New Springfield XDM 3.8 compact
Springfield has introduced a compact version of the XD(m) pistol called the 3.8. Its name refers to the barrel length which is 3.8" long, 0.7" shorter than the standard XD(m). The name is sure to confuse many who will think it refers to the .380 cartridge.
The 3.8 model features non-slip slide serrations which have a kink in them, unlike the standard model which has straight serrations.
XD(m) 4.5 serrations.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Magazines capacity | 19 Round |
| Barrel | 3.8” Steel, Melonite®, |
| Sights | Dovetail Front and Rear (Steel) 3-Dot |
| Trigger Pull | 5.5 – 7.7 lbs |
| Frame | Black Polymer |
| Slide | Forged Steel |
| Overall Length | 7" |
| Height | 5.6" |
| Weight w/ empty mag | 27.5oz |
| Available colors | Black, Bi-Tone SS/Black |
| MSRP | $697 (black/blued model) |
UPDATE: Tyler Kris is the first to get his hands on one.
OK. That does it. I’m losing all respect for the XD brand! This is blatant copying of what Glock is doing!
They were innovative, this is just out right copying….get with it guys, you’re better than this!
Now that I’ve slammed them let me quickly add that the magazine capacity is impressive and the compactness of it almost rivals my personal carry the Glock 26. The price point is an issue though. Otherwise (my complaints aside) I’ll definitely take a look and rent one to see how it fits me.
Springfield is one of those companies that needs to learn that a shorter barrel does less for concealment than a shorter grip.
Jason – I agree with you, in this case. The original XD line – which is starting to look like the one to have, as the XD(m) evolves into gimmicks – featured compacts that had grips short enough to leave most pinkies dangling. So they knew it once. The problem, I think, is they are trying to do something weird that doesn’t necessarily involve the best and most practical self-defense designs with the (m) guns. No .45, no short grip, no manual safety option, etc. I think these are supposed to be geared toward competition…but I don’t get it at all.
And might I add, 3.8″ (and really, outside of caliber, why use decimal for inches? I can’t measure that!) is 0.2″ away from 4″, which was the XD Service model and Glock 19 barrel length. To me, these dimensions are closer to that of a service pistol and have little to do with being compact – especially without a short grip.
The Croatian brain trust must be faltering…
Steve, is Springfield actually calling this a compact? Or did “compact” come from TFB? Inquiring minds want to know…
Dom, I called it a compact. Springfield describe it as “3.8″ short barrel for enhanced concealability”. Other pundits are also calling it a compact.
Just another vote saying this is essentially pointless, in the context of the original XD 4″ and subcompact 3″. This gun would not conceal any easier than a 4″ XD, and probably worse due to the slightly thicker grip frame. This seems like a gun designed for fashion (ala Taurus) rather than function.
I’m missing something here. Below are the specs on the Glock 26. This XD compares favorably except in the wt category which is because it carries 9 more rounds than a standard magazine in the Glock 26. Is everyone forgetting that the service pistol in the glock line is the 17, not the 19? The 19 is compact. The 26 is ultra compact. This pistol fits the definition of compact.
Caliber: 9 x 19 mm
· Action: Safe Action System
· Length: 6.29 inch / 160 mm slide
· Height: 4.17 inch / 106 mm
· Width: 1.18 inch / 30 mm
· Length: 5.67 inch / 144 mm between sights
· Barrel Length: 3.46 inch / 88 mm
· Barrel Rifling: Right, Hexagonal
· Length of Twist: 9.84 inch / 250 mm
· Magazine Capacity: 10 / 12 Subject to local laws and regs.
· Gun Weight: 19.75 oz / 560 g empty without magazine.
· Magazine Weight: 1.98 oz / 56 g empty
· Magazine Weight: 6.35 oz / 180 g Full. Approximate subject to ammunition type.
