October 1st, 2024
8minute read
In todays article, Richard Johnson reviews the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 pistol.
At that price, can it perform?
The XD Mod.3 was loaned to the author by Springfield Armory.
The new Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 incorporates features of modern pistols while retaining the original pistol’s reliability. The best part? The incredibly affordable price tag. Image: Jeremy Tremp
Its hard to believe, but the Springfield Armory XD is approaching 25 years of service.
But just because they remain great shooting pistols doesnt mean the design cannot be refined and updated.
Spoiler alert: I think Springfield is really going to make waves with this gun.
The XD Mod.3 takes everything great about the original design and adds numerous upgrades and enhancements. Image: Jeremy Tremp
What Is the XD Mod.3?
At its core, the XD Mod.3 is an expansion of the companys popular striker-fired pistol line.
You might be wondering about the Mod.3 designation.
The OSP optics mounting system on the XD Mod.3 allows you to mount a wide selection of red dot sights. The author used a Crimson Trace, but could have easily selected a Trijicon, Holosun or Vortex model.
The XD Mod.3 is a full-size, striker-fired pistol chambered for the 9mm cartridge.
Topping It Off
First and foremost, the XD Mod.3 is optics-ready direct from the factory.
As red dots are now becoming the norm for handguns, this modification makes a lot of sense.
The slide of the XD Mod.3 is cut to accept readily available OSP plates for mounting a wide range of optics. Image: Jeremy Tremp
The plates come inTrijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and NOBLEX (Docter) footprints.
In addition, they are readily available from the Springfield Armory Store and very affordable.
Speaking of sights, the XD Mod.3 also features a set of highly durable and rugged steel sights.
The gripping surface of XD Mod.3 is textured for enhanced purchase. The triggerguard is generously undercut for a high grip.
Gripping Changes
The polymer grip frame of the Mod.3 also has some notable features.
The undercut triggerguard and extended beavertail allow you to get a very high grip on the pistol.
However, it adds in an additional slot for more precise fitting of accessories like weapon-mounted lights.
The Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 has a grip safety and cocked striker indicator. The texture on the backstrap is the same as the texture on the front of the grip frame.
This can make a significant difference in how easy it is to activate a light due to its position.
This ensures that the safety will be fully disengaged when gripped without decreasing its effectiveness.
The trigger design has also received some attention in the Mod.3.
The sights of the Mod.3 are made of steel and feature white dots on the rear and a high visibility fiber optic front. Image: Jeremy Tremp
While the original XD had a traditional-style curved trigger, the new variant features the popular flat-style trigger.
The rear of the trigger has a stop to prevent overtravel.
One of the best carryovers is the 16-round magazine in my opinion.
The author tested the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 at an indoor shooting range. The gun was perfectly reliable with a variety of 9mm loads.
Older Springfield Armory mags are 100% compatible with the new XD Mod.3 pistols.
If you have run a Service Model XD, you will feel right at home with the XD Mod.3.
Weight of the pistol is 27 oz.
The author found the accuracy of the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 to be very good with all loads tested.
Overall length is 7.3.
Other than magazine capacity, they are identical, and both pistols come with a single magazine.
Mounting it with the appropriate plate proved simple and easy.
With a proper two-handed grip, the XD Mod.3 had modest recoil with even +P defensive 9mm loads.
We dialed it in and set to shooting.
Both of us liked the feel of the pistol and were quite comfortable while handling it.
Ammunition cycled smoothly through the system as we made hole after hole in the paper targets.
I also set up a chronograph to check the bullet velocities of each shot.
All loads shot well and within what I would consider more than acceptable accuracy.
All five loads I tested delivered best five-shot groups in the 1.5 range or so at 15 yards.
The stark reality is that the shooter me is the weakest link in this accuracy chain.
As you might expect, recoil is quite manageable with this full-size pistol, even with the +P loads.
Out of the box, the XD Mod.3 is a nearly perfect fit for my hands.
Also, the grip texture does an excellent job of keeping the gun anchored in my hand.
There is no perceptible overtravel thanks to a built-in stop at the rear of the trigger.
Reset requires a moderate amount of travel and has a distinct click.
With its combination of proven performance and modern upgrades, it offers a lot of gun for the money.
Consider what the gun offers.
Its a proven design with more than 20 years of history.
And dont forget that this gun is 100% compatible with the existing supply of affordable 9mm XD magazines.
I simply dont know of a better deal on a firearm anywhere in the market.
Go to forum thread
XD Mod.3OSPTM 4"
