Aug 22 2012
SPRINGFIELD XDs REVIEW
The Springfield Armory XD-S is a long-awaited derivative of the popular and proven XD series of pistols, and was designed for everyday carry and deep concealment. As an owner of several XD series pistols (and sometimes referred to as the crazy XD lady), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of these to give it a try!
Specs:
The XD-S is a single-stack compact pistol chambered in .45ACP. The overall length is 6.3” with a slim width of only 1”. Empty weight is a light 21.5 ounces, partially due to its light polymer frame construction. Standard capacity is 5+1 rounds. A new and welcome addition to the XD-S pistol is the red fiber optic front sight.
Caliber:
One of the most exciting features of the XD-S is the fact that it was designed around the .45ACP cartridge, which is arguably one of the best self-defense rounds available.
XD-S Features:
The XD-S is equipped with the Ultra Safety Assurance Trigger System which is designed to prevent accidental discharges due to dropping or bumping the gun. The trigger will not operate unless direct rearward pressure is applied to the face of the trigger.
All XD series pistols include a grip safety which only allows firing when the grip safety is depressed.
Loaded Chamber Indicator on the XDs
Just like the XD and the XD(M), the XD-S has a loaded chamber indicator: which is a notch that pops up on the slide when a round is seated in the chamber. What I like about a loaded chamber indicator is that it gives the operator immediate visual and tangible feedback as to whether or not that firearm is ready to shoot.
A new feature on the XD-S is referred to as Fail-Safe Disassembly. This feature will prevent manipulation of the takedown lever with a magazine in the pistol. It also prevents the insertion of a magazine unless the lever is in the shooting position. This new addition should prevent an accidental discharge when disassembling the XD-S for cleaning.
Springfield detailed the XDs grip by adding a new “secure grip texture” to the “all terrain” style grip that is found on the XD(M). And just like the XD(M), the XD-S comes with different sized, interchangeable back straps.
The XD-S comes standard with a fiber optic front sight. This is a very welcome and useful addition, especially considering the shorter than usual sight radius that is inherent with sub compact pistols. This bright front sight grabs the shooters attention and pulls the focus right to the front site where it needs to be.
What’s In the Box?
Springfield Armory has always done an outstanding job of equipping the XD series pistols with most of the accessories needed to get started. The XD-S is no exception to this rule. The XD-S comes complete in a high quality storage case suitable for air travel. Contained within you will find a paddle holster, a double magazine pouch, a cable lock, two extra fiber optics (one red, one green), an interchangeable back strap, and two 5 round magazines.
Shooting the XDs:
In order to give you the most accurate review I can, I had a handful of people shoot the XD-S before I wrote it up. One was a SWAT sniper, one was a competition shooter, I shot it, and I had my husband shoot it as well. We all pretty much came up with the same conclusions, and overall, we were all impressed.
The muzzle flip on the XD-S is pretty severe. It’s what can be expected from such a small .45 caliber handgun due to the short barrel length and smaller grip size of this model. This is especially apparent when using the included 5 round magazine due to the shorter grip length. Even with the short magazines, however, the muzzle flip is very predictable and can easily be compensated for with a little practice.
At first, the muzzle flip made it a bit harder to do a double tap. After a few shots, I got the hang of the rhythm, and the double taps with decent grouping were quite doable at fifteen yards.
Considering the size, weight, and caliber of the XD-S, one might expect this pistol to be uncomfortable to shoot due to expected recoil. This was not the case at all; in fact, everybody who shot the XD-S for the review reported the opposite. The XD-S is a very comfortable pistol to shoot and I can easily shoot 250 rounds in a single session with this pistol and have little to no more shooter fatigue then when shooting my 4.8” XDm-9.
As with any lightweight, polymer framed handgun: it’s imperative that the shooter not “limp wrist” the firearm as they shoot. As an instructor, this is the only issue I have seen my students have with this firearm. Otherwise, it has run smoothly and accurately.