· Trigger Pull: 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg
· Trigger Travel: .5 inch / 12.5 mm
· Number of Safeties: 3
If the thing did not jam, it might be worth a look. I have had nothing but problems when I bought XDs. I will stick with my Glocks…thank you
Now I understand why it seemed like SA was giving a bit of a push for its XD 9sc recently. The 3.8 will take some market share from it. I’ll bet we’ll see clearance prices on XD 9sc now — I’ll be buying my SC finally I guess!
Dave
Two things :
-First off, I’m glad I’m not the only person to have noticed the slight similarity that those new serrations have with the ones featured on the gen 3.5 glock. On the other hand I must say they look actually better than the glock’s fish grills, and who cares if they copy something good as long as the customer benefits from it.
-Who, of Springfield and HD (or whatever the hell the name of the croatian company is), is responsible for this “innovation” ? Is it springfield who pushed this design on HD or is it HD who developped it alone and just sold it to Springfield ?
I’m always wondering: XD is an American product or just imported from Croatia?
uzim16, good question. Does anybody here know where they are produced?
Just to clarify my earlier posting: It doesn’t matter whether this is marketed as a “compact” or a “subcompact” or whatever. The fact is that SPRINGFIELD says that they shortened the barrel by .3 or .2 inches to enhance concealability. This is the equivalent of a Glock 17 frame with a Glock 19 slide…the exact OPPOSITE of what most people agree would be an ideal CCW Glock (G19 frame with G17 slide).
There’s a reason that 1911s with Commander length slides and Officers length frames took off.
I’ve never owned an XD, but I’ve shot a few. I have no grounds to accept or reject them based on their reliability or ergos. HOWEVER, I do reject their design philosophy of short barrels and long grips.
I’ve also always been curious about the question that VAK raises: Who drives the XD design? Springfield or HS?
Those XD 45 Compacts look like they hit the sweet spot for me: 4″ & 5″ barrels with 10 round grip frames. Did they ever make a 9mm like that?
Can we get a 6″ barrel please? Why the hell are all guns built with 3″-4.5″ barrels now? How is 5″ a long slide? Who gives a crap about 3.8″ barrels when the slide is the same width as an N-frame S&W cylinder? Why would I carry a 9mm when I could carry a .44 Magnum that’s the same size? Is there really anyone out there going “Gee, I wish I could get a full-size pistol with a truncated magazine and a barrel of less than four inches”?
I agree that the name is terribly confusing. “It’s a Three Point Eight? Don’t you mean a ‘Point-Three-Eight’, as in ‘thirty-eight’? It’s an auto! Do you mean .38 Super? .380 ACP? .38 Casull?”
Dumb. Bad marketing.
The slides and upper part of the frames on these firearms look very tall compared to other brands. It looks like there is a lot of material or empty space that could be removed if you were to optimize the design.
The extractor seems like it sits on top of the slide. Where does the brass go?
It says “U.S.A” on the slide… …for those who care about that.
this is the reason i didnt buy the XD. because of the size. the G19 has got the perfect balance of grip length and barrel length. all the XD models have either too long or too short of a grip for me, aside from the compact .45 model. i don’t understand why they dont make one that size in the other calibers. grip length hinders concealment more than barrel length.
That long grip is something that I think is a plus. For my Glock 26 I have an adapter so that it can accept the 15 round mag from the Glock 19.
Having a 19 round magazine is a big plus. And long barrels are harder to conceal in my opinion than larger grips. Besides you have better control of a weapon if the grip is larger (I’m not talking about king kong size but you get the idea). Its a win to me. Plus you have the added pleasure of knowing that in a pinch you can just carry your gun and maybe not that spare magazine.
20 rounds. A full size grip. I’ll definitely take a look..but that price bothers me.
To answer Uzim’s question – my XDs indicate they were made in Croatia. That is my understanding: the XD is the HS-2000 imported and re-branded, and there is some work between the HS company and SA in terms of what models to produce and where to take the brand. I am not sure if the same is entirely true of the XD(m), but I would guess so.
