Springfield Armory has had a string of successes with its subcompact XD-S pistols. Both the original .45 ACP and later 9mm subcompact models have become a standard for larger-caliber concealed carry and backup use. All that was missing for law enforcement was a .40 S&W model, which has joined the XD-S series in 2016.
As with previous XD-S semi-autos, the .40-caliber version shares the same dual external safety mechanisms: Springfield’s Ultra Safety Assurance (USA) blade-style trigger mechanism and a secondary grip safety. Both must be engaged in order for the XD-S to discharge, thus this is a very secure sidearm to handle in the field.
Another advantage is that the Springfield’s ambidextrous magazine release does not employ a disconnector, and the XD-S will discharge a chambered round with the magazine removed.
While the .45 ACP XD-S maintains a reasonable 5+1 standard capacity, the new .40-caliber XD-S ups the count to 6+1 with the flat-floorplate magazine and 7+1 with the extended magazine (the gun comes with one of each). The seven-round magazine also increases the grip length by 0.78 inches, allowing a full-hand grip for most shooters.
Like the .45 ACP and 9mm models, the .40 has excellent weight and balance in the hand and reduced felt recoil with Springfield’s specialized recoil spring and plunger design. The use of combat-style white-dot rear and red fiber-optic front sights also make this gun very quick to point under a wider variety of lighting situations.
The XD-S is a striker-fired design that Springfield has fine-tuned to reduce the trigger take-up and provide a short reset. Including engaging the blade trigger safety, there is about 0.5 inches of travel and the pull remains crisp and consistent at an average of 8.5 pounds.
Essentially, the XD-S trigger is smooth with negligible stacking and zero overtravel.
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Overall, this is the same proven XD-S chambered in the most popular law enforcement chambering in use today, and as a backup to a full-sized service pistol, one would be hard pressed to do better.
For more information, visit springfield-armory.com or call 800-680-6866.