Design:
Those who already have familiarity with any XD series pistols should have no problems transitioning to the single stack XDs. All of the controls are located in the same place as the other members of the XD family which makes the operation of the XDs very intuitive.
The XDs is built a little differently than the XD and XDm, though. It seems to combine the best of both worlds, sporting more of an XD upper, with more of an XD(M) frame.
However, because the XD-S is a smaller pistol, the controls are going to be grouped closer together. As with any 
smaller sized handgun, it’s important to be aware of where your thumbs are riding. I shoot “high thumbs” and had no problem with the slide-stop actuating unintentionally. With a little forethought, Springfield designed the slide-stop with a little protective ridge underneath it. This helps keep the shooter from unintentionally pushing up on the slide-stop as they are shooting.
I am super excited that Springfield decided to go with the standard XD and compact XD(M) guide rod as opposed to the full-sized XD(M) guide rod. I think the XD guide rod is a much better design for combat/defensive shooting then the full-sized XDm guide rod. But then again, the XD was designed as a combat grade gun, where as the XDm was designed for matches. I could talk for hours on the subject of guide rods, but it would bore most of you to death, so I will leave it at that.
Unlike both the XD and the XD(M), the XD-S does not have a cocked striker indicator. This is something I am going to miss, as I am fond of the instantaneous tactical feedback regarding the condition of my firearm.
I feel that I should also mention that the XD-S has an external extractor. We didn’t have any failures to extract, so it wasn’t an issue.
The single stack design makes for a much thinner grip. This is great for people with small hands, and terrible for people with large hands. With less real estate to grip on to, it obviously feels a lot different to shoot then the double stack XD and XD(M). The main reasoning behind the single stack style, is to keep a slim profile for concealed carry. You can see the difference in width below.
The fiber optic front sights is absolutely amazing. I usually have fiber optic sights put on my pistols after market, so I was pretty glad to see Springfield install them standard on each XD-S.
The only concern I have about the fiber optic front sight is that I’ll shoot it out. I’ve shot the front sight out of every set of fiber optics I own. That being said, Springfield thought ahead and included some extra fiber optics in the XD-S package.
Extra points to Springfield for giving the buyer a few color options. Minus points for Springfield not cutting them down to size for us.
Final Thoughts:
Carrying the XDs is a pleasure. Of course, I am used to my full-sized, 4.5 inch XDm and my 4 inch XD, so the downsize is a huge change for me. On the same note, I didn’t find it all that much easier to conceal and carry than my XDm .40 compact that I like to carry as a backup.
Overall, I would have no concerns carrying this pistol every day for self-defense. The size and weight make the XD-S very comfortable for concealed carry work, while the .45ACP round offers superior stopping power. I would, however, consider the 7 round extended magazines to be must-have additions because of the additional comfort while shooting because of the larger grip-surface.
This gun is a blast to shoot, and it seems as though I’ve found a welcome new addition to my Springfield Armory XD family!
More on the Springfield XDs | Gunmart Blog
Aug 23, 2012 @ 07:33:03
[...] Gracie has a review… yep, they are starting to pop up all over now. [...]
Sep 30, 2012 @ 11:29:03
Nice review.
Just picked mine up yesterday. Shot 200 rounds of 230gr Blazer FMJ, 40 rounds of 185gr Critical Defense, and 20 rounds of 200gr +P Gold Dot, all in one sitting. Not a problem at all. Recoil is minimal, for me. The gun was also very accurate, out to 15 yards. After that it was hard to group shots but that’s me, not the gun.
Overall, if I had to choose between the S&W M&P Shield, or the Springfield XD-S, I think I’d go with the XD-S!
Aug 23, 2012 @ 20:20:10
Is this the one that I passed up the opportunity to shoot Saturday? ‘Cause if so, now I’m wishing I had stayed around a little longer!
Aug 24, 2012 @ 08:37:19
Hi Robbie,
Yes, this is the gun we were talking about, but no need to worry! Hopefully we will see you again at the range and we will be sure to get you another opportunity to try it out!