To clarify my earlier comment…I have nothing but respect for HS Produkt. The HS-2000 is a superb gun and deserves to be imported to larger markets. Just not sure what is going on with the XD(m) series.
Springfield XDs are all designed and manufactured by HS Produkt d.o.o. in Karlovac, Croatia. Springfield is HS’ biggest customer. If you want to see the HS2000-series of pistols in their native BDU, visit http://www.hs-arms.com/e-galerie.php
Overall the XDs are good alternatives to GLOCK; my XDs have been extremely reliable and consistent from gun to gun. Triggers are fine, takedown is a snap, and the internals are really well made.
However I’m not convinced that the full-size grips offer any advantage over GLOCK. I think the grip texture is better than the Gen 3 GLOCK when your gloves are wet from snow or rain, and not as good as the RTF. Grip angle is 1911-esque, so the handgun points very naturally, but the lightweight frame and high bore axis contribute to a lot of muzzle flip when firing Federal Hydra-Shok 124grn 9mm +P+.
If I were in a time-is-life situation, would I choose the XD? I like to think that I would, but the truth is, I don’t (I own 3 XDs, yet I carry a custom HK 45c). On the other hand, if I had to outfit an police force inexpensively… well, I’d choose the GLOCK 17 RTF. But if I were a die-hard 1911 shooter and I wanted a polymer handgun to work and compete with, it might make a fine choice.
$697 buys a G17 or G19 and four 33 round magazines (plus whatever stock magazines the gun comes with).
From the articles I have read:
XD was designed by and manufactured by HS-Arms in Croatia as the HS pistol. It is imported by Springfield under the XD name.
The XDm pistols were designed by Springfield Armory in cooperation with HS arms, but are still manufactured by HS and imported by SA. They weren’t available in the EU until a while after the US release. (And are called the HS XDm in the EU)
guys, thanks for the info
I like the XD line, I own 3 of ‘em. However, I just can’t get on board with the XDM line. Sure, the trigger is marginally better, and the take down process is more convenient, but besides that it is all a bit gimmicky to me. Like others have said, what is the point in shortening the barrel length for “concealability” when the grip length is what truly matters most? I just don’t get it.
I think the XDM line is what SA is pushing design wise. They were smart to pick up the HS-2000 and market it for the US, but as far as them working to “improve” that design…they are only failing.
Carl, the black piece on top of the slide is only a loaded chamber indicator. The extractor is an internal design (like a 1911 and unlike most modern pistols) and is in the usual spot but not visible in the photos.
The slides are only moderately bulky – frame rails are fairly large. Believe me XD slides are small compared to Ruger P-series! For a really small slide, look at a Steyr M9.
Hey guys…I just got one in! I’ll get some pics and specs up soon. I’ll try to get a video of me shooting it for the YouTube page…
TyKreis, cool, post a link when you have it online.
I love my XD45 and XDm 9 and think that the improvements found in the XDm are worthwhile—read: far from a gimmick. In fact it’s one of the best shooting plastic nines I have ever used. That being said this release from SA is a head scratcher, especially with the XD faithful frothing for the (unlikely) advent of a XDm 45.
For a CCW pistol, no matter the whizzbang of the XDm, a subcompact XD or a compact XD 45 are far more practical choices within the line.
The biggest problem for me when I try to conceal my XDM (doesn’t work) is the grip length. Either the bottom of the grip prints through the back of my shirt or the sights on top of the slide print out the front of my shirt. The grip is long enough that I have room for another finger, but I wasn’t graced with an extra finger on my hand, so the space is really just used for that 19 round magazine. The XDM is, however, a very fun range gun and is part of my car emergency kit.
On another note, since the only thing they’re changing is the barrel/slide length, maybe they’ll offer the upper as an accessory for the full-size XDM.
