Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 9mm Concealed Carry Pistol
Springfield has come up with a revolutionary striker-fired pistol called it’s called the XD-M Elite. The XD Elite is striking firearm with high-intensity suppressor sight made of iron, an ambidextrous sliding stop and enhanced serrations. It’s available in a compact package.
The XD-M Elite also sports an adjustable backstrap that can be swapped out using three different inserts. This allows the pistol to easily fit into a variety of hands.
The optical sight
The XD-M Elite line is the Springfield Armory’s latest upgrade to the popular polymer frame striker-fired pistols. This XD-M Elite pistol offers the features that competition shooters want with a design that is made for carrying. The XD M Elite sports an improved match barrel that has serrations. It also comes with The Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly.
The 3.8-inch Hammer-forged, match-grade Melonite surface on the barrel enhances ballistic efficiency as the streamlined frame for grips provides the concealedness required for every day carrying. This combination of high capacity and efficiency makes it the ideal EDC choice.
When it arrives in the box the XD-M Elite comes ready to go with any red dot sight that you want to use. The angle cut on its dustcover has a section of Picatinny rail that enables you to mount tactical lights or lasers. The pistol is able to be used to back up your main weapon when your light isn’t as bright or the light is difficult to see.
This XD Elite model includes all the usual XD Elite functions, which include slide locks that are adjustable and a magazine release that is suitable for southpaws. Additionally, it has upgraded serrations for the slide to offer an extra level of traction. It’s also equipped with an extended magwell that enables you to get 22+ rounds into the magazine.
The model, as other models in the XD Elite range, is compatible with ammo that has +P. But, a diet of heavy loads can wear out key components faster as compared to conventional pressure ammunition.
One of the attractive aspects of this firearm is its ambidextrous fore-sight and rear sight. It’s very easy to operate for people who are left handed and anyone else.
In addition to two magazines with the set, you’ll also get a nylon black carrying case and a flat basepad to replace the fingerhooks. The package also includes new fiber optic rods to replace the front sight. So, you could swap the current red ones for a green set if you’re looking for a new color. The new fiber optic rods must be inserted by you because they don’t come with any instruction or equipment.
Trigger Pull
For a while, If you wanted a fully-sized polymer striker fired pistol inside the United States, your choices were restricted to that of the Big Three — Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P as well as The Springfield Armory XD. The situation has changed as numerous manufacturers have begun to make the pistols. However, the XD is the most popular of the line within the XD range.
The slide comes with a number of advanced options that distinguish it from. They include a built-in hammer and chamber, as well as the loaded indicator that is located at the slide’s rear. This serves both as a physical and a visible indicator of the gun’s condition. The entire package includes a reversible, extended magwell that has adjustable rear sights as well as front sight sights that are red. The Elite includes a bigger barrel and slide with metal finish. It’s made to deliver long life and increased accuracy.
Both XD and XD-M pistols have been known for their sharp trigger pulls, and this model isn’t an exception. It’s actually slightly more precise than many competitors’ XD pistols that are available from Springfield. This is good news especially if you’re shooting lots of targets or participating on bowling events. If you want to lighten the trigger further, Springfield has an XDM Extreme Trigger Kit available for the trigger that can reduce its takeup, over-travel and reset.
The Elite has been tested using the Caldwell Matrix Rest. In the first three shots, it clipped the 25-yard 1.1″ point. Two of the shots went into a 4-inch circle. the final shot didn’t make it to the intended target. That’s pretty decent considering a firearm of this caliber, especially given the eyesight and age of this old guy. The ammunition was Federal’s 180-gr. The ammo was Federal’s 180-gr. of energy in the muzzle.
I did note that the slide stop comes with the lever that is bilateral, which makes it ideal for lefties, however not as effective as the pistols I’ve used. Additionally, there’s a greater amount of force needed to open the right-hand side lever than the left. This issue will probably smooth out and “break into” as more time passes.