Aug 25, 2012 @ 07:41:59
You mentioned that you like the XD guide rod system more than the XDm. I’ve never spent much time thinking about guide rods. Do you think you could spend a little time explaining your opinions on guide rods? I promise I won’t be bored!
Aug 25, 2012 @ 09:29:55
Brice, I’ll try and get an article up in the next few weeks or so!
Aug 27, 2012 @ 14:58:34
Thanks for the writeup. One thought: if you miss the striker indicator, you could always consider the trigger position as the striker indicator. Unlike the previous Springfields, the trigger stays depressed if the striker is forward (e.g. after a dryfire) as I have no doubt you noticed. I like the indicator too, but I can live with the trigger position.
Aug 28, 2012 @ 21:16:05
Hey I want to shoot it !!!!!!!! If not im going to hold your holster for your Kimber hostage !!! See you at the bbq Sun. Jay
Aug 29, 2012 @ 06:17:07
Thanks for the review, and THANK YOU! for actually posting some meaningful comparison pictures about the size. SA keeps going on about how small it is, but I’ve yet to see one pic on the website of the XDs on top of, or near their other handguns that people are already familiar with. Keep up the good work.
Aug 29, 2012 @ 07:10:10
I think it is worth mentioning that my XDm 3.8 has a recoil spring assembly almost identical to your XD and my XDsc has a recoil spring assembly almost identical to your XDs. In looks at least, maybe not size. Not sure if my XDm is different because it is a 3.8, or if one is newer than the other.
Aug 29, 2012 @ 08:42:01
I did mention that! Thanks Ben!
Sep 30, 2012 @ 12:42:37
Nice review.
Just picked mine up yesterday. Shot 200 rounds of 230gr Blazer FMJ, 40 rounds of 185gr Critical Defense, and 20 rounds of 200gr +P Gold Dot, all in one sitting. Not a problem at all. Recoil is minimal, for me. The gun was also very accurate, out to 15 yards. After that it was hard to group shots but that’s me, not the gun.
Overall, if I had to choose between the S&W M&P Shield, or the Springfield XD-S, I think I’d go with the XD-S!
Dec 10, 2012 @ 14:35:32
I went shooting with 50rds of PPU amoo 45acp 230grain and it sucked I think the gun is great but but kept jamming and castings kept coming back to my face gots to try different ammo see if its that……anybody had problems like this so far
Dec 19, 2012 @ 18:07:09
Tried to load single round without feeding from magazine. Won’t work! Pulling slide back and releasing to load from magazine jammed every time. Smooth action non-jamming first round possible for me only by locking slide back, inserting magazine and operating slide by slide release “button” Fired several magazines after learning how to load first round and got no malfunctions. Would not want to depend on this gun in a “surprise” situation when carrrying with loaded magazine and chamber empty. Any comments?
Dec 19, 2012 @ 18:22:59
If I was going to test a gun, I’d test it like a carry it. Fully load magazine, insert, and rack. Then top off the mag. Will it run like that? During your test did you make sure you were actually getting the slide all the way to the rear? Could you put it on slide stop manually? How many rounds have you gone through? What ammo? OAL of ammo?
Dec 19, 2012 @ 18:58:41
Evidently pulling the slide back to the stop is the trick and it must be absolutely at the back. I took the pistol back to the dealer after having my troubles at the range. He had similar problems with chambering the first round from the magazine. and he is a “strong young buck” of a guy. I wonder if I have a gun that is defective. My procedure for chambering the first round, now that I am familiar with the gun (have owned it new for about two weeks to the range once to shoot about 30 rounds of fed 230 gr rounds) is with loaded magazine inserted, pull slide back, lock it back, then release the slide with the slide release button to chamber the first round. Works great then. PS Thanks for the come-back.
Mar 05, 2013 @ 20:56:06
rack the slide with an empty mag. let the slide go forward. take out the mag. put in the bullets. insert the mag rack the slide by hand. the first bullet will go in every time.if you dont do this. it will jam every time.hope this helps you.