I have an XDm9 as my daily carry, believe it or not. A wee bit big, but about the same size as my Gov’t 1911 I was carrying before. While I don’t seem to have any real issues concealing it, I have wanted a smaller version for a while, purely out of comfort’s sake. However, if I’m going to buy a smaller carry, I want a smaller grip more so than a shorter barrel. I think a thinned grip about the length of the SC line would be awesome. They would need to redesign the gun, but if they could basically take the SC line and cut the gun down to just under an inch in thickness and use a thinner double stack magazine of about 10 rounds (in 9mm, anyway), they’d have it made in my book. Same general size as a G26, and about 2/3 as thick. That would take a huge bit out of Glock’s market share. Sure, you’d lose some of the capacity the SC’s 13 round mag is known for, but you’d have a far more concealable handgun than the G26, and still match it in capacity.
For now, if I buy a smaller carry gun, the XD9SC will get the nod.
Steve, I have nothing to back this up but I imagine they will be produced in Croatia.
As a law enforcement officer who firmly believes in carrying off-duty what you carry on-duty the XDM 3.8 fits the bill for an on-duty compact firearm that can be carried off-duty with the same ammunition count. I currently have a Sig Sauer P226 for duty use and a S&W 3913 for off-duty carry. I find the S&W lacking as I carry two magazines just to get the same round count as my Sig Sauer plus some extra when it is loaded and I don’t carry an extra magazine. This pistol gives 19+1 rounds in the weapon and 19 in the extra magazine.
I carry a glock 22 at work, I carry a XD9 subcompact at home for self defense. Funny thing about it, I *NEVER* carry it with the short mag, I always have the extended mag in because the full sized grip seems to have more of an impact on my shooting than even a couple of extra inches of barrel. I was waiting for exactly this gun. Don’t get me wrong, the glock is a great gun, a real workhorse, but it doesn’t fit my hand the way an XD does. And honestly, that’s the only point that should matter to you, which one feels better in your hand, because the other differences are truly negligible.
As far as Glock vs. XD(m), the XD(m)s have an external safety, the 1911-style grip safety, and Glocks have none. Whether you value that is another argument, but that is why I gave my Glock 26 up for an XDm when I decided I wanted something bigger than 9mm with me. The XD(m)s are not supposed to be concealable, it’s a full-size handgun with the attendant advantages of maximum ammunition capacity and velocity. I’m not a huge guy, but the XD(m) fits my hand nicely, there’s no “room for an extra finger.” I don’t have a problem concealing it either. You get and IWB holster, a good belt, and leave your shirt untucked. Shoulder holsters can work well too. J-frames have their place and Glocks are great guns, but you won’t find a 16 round .40 caliber with an external safety any smaller, more reliable, or ergonomically adjustable, than the XDm.
Solomon,
If you think XD is copying Glock then look at the new Generation 4 and their changeable backstrap/double recoil spring. Who is copying who now? Competition is healthy it makes both brands better.
OK, I have also lost all respect for Springfield over the XD on and on and on it goes saga. Smith and Wesson got into the gimmick business with their new “gun of the month” production for a long time. I had a XD .45 and traded for a XDm 9mm, which is a great gun, but after the 3.8 entry I’ll probably trade it for a Glock 19. My carry gun is a Glock 26. Take a break Springfield, pleasseee!
I own a glock 22 and 23, I own a an XD .45 the Sub compact .40 the XDm .40 and I have not had issues with any of them. To be honest I like the XD’s better then my Glocks. They handle better, The trigger and barrel not to mention capacity of the XDM makes it worth any trouble concealing. I have found the crossbreed holster http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/ makes it easier to conceal if you find yourself struggling.
I personally am looking forward to purchasing the 3.8 simply because of the success and quality of my other XD’s. To the guy who had trouble with jamming what kind of ammo are you using? I have run several brands and powers through all of mine…1000’s of rounds and only recall one jam. Unlike my glock which is ammo picky…I agree though I like both brands competition is healthy and I am looking forward to what these 2 companies create.
It’s Springfield XDM ; it’s cool .
The Glock faithful can eat one!
