Between us, I actually had a tingling of fear at the idea of a Mod.2 version.
Like truck guys know, when body styles or engines change, it isnt always for the better.
I looked at the original XD-S as the perfect carry gun, and have long recommended it as such.
I was concerned that an attempt to update my weapon of choice would turn into a Mustang II.
Fear Not
Fortunately, my fears were entirely unfounded.
Every change to the Mod.2 is both an improvement and something I dont want to live without.
After you shoot it, the improvements over the original model are obvious.Its a thing you cant un-see.
Thing 1 The Frame
The most obvious changes are in the frame, both ergonomics and texture.
It isnt much, but it is enough to make the gun more comfortable in the hand.
Also gone is the grenade checkering, the signature look of the first generation.
From pictures, this was the feature that worried me the most.
The new Mod.2 texture is much more subtle, with a very shallow basket-weave style pattern.
But like aMiracle on 34thStreet,there mustve been some magic in the polymer molds.
Or more likely, Springfield Armory has some serious big brains over in the engineering department.
With the re-engineering of the frame undercuts, your hand now sits higher in relation to the barrel.
This reduces muzzle flip, important for keeping the sights on target for follow-up shots.
Thing 3 Sighting System
Also changed for the XD-S Mod.2 are the sighting options.
With the front sight, you have the choice of either fiber optic or Pro-GloTritium.
I opted for the tritium, which I feel has a number of benefits.
Tritium does work in the dark, obviously.
I actually like them for a different reason.
As a younger man, I kept a pistol on my nightstand, always in the same spot.
And you couldnt walk through my house without tripping over a loaded gun.
Now that I have children, that isnt an option.
Seeing the green glowing dot assures me that I have put it out of reach of small hands.
No fumbling around for a weapon with a half-awake brain.
The U-Dot is an amazing choice, and arguably the very best offered on any factory handgun.]
For either sighting option, the rear sight is the same, with a new built-in racking shelf.
This is a flat spot on the rear, for one-handed racking of the slide on equipment or furniture.
Having carried an XD-S for a long time, I cant anticipate needing that feature.
But it is nice to know it is there.
Thing 4 Internal Workings
The last big changes are in the internals of the gun.
The Mod.2 uses a dual recoil spring system, which does a fantastic job of reducingfelt recoil.
If you shoot it side by side with the first generation, youwillnotice the difference.
The trigger has also been improved, which is a high bar.
As concealed carry guns go, you wont find a better trigger anywhere short of a mini 1911.
I couldnt be happier that I can now recommend this excellent firearm to the 9mm fans.
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XD-S Mod.23.3"
