Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 9mm Concealed Carry Pistol
The XD-M Elite is Springfield’s advanced handgun model that fires with strikers. The XD-M Elite features a striking handgun with a suppressor height iron sight and an ambidextrous slide stop with enhanced serrations. The gun comes in a compact package.
The XD-M Elite comes with an interchangeable backstrap mechanism using three different inserts. This allows the pistol to comfortably fit a wide variety of hands.
The optical sight
Springfield Armory has upgraded their range of polymer frame, striker-fired guns, to the XD Elite. The XD-M Elite offers features competition shooters require in a carry-ready package. This includes a match-grade barrel with improved slide serrations, as well as the firm’s Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META).
This barrel is hammer-forged using it’s Melonite match-grade finish. Frame grips are SpringfieldStore compact and provides concealability for daily carry. This combination of high capability and high performance make this an ideal EDC alternative.
Out of the box, the XD -M Elite frame is set for use using any red dot scope you prefer. This angled dustcover has the Picatinny Rail which can be used to mount guns with lasers or tactical lighting. You can use this pistol as a backup weapon when the light has gone out or is hard to spot.
The XD Elite model is equipped with all the typical XD Elite characteristics, like the slide lock which is multi-directional and a release for magazines designed for those who are southpaws. Also, it comes with improved serrations to the slide that ensure proper traction. The extended magazine well allows the storage of 22+1 rounds in the magazine.
As with the other models in the Elite XD-M family this model can be used with ammunition made by +P. In fact, hot loads may wear down key components more quickly than standard pressure ammunition.
The ambidextrous front and rear sights are one of the greatest features on this pistol. It’s easy to use to left-handed shooters in addition to everyone else.
Alongside the two magazines in the box, you’ll find the flat basepad that can be used to replace the fingershooks that are included in the magazines, as well as a black nylon carrying case. The front sight will include replacement fiber optics, which can be changed to green ones, if you’d like to. You’ll need to install the new rods by yourself, as they don’t come with a tool or instructions.
Trigger Pull
For a time, the only polymer guns that were full size that were available in the United States were the Springfield Armory XD or Glock, the Smith & Wesson M&P, and Glock. This has changed since many companies manufacture these kinds of pistols, but when it comes to the XD model, this is the best the company can offer.
It has a few advanced features which set it apart. They include a built-in hammer and chamber, as well as the loaded indicator which is situated on the back of the slide. This can serve as a physical and a visible display of the gun’s current status. A reversible extended magwell with an adjustable rear sight as well as front-facing red fiber optic sights round out the package. The Elite includes a bigger slide and barrel with an ebonite finish designed to last longer and provide increased accuracy.
The pistol in question isn’t an one-off. Both the XD and XD are known for their smooth trigger pulls. The trigger is even more crisp than the XD-M pistols that are available at Springfield. If you shoot a lot or participate in bowling-pin tournaments that’s great news. Springfield offers an XDM extremely trigger kit this gun which will reduce its takeup, overtravel and reset.
When I tested a Caldwell Matrix rest, the Elite’s first three shots blasted the 1.1″ aiming dot in the 25-yard range. After that, two of the shots went into a 4 inch circle. Finally, the third shot was not able to clear the mark. That’s quite impressive for a weapon of such size. Particularly when you think about his age. person and his eyes. Federal 180 grams. Trophy Bonded, a coated soft point which produces 1,275 fps speed and 700 ft.-lbs. of force at the muzzle.
The slide stop functions as one lever that is bilateral. This feature may be nice for those who are left-handed, however it’s not like other pistols that I have examined. The lever on the right is harder to open as opposed to the left. As time passes, the lever will likely smoothen out.
Accuracy
Springfield’s XD range of handguns with striker fire has changed over time. The most recent model, which was introduced in 2020, is the XD-M Elite Series was introduced. It features options such as interchangeable backstraps and an effective trigger. It can also utilize optics. This year’s XD (M) Elite OPS is a similar model, offering many improvements that ensure it is a top choice for IDPA and USPSA competition shooting.
One of the upgrades is one that is a Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META), which delivers the most reliable production polymer frame trigger available for pistols. Its flat trigger, with an integrated blade safety feature, a integrated stopper for overtravel, and an integral blade safety feature improve your trigger’s performance while reducing duration of cycle.
META result in lower intervals between trigger resets as well as improved quality. The average of my five shots was 4.3″ when I used SpringfieldStore Federal Syntech 124gn targets to try META’s XD (M) Elite OPS. If you consider this was shot from hand, with a steel bench rest, and using standard handgun magazines. It’s an incredible result.
A further improvement is the slide release and the magazine release which are both multi-directional. The XD(M), Elite OPS can be used both for lefties and righties. You won’t need changing your grip to remove magazines. The serrations with angled angles on the slide enable easy manipulation of the weapon, even when your hands are cold or wet. These serrations also assist to stop the weapon from sliding off its target during recoil.
Also, the XD(M) Elite OPS comes equipped with a muzzle that is threaded which accepts 1/2×28 pitch-suppressors. A factory-installed thread protector is available, which can be easily taken off to mount a complete range of sound suppressors.
Springfield has four mounting plates numbered so that it is easy for the user to distinguish they belong to. The plates fit right on the gun, allowing you to quickly switch between various red-dot sights without needing to unclip the slide.
The option is to substitute the original 4.2 inch barrel with a smaller model should you want to. Front of muzzle threaded 1/2×28, you can mount suppressors if you’re not shooting in competition.
Bottom Line
Since concealed carry firearms have become more popular firearm manufacturers have worked hard to shrink them down in terms of size and weight, but being able to still fire at a high level. Springfield Armory’s flagship XD-M 9mm fits this mold. They have taken their popular XD line and added a 10mm model to the mix with all the features carry-gun enthusiasts demand like removable backstraps (this version has three) as well as easy-to-use controls, and a reliable trigger within an optics-ready platform.
It is also equipped with a magwell funnel. XD-M Elite also comes with the “standard” magwell funnel which was designed to assist in channeling your magazines when you are reloading them under pressure. Remember this even when you’re under pressure which is what you’ll be in when you are in self-defense. This device also helps keep your gun’s magazine in line with the frame to allow it to be easily inserted and fired.
The ambidextrous magazine and slide release are another thing I love about the XD-M Elite. It’s much more easy to operate this gun if you’re left-handed and particularly in gloves. Springfield has made sure that the pistol is as easy to use as it can with a safety grip with depressions that are located across both sides of the pistol grip for finger placement. It reduces the risk of accidentally engaging the slide when holding the pistol for firing.
It is the XD M Elite has an Enhanced META Trigger, which is designed especially for shooters looking to get maximum performance out of their handguns with striker firing. The META’s internal stoppers for overtravel prevent that the trigger travels too long making it easier to remain at a safe distance when you compete.
In terms of accuracy In terms of accuracy, this XD-M Elite did very well in my test. The XD Elite fired four shots of Federal Syntech 124gn ammo into less than 30mm, which was impressive. It’s too heavy and large for the majority of shooters to safely carry with ease in a concealable manner.
The XD-M Elite is an extremely striking striker-fired gun that anybody looking for a concealed carry or range gun must think about. It comes with all the features that a carry gun enthusiast needs and it is available in two different dimensions. It also comes with a tactical version with a barrel threaded and an optics-ready slide.
