December 13th, 2021
4:57 runtime
Springfield Armory continues to build out its XD-M Elite line of pistols.
The newest XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP adds an easy to conceal, easy-to-shoot .45 ACP to the line-up.
Lets take a look at the details of this new .45 concealed carry handgun.
For me, the M stands for Modernized.
The new .45 Compact has all the trimmings to make it a modern performance handgun.
The hammer-forged, Melonite-coated 3.8 barrel is match grade and is stamped as such to prove it.
It certainly outshot my abilities when I tested it at 15 yards.
The META trigger that the XD-M Elites sport is certainly a match-grade trigger.
Its one of the best performing out-of-the-box triggers Ive tried on polymer handguns.
This particular trigger broke cleanly with a five-shot average of 5 lbs., 6.5 oz.
The reset spring is stout and provides a firm push as you move your finger forward.
Again, I like this trigger a great deal.
The slide is of forged steel, creating a denser, stronger part.
The slide is finished with a rich and attractive Melonite coating for durability and corrosion resistance.
The slide features both front and rear slide serrations that are practical and attractive.
The rear sight is a Tactical Rack U-Dot sight and the front is a high-visibility fiber-optic sight.
It features effective texturing, and the hand fits high under the beavertail to assist in recoil control.
The dust cover features a Picatinny rail for the mounting of accessories such as a light or laser.
One of my favorite features of the XD-M elite pistols is their completely ambidextrous nature.
Both the magazine release and the slide stop lever are ambidextrous.
There is no need to swap controls to set them up how you want them.
The mag release is on both sides of the gun all day, every day.
Red dot sights are no longer the way of the future.
Instead, they are here and now.
Springfield is obviously aware of this, and the way they are developing their product line makes it clear.
This is a smart move on the part of Springfield.
On the customer end, it makes sense because it provides the greatest flexibility to the customer.
If you do want a dot, get one mounted up and sighted in.
If you change your mind after you made your purchase?
Put the dot on or take the dot off.
No need to have your slide cut.
Shooting
I really enjoyed shooting the XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP.
Instead, the gun simply has a slow, solid push.
I was thrilled with how the 3.8 gun performed at 15 yards.
I turned the HEX Dragonfly down so that I had a very fine aiming point.
I simply did my work and pressed the trigger.
The XD-M Elite Match barrel took care of the rest.
The XD-M Elite 3.8 compact didnt disappoint.
It ate everything I threw at it without a hiccup.
I ran full metal jackets, synthetic jackets and hollowpoints.
Bullet weights were all over the place, from 185-grain to 230-grain.
The gun just ran.
It has a feature set that will hey discerning shooters with reliability and precision to match.