Both 9mm pistols deliver incredible performance but do so in slightly different ways.
Each raises the bar with accuracy, modest recoil impulse and increased shooter confidence.
I love nothing more than firing a full-size handgun that makes an average shooter feel like a professional.
In this head-to-head match, the author pits the Springfield Prodigy vs. the XD-M Elite OSP.
Hearing the steel ring shot after shot is a sign of a well-built handgun.
1911 DS Prodigy
In September 2022, Springfield Armory released the 1911 DS Prodigy.
Show me another double-stack 9mm 1911 with similar features at that price, and beers are on me.
Both the Prodigy and the XD-M offer a lot of features, but is one a clear winner over the other? That’s what the author set out to discover.
Simply said, it doesnt exist.
Springfield Armory teamed with Agency Arms to create an optic mounting system that suits the DS Prodigy perfectly.
This aids with the initial red dot sight in along with adding shooter confidence when shooting.
As part of his evaluation of the Prodigy and XD-M pistols, the author got both handguns on the range for a shooting comparison.
Regarding capacity, the 9mm 1911 DS Prodigy ships with 17- and 20-round magazines.
In addition, Springfield offers 26-round magazines that are available on their site.
A shorter 4.25 version is also available.
Both the XD-M Elite and Prodigy are designed for the easy addition of a red dot optic. Both guns were tested with optics mounted.
Coupled with the single action 44.5-lb.
trigger, shooters will find themselves ringing steel with ease.
The 1911 DS Prodigy is an all-around beautiful-looking and wonderful-shooting double-stack 1911 handgun.
Shown above is the Springfield XD-M Elite OSP 9mm with a threaded barrel and FDE color. It has suppressor-height sights.
For those who enjoy full-size 9mm pistols that are loaded with useful features, you will love this handgun.
Left-handed shooters often feel overlooked, but not with the Elite Series because they are left-handed friendly.
With an ambidextrous magazine release and slide stop, lefties will feel right at home with this pistol.
Both the Prodigy (right) and XD-M Elite (left) offer great gripping surfaces for enhanced control.
The XD-M Elite OSP ships with two 22-round magazines.
That is an incredible bargain considering competitors charge $80 + for similar magazines.
This is one sharp-looking handgun with a Desert FDE polymer frame and matching Cerakoted slide.
Both pistols are optics-ready and have tall factory sights, which makes co-witnessing much easier. The author found the two to be equally good for sighting.
[Read more about Cerakote in our articleCommon Coatings and Finishes for Modern Guns.]
The Springfield XD-M Elite handguns use a META trigger system.
META stands for Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly.
The author found the reliability of the XD-M and Prodigy to be equal. Both of the guns were perfect performers.
Personally, I love this trigger assembly.
It is a flat-face trigger with a smooth take-up that breaks at 4.5 lbs.
The reset is incredibly short.
Magazine capacity is generous with both pistols. However, the XD-M Elite gets a slight edge as it has 35-round magazines (not shown) available as an optional accessory.
That is saying a lot!
This entire package, without a red dot installed, has an MSRP of $733.
What a deal for such a fine and featured loaded full-size 9mm handgun.
That fine polymer overwrap texture wins me over.
The grip is a bit wider; however, my hands are large.
For those with smaller hands, they may choose the XD-M Elite grip.
Sights: I have to call this one a draw.
Both the DS Prodigy and the XD-M Elite have tall metal sights for red dot co-witness.
However, the 1911 DS Prodigy 5 bull barrel will win me over 10 times out of 10.
Magazines: The DS Prodigy has 17- and 20-round magazines with a 26-round magazine available.
The XD-M Elite has two 22-round magazines with a 35-round magazine available.
I cant resist that 35-rounder option, so Im going with the XD-M Elite OSP.
Features: Both of these handguns are feature-loaded.
So, its impossible to choose one over the other when both handguns have performed flawlessly.
However, I love flat dark earth and the overall beauty of the XD-M Elite.
I also love how the magazine seats with the flared magwell.
Forgive me 1911 people, but I choose the XD-M Elite.
Trigger: The META trigger on the XD-M Elite handguns is nothing short of exceptional.
A Springfield 1911 trigger is even more excellent.
I dont think any key in of trigger will ever beat a 1911 trigger.
DS Prodigy for the win with me.
Slide Serrations: Both the DS Prodigy and the XD-M Elite have wide-cut forward and rear serrations.
Both offer a strong slide purchase when charging the pistol, so its a draw.
Shooting Impressions: This one is by far the most critical category.
If you watch the attached video, you will notice I shot each pistol very well.
For their intended purpose, each gets an A+ in my grade book.
As I mentioned earlier, I am a huge 1911 fan.
For me, to choose any handgun over a 1911 would be dishonest.
When I shoot the 1911 DS Prodigy, I feel like the handgun was built specifically for me.
Final Thoughts
This comparison was both challenging and exciting.
They each offer a lot for the money as their MSRP prices are fit for the working mans budget.
Having said that, the quality and build construction is first class.
Simply said, you cannot make a poor choice with either of these Springfield Armory handguns.
So, I am glad I have both!