Springfield has done it again, and I’ll have a new weapon in the collection soon. Glocks are good, solid handguns. But there is a reason law enforcement uses them….budget. Raise the price to a XDm or a Sig, then what would you Glockheads shoot??
Still a Glock. Or an HK. Or a M&P. or an FN. Or I’d go back to a 1911.
But, definitely NOT a SIG with the way their quality control is these days (I used to love ‘em, but sold them all for Glocks). Definitely NOT an XDm.
You asked, I answered.
I see a lot of negative talk here about the XDm, but I handled over 110 hand guns before deciding on the XDm 40. It has great capacity, handles well, and after almost 2000 round throught, I have only had 1 jam, and that was during the first 50 rounds. It is very accurate, and easy to service. Yes Glock has made a great hand gun for a long time, so has H&K, but almost every one of these has borrow ideas and features from each other. The 3.8 may or may not have earned respect yet, but I really like my XDm.
If you actually look at the glocks RTF slide serrations, their exactly opposite of this
Thanks
Travis, good point. I think tire treads usually go the other way as well.
I carry an XD Sub-Compact 9mm every day concealed. With 1500 rounds through it, my only complaints are:
1. The bore is too high, as with all XD and XDm’s. Glock and Sig are much more refined.
2. Weight for the size of the weapon is on the heavy side in comparison to other subcompact double-stacks.
Otherwise, it’s a great pistol inside of 25ft. I shoot whitebox at the range and shoot +p Blackhills for defense. No jams or feed issues. The pistol does get very dirty in comparison to other pistols I have. I agree with those above. Give me a 4″ barrel and a short grip for concealment + accuracy. I run a modified baseplate on my 13rd mags so I can fit 15+1. That’s plenty capacity.
I can’t get into the XDm weapon system. I rented one and for the size, I’ll carry my SigPro. Too chunky and unrefined. SigPro conceals better, has lighter operation and a track record.
I hope this is not the death-nil for the XDsc9/40. Cabela’s has them on sale for $499 this month. The XDsc’s are excellent CC weapons and it would be a shame to see them go after only 7yrs.
I’m just hearing a bunch of Glock lovers bashing Springfield for the serrations on the slide….why don’t you fools look up the 4th gen Glock…Glock stole just about everything from the XDm for their “innovations.”
I can’t wait to get one
This gun is awesome! I have a SC XD40 for carry and it looks like I found my second gun. Same caliber of course.
OK. for some reason everyone seems to think the shorter barrel is for easier concealment. When it is actually for better balance. the shorter barrel improves the draw time and ability to point at a target. This is a pistol designed for compitition shooting and target shooting. it is still a full sized gun. I have done research and I have not seen one time that Springfield says it is a compact.
And the XD line is made and developed in Croatia. The XD was sold under unother name before Springfield picked up the ball when the little Croatian gun factory started to drop it. All the XD’s and XDm’s are made in Croatia. If you have one or pick one up look at the top of the slide forward of the ejection port “Springfield Armory HS Produkt Karlovac Croatia” all in the Springfield Armory crest.
Whoever said they have issues with their XD jamming needs to send it in! SA will happily fix it, and make it right. It is very unusual for them to jam.
As for this new 3.8 version. I’ll stick with my SC.
as for glock vs. XD- both are fantastic pistolas, can’t go wrong with either one.
Between myself and my brother in-law, we have 4 XD’s and 2 XDM’s. I bought mine for range duty mostly, and for zombie attacks (think 6 loaded 19 rd mags and 1 in the pipe). That’s 114 +1 rounds of 9mm.
Although I don’t carry it, the XDM has turnd out to be my favorite pistol. It’s flawless in every way. I’ve shot 3,500 + of every king of cheap ammo I can find, brass, aluminium, steel, and not one jam or failure to feed. I can’t say that about any other brand or type gun, and I have a whole bunch. But I can see how those who can only afford one can get excited since the decision is much more important to them. My suggestion is to shop till you drop to find the right fit.