I began to wonder just how wide the gulf was between a full-sized gun and its CCW-sized little brother.
The gun is svelte and agile, and the long 7+ sight radius greatly helps target acquisition.
Bring the gun up to target, and it seems as though youre magically looking through the sights.
TheSpringfield XD 3″ Sub-CompactandSpringfield XD 5″ Tacticalpistols offer two different approaches to self-defense. Which makes the most sense for your needs?
That extra mass, initially, was a great benefit in rapid fire.
Here, the full-sized grip and good ergonomics of the XD platform overall were clear assets.
With Winchester white box 9mm, which is about as textbook of a 115-gr.
Both the XD Tactical and XD Sub-Compact offer quite good accuracy at self-defense ranges. The group at 10 yards for the 5″ gun is on the left, while the 3″ gun’s group at 10 yards is on the right.
However, these figures dont tell the whole story.
Im happy to report this wasnt the case with the 3 XD.
Recoil wasslightlyamplified over the 5 version, but overall the gun still handled very well.
The author found the Springfield Armory XD Tactical was easy to aim and keep on target for follow-up shots.
Naturally, theres some debate here.
As compared to the larger XD, my split times werent tremendously different.
Under recoil, the gun seemed just as responsive and lively, which was a pleasant surprise.
In addition to personal protection, the Springfield Armory XD Tactical 9mm pistol makes a good duty handgun and works well for home defense.
The reduced sight radiusdid, however, make a difference in terms of theconsistencyI wanted.
Similar results were found during a 50-foot headshot drill.
Surprisingly, accuracy wasnt much impeded when I took my time.
Rapid-fire, unsupported shooting with the Springfield Armory XD Sub-Compact 9mm pistol yielded good results.
What Should you Pick?
On the other hand, and as my .mil friends like to say, ounces make pounds.
But let me tell you the 3 model doesnt give up much.
The XD Sub-Compact handgun is relatively easy to conceal and is lighter and smaller than the larger Tactical model.
Of course, Springfield Armory does indeed make a 4 XD.
If you fear the 5 XD is unwieldy or heavy, it most certainly isnt.
Not always, but often enough to matter.
Shown here are targets from both the XD Tactical vs. XD Sub-Compact, rapid-fire at 7 yards. The 5″ gun’s target is on the left, and the 3″ gun’s on the right. Each gun offers very good accuracy.
Consider me pleasantly surprised by that conclusion!
Go to forum thread
XD3" Sub-Compact
XD5" Tactical Model
Springfield’s XD Sub-Compact is a proven design offering more than two decades of reliable service.
