Features
But why does a pistol with good performance have these detractors?
Some hated the XDs grip safety.
I liked the trigger.
The XD-M Elite 10mm is both ultra-reliable and extremely accurate. We’ve documented its use for hunting and self-defense roles, and more.
Some target shooters claimed it was mushy, but I felt it was ideal for a defensive pistol.
XD Reliability
Over the years I shot the various iterations of the XD as they came out.
Without exception, those in charge told me that XDs and XD-Ms were impressive in terms of reliability.
Massad Ayoob shoots and passes the difficult Rogers Advanced Test using his non-dominant hand only with a Springfield Armory custom XD-M 5.25 pistol.
The target arrays were multiple 8 disks at various distances, sometimes with as little as one-half second exposures.
There was certainly no time to clear malfunctions.
That class runs about 2,500 rounds.
Instructors Tom Nelson (L), Gail Pepin (C) and Massad Ayoob (R) demonstrated 60-shot qual course to students, each with perfect scores. Ayoob is shooting an XD family pistol.
It went through all those difficult lead-free 9mms without a single misfire or other malfunction.
And without maintenance, too.
This allows 200- and 230-gr.
The author found the typical 25-yard accuracy with his XD-M is excellent, as represented in the photo above.
My petite wifes short fingers are happy with it.
Im not the only XD aficionado out there.
I guess the best we can hope for is second place.
John Strayer and the “Blue Flame”, his custom Springfield Armory XD-M pistol, in action at theIDPA Nationals.
Conclusion
Time marches on, and so does Springfield Armory technology.
Will thenew Echelonfully replace the XD series in their line-up?
Go to forum thread
XDSeries
PinShoot.com
The author achieved excellent accuracy with his XD-M and Federal’s Premium Bonded 10mm JHP as shown on this target.
Massad Ayoob’s XD-M 5.25″ pistol has been reliable and accurate with all power ranges of 10mm Auto.
The author finds the Springfield Armory XD series to be accurate and reliable, and suitable for competition and self-defense.
Like his 10mm XD-M, Ayoob’s 9mm XD-M pistol handles everything from mild to custom hot loads without any issues.