Apr 30, 2013 @ 14:53:37
My gosh. A) The stinking gun should not be so darned temperamental. You should be able to chamber a round in all cases without a bunch of fuss and risk. B) Racking the slide with an empty mag should not help anything. C) It really DOES help. NICE SUGGESTION FRED!!! It does not help EVERY time, but nearly. Now my chance of getting shot while asking an assailant “Can you give me a moment?” is probably reduced from 100% to maybe 10%. Still not acceptable, but better.
Dec 23, 2012 @ 18:35:10
When is the DXS 9mm and 40 coming out?
Jan 08, 2013 @ 08:41:33
The XDS 9 is coming out at SHOT show next week!
Jan 02, 2013 @ 09:51:02
Hi I have a question – I am planning on trading my full size beretta storm 9mm that I purse carry to something i can on body carry – one that is not a double/single action piece. I am torn between the xds and the xdm sub compact in .40 S&W. I have shot both and looked at the measurements of both. I like them both and shoot well with both.
My deciding factor between the two of them may be silly but I am trying to be as practical as I can as far as wardrobe and what I can comfortably wear in the office. I want to get the xds if i can carry it concealed in a flash-bang holster. If I cant then i will get the xdm subcompact with its extra rounds and IWB holster it.
Has anyone tried the xds in a bra holster? Either the flash bang or the marilyn? If so is it actually concealable? Im a petite person but with a 34D chest.
Is it a definite “no no” to go into a gun store before I purchase one and try it on with the flash bang? Not sure what kind of etiquette that would violate.
Jan 11, 2013 @ 19:44:12
You mentioned the XDS coming in the 9mm, what about the .40?
Jan 22, 2013 @ 14:58:39
Shot this next to my buds Kahr .40. We both agreed the XDs had LESS recoil! This is my carry with ease!
Jan 28, 2013 @ 06:12:47
I’ve had the XDS for a couple of weeks now and really enjoy shooting it. It is a snap to field strip and clean. Due to the size of my hands, I really need the 7 rnd mag.
Any idea when that will be available? Great article and input from other shooters.
Feb 12, 2013 @ 21:41:38
The writer would have a lot more credibility if they would simply learn the difference between “then” and “than”. How did you get this far?
Mar 06, 2013 @ 12:28:21
First gun I ever shot was an XD. I’m happy to see that the new model works out well. It looks good, ergonomic, and the .45 ACP is definitely a plus! I still can hardly believe the tiny size of .45′s nowadays. Darn.
Keep shootin’!
Azue James
Apr 04, 2013 @ 17:15:21
Thanks for this review. It is one of the most helpful that I’ve read.
Apr 16, 2013 @ 18:48:44
The XDs is a great carry piece. I produced a video review of the pistol for one of our Louisville Kentucky shops and was sold the minute I put 5 down range. Here’s the review if you’re interested:
Apr 16, 2013 @ 19:30:21
Just picked one of these up. I had been carrying a Kahr CM9, which by all means, was/is a great weapon. However, even though the XDs is .45 and the CM9 is 9mm, I actually shot tighter groups with the XDs. I think this is probably due to the trigger on the XDs. It is incredibly smooth, with a crisp break point, and a quick reset. The XDs also points very naturally, and is quick to get back on target.
The included paddle holster makes concealment very easy. I can wear a normal-sized Polo shirt and the gun melts away underneath it.
All in all, I’d highly recommend this to friends/family.
May 15, 2013 @ 17:37:21
Hi to any one who can answer this one the recoil spring from xd is good for the xds 45 acp my recoil is getting real bad i just want to know if any one knows this one or any recomendation for it thanks
May 15, 2013 @ 17:38:51
just to see any one knows about this recoil spring for xds 45 if any other fix on it
May 17, 2013 @ 22:22:47
Really when someone doesn’t understand after that its up to other visitors that they will help, so here it takes place.