Accuracy
Springfield’s XD series of handguns that fire strikers have evolved through the years. Its current XD-M Elite series debuted in 2020 and has many of the features that carry gun enthusiasts are looking for, including interchangeable backstraps a good trigger and an optically-ready platform. This model, the XD(M) Elite OPS is the same, and comes with the latest features that make it the perfect option for IDPA or USPSA competitive shooting.
Match Enhanced Springfieldstore.com Trigger Assembly, or META as it is commonly referred to, can be one of the improvements that could be created. It is the finest polymer pistol trigger available in the marketplace. Its flat trigger, with integrated blade safety, with a built-in stop to prevent overtravel, and integrated blade safety enhance your trigger’s performance while reducing duration of cycle.
META can result in smaller durations for trigger resets, and also improved precision. My average for five shots was 4.3″ in the case of Federal Syntech 124gn targets to check META’s XD (M) Elite OPS. It’s an incredible outcome, particularly considering the test was conducted off hand using the bench rest, regular magazines and a steel handgun.
Another key improvement is the slide release and magazine release that are multi-directional. This will make this XD(M) Elite OPS very accessible for both lefties and righties. This means you will not have to break your grip only to drop magazines. The serrations with angled angles on the slide allow for easy handling of the weapon regardless of whether your hands are cold or wet. They also keep the gun from sliding off the target when it is recoiling.
The XD(M), Elite OPS comes with the muzzle thread to accommodate 1/2×28 pitch suppression suppressors. The thread protector is with the unit and is taken off for the installation of an array of sound suppressions.
Springfield comes with four mounting plates that are numbered to make it easy for you to identify them. The mounting plates sit right on the gun and enable you to quickly switch between red-dot sights with no having to remove the slide.
Its XD(M) Elite OPS has a standard 4.2-inch barrel, which extends to towards the rear of the Springfieldstore.com slide, but you can replace it with a shorter barrel should you wish. The side of the muzzle is equipped with 1/2×28 pitch threads meaning you’ll be able to install the suppressor even if you’re not shooting.
Bottom Line
The gun makers are at work to shrink the weight and size of concealed carry guns but still retaining their firing power. Springfield Armory’s new XD-M Elite 9mm fits this mold. The XD -M Elite 9mm by Springfield Armory has all the things you’d want in an assault rifle, for example, removable backstraps (3 on the model) easy controls, and a trigger that performs well.
The XD-M Elite also comes with the “standard” magwell funnel which was designed to assist in channeling the magazine while reloading it under pressure. Important to be aware of this when under pressure, which is what you’ll be in when self-defense is involved. The device keeps the magazine flush with the frame, allowing it to be inserted effortlessly and firing.
A ambidextrous magazine as well as slide release is another attribute I love about this model of the XD-M Elite. It’s much easier to shoot this pistol when you’re a lefty, particularly with gloves. Springfield has also made sure the grip safety for the gun is as comfortable to use as possible. It has finger-friendly depressions on both sides of the grip. This helps reduce the chance of missing the safety slide when gripping the pistol to fire.
The XD M Elite has an Enhanced META Trigger, which is designed especially for shooters looking to get to get the best performance from their handguns with striker firing. META’s overtravel-stopping mechanisms in the internal trigger prevent that the trigger travels too long and help you stay in control when competing.
With regards to precision when it comes to accuracy, it is very accurate. XD-M Elite did very well during my tests. The pistol fired four rounds at less than 30mm with its 124gn Federal Syntech ammo which is very impressive. My only complaint I could find was that the pistol may be a little too large to allow for a comfortable concealed carry and it is a little heavy for some shooters.
If you are looking to purchase either a concealed or range gun should think about buying the XD-M Elite. It is an amazingly impressive. It has all of the features that a carry gun lover needs, and can be purchased in two sizes. There’s also a specialized model for the tactical shooter that comes with a barrel threaded, and equipped with optics.