the rest of the line, meaning you won't have to go searching for a holster that fits. The polymer gear isn't the top of the line, but is certainly more than functional. I've been beating a set around for more than a year, and it appears to be none the worse for wear.
Initially, the finishes are limited to black or bi-tone. No word on green or earth finishes.
The new guns will be available in either black melonite or bi-tone (black/stainless) finishes.
For the record, here are the dimensions as supplied by Springfield:
Caliber: 45ACP
Magazines 2-13+1 Round, stainless steel (where permitted)
Barrel: 4.5-inch Melonite, fully supported ramp
Sights: Dovetail Front & Rear (Steel) 3-Dot
Trigger Pull: 5.5-7.7 pounds
Frame: Black Polymer
Slide: Forged Steel
Overall Length: 7.7 inches
Height: 5.75 inches
Weight: 31 ounces (with empty mag)
Triple-position Picatinny rail for lights, lasers or other accessories
No word on when the gun will begin shipping.
