November 3rd, 2021
6:50 runtime
Springfield Armory definitely keeps on its toes.
WhileI really liked the .45, I love this new 9mm.
Its pretty close to a perfect pistol for comfortable and discreet, concealed carry.
The Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) feature makes it that much better.
These two new offerings from Springfield Armory fit that category well, and they do so as OSP pistols.
The OSP designation indicates the slides are milled to accept red dot optics.
As noted, the XD-S Mod.2 handguns are single-stack guns.
This is what lends to their thin profiles and aids with the ease with which they can be concealed.
TheMod.2 aspects of the designbasically refer to its enhanced grip texturing design.
The magazine release is a double-sided affair.
On the back of the grip resides the grip safety.
Im not a grip safety fan, but Springfield Armory executes this one well.
Both the slide and barrel on the single stack 9mm areforgedand treated with a Melonite coating.
The forging produces metal with a higher density, leading to increased strength and durability.
The Melonite treatment increases the lubricity of the metal, which reduces wear and also helps prevent corrosion.
An OSP cover plate covers up the optics cut if you simply want to run irons.
All XD-S models currently available are OSP models.
The math is pretty simple, as far as Im concerned.
If you want an XD-S, its gonna be an OSP.
But, I think if you try this with an optic, youll be hooked.
Ive had the opportunity to run a wide variety of red dot sights mounted on pistol slides.
I found the Crimson Trace with this pistol to be quite serviceable.
For a small, concealed carry gun, I have no issue with the large 5 MOA dot.
It is intended for close-in work, not precision at distance.
The majority of the Crimson Trace optic is polymer, including the housing and the lens.
This allows for the use of the factory sights should the optic go down.
No need for the expense of suppressor height sights.
It also happens to be my favorite part of the gun.
First off, the gun is incredibly shootable in this format.
The 4 barrel adds a touch of mass at the muzzle that softens recoil wonderfully.
I really felt like I was able to shoot this pistol.
My friends at Remington sent out a variety of ammo for me to test out.
The gun ran the Remington UMC in 115-, 124- and 147-gr.
And I ran more than just target ammo.
Even the defensive rounds sent by Remington worked well.
The Golden Sabers were reliable and would be a great defensive choice in this gun.
This allows for more precise shots at greater distances.
It also offers increased ballistic performance.
I have a different motive.
The longer barrel means a longer slide.
In addition, the longer slide provides a greater surface area to spread out the pressure of the belt.
Because folks typically carry in an inside the waistband holster, there is no increase in footprint.
That right there is my favorite part of the XD-S Mod.2 OSP 4 9mm.
Ill be putting a HEX Wasp on mine.
For an MSRP of $550 you cant beat that price as an introduction to the dot life.
I also think it makes sense to keep paying attention to what Springfield is doing.
They are reading the future and making very good choices.
XD-S pistols are OSPs for a reason.
It increases the overall value of the gun and its long-term flexibility.
Solid gun and smart business.
That is a win in the long game.
So check out this new pistol.
I am sure youll like it!
