January 23rd, 2021
6minute read
Hammer-fired handguns were the norm for decades.
From revolvers to 1911s, it was an accepted fact that handguns had hammers.
Once the striker-fired revolution began, it seemed hammer-fired guns might be reserved for niche shooters.
Recently, Ive spent quite a bit of range time with one of the XD-E models.
(To find out about top five holsters for the XD-E, clickhere).
Before I get ahead of myself, lets take a look at what the XD-E is.
What unique features does the XD-E offer that the striker-fired models dont provide?
An adaptable trigger system is one such feature.
In SA mode, the trigger pull is much lighter and shorter.
The follow-on SA shots allow for a higher degree of precision once a defensive encounter starts.
As with many other DA/SA pistols, the XD-E has a frame-mounted decocker.
The decocking lever allows you to safely lower the hammer without discharging a round.
This will return the gun to a DA position.
The SA mode of cocked-and-locked carry eliminates the long DA pull for the first shot.
Every shot from the first to the last will be a light, short pull.
Engaging the safety is as easy as clicking the lever up.
As you draw the pistol your thumb easily sweeps the lever down to disengage the safety.
Another benefit of the hammer-fired action used by Springfield Armory is the Low-Effort Slide.
For many people, cycling the slide on a pistol can be difficult.
However, the XD-E slide is substantially easier to operate than other striker-fired pistols.
About 27% less force is needed.
From the grip to the accuracy, this pistol shares many commonalities with its cousins.
Likewise, the XD-E uses an extremely accurate hammer-forged barrel common to the XD line.
The XD-E comes in three barrel lengths: 3.3, 3.8 and 4.5.
Each of the pistols enjoys the same thin profile and grip length.
For me, the 3.8 barrel is the best choice and the one I tested for this article.
All three sizes are available in 9mm and feed from single-stack magazines.
If you prefer the .45 ACP cartridge, Springfield Armory offers the 3.3 model in this caliber.
On the Range
Ive put about 1,500 rounds through the XD-E 3.8 pistol.
Ive experienced flawless performance unmarred by malfunctions of any kind.
I have a very strong bias toward firearms that are reliable.
For a defensive weapon, this is a non-negotiable requirement.
The XD-E easily proved itself up to my standard.
Recoil was easy to control.
Combined with the Mod.2 texture, the guns grip filled my hand and prevented the gun from slipping.
I was able to mitigate muzzle rise and keep the sights on target for rapid fire shooting.
Equipped with a red fiber optic rod, the front sight was bright in a range of lighting conditions.
I rapidly acquired a sight picture after drawing the gun.
While many shooters might opt for the shorter 3.3 barrel, I found the 3.8 model was well balanced.
The additional 0.5 of barrel length reduces the muzzle rise and loudness of the shot.
Further, the increased slide length allows for a longer sight radius for increased shot precision.
Shooting the gun single-action felt natural.
Manipulating the safety was natural, and it worked as intended throughout my range sessions.
Parting Shots
Generally, I recommend modern striker-fired pistols to people looking for a defensive firearm.
They tend to be reliable and affordable.
See how it fits your hand.
Try the Low-Effort Slide and get a look at how bright that front sight is.
