First Look: Springfield Armory XD(M) 10MM

Springfield Armory unleashes its hardest-hitting XD yet.

Featured in the December issue of Guns & Ammo, Springfield Armory has launched its full-size XD(M) in 10mm. It is being made available with either a 4.5-inch or 5.25-inch barrel.

We have all been watching the popularity of the 10mm surge in recent months, and Springfield Armory is no stranger to the cartridge. In the July issue of Guns & Ammo, contributor Joseph von Benedikt tested the also-new TRP 10, a powerhouse of a 1911. Based on Springfield Armory’s TRP Operator, it, too, is offered in two-barrel lengths: 5 inches and 6 inches.
Though 1911s feel great in the hand, some of us prefer striker-fired pistols with double-stack capacities. The XD(M) delivers sending 175- to 200-grain bullets traveling between 1,050 and 1,150 feet per second. Regardless of barrel length, both can carry 15 rounds in each magazine. Given the balanced weight and the capacity, the XD(M) proved to be one of the most comfortable pistols in the caliber to shoot.

Springfield Armory XD(M) 10MM with a 5" barrel.

Besides barrel length, the differences between each is only with the rear sight. While both share the same red fiber-optic front, the rear on the 5.25 features and an elevation and windage-adjustable match-style target sight with the corners beveled, while the 4.5 model features a no-snag ramped combat sight.

Springfield Armory XD(M) 10MM with a 6" barrel.

Seemingly defying physics, the weight for each pistol is the same at 1 lb., 15-ounces. The reason for that is the long slide was given a cutout on top of the slide and behind the sight. Keeping the weight the same meant that engineers could keep parts common between the two such as the recoil spring. Though coincidence, perhaps, even the short-reset trigger pull of each gun averaged the same at 5½ pounds.

In the video below, you'll see Gunsite Instructor Chris Currie walking through the “Donga” with the Springfield Armory XD(M) 10mm.

Shooting the Springfield Armory XD(M) 10mm

Gunsite Instructor Chris Currie walking through the 'Donga' washout with the Springfield Armory XD(M) 10mm.

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Like other XD models, this XD(M) 10 is friendly to left-handed shooters. The aggressive texture, interchangable backstraps, grip safety, trigger and balance are not biased. Even the magazine release button is a true ambidextrous control. There is not disassembling the pistol to change the orientation of the button on this. It’s two sided and functions reliable from either side.

Following Springfield Armory’s own 10,000-round torture test using Federal Premium Hydra-Shok 10mm loads (www.xdm10k.com), contributor and pro-shooter Chris Cerino evaluated it for G&A and experienced perfect reliability during his tests of both variations. From a 25-yard bench, he demonstrated the pistol’s accuracy potential by printing groups that ranged from an average of 1.41 inches with 180-grain ball to 2.33 inches with more powerful defensive loads. This pistol is a shooter.

G&A editor Eric Poole and Springfield Armory pro-shooter Rob Leatham

G&A editor Eric Poole joined Springfield Armory pro-shooter Rob Leatham at Gunsite to test and evaluate these pistols and more. Tune in to Techsperts™ on the Sportsman Channel in November and December 2018 to watch Poole and Leatham shoot through Springfield Armory’s family of XD pistols at Gunsite. If you purchase a new XD before December 31, 2018, visit
www.allXDgearup.com to sign up for three free magazines and a soft case for your pistol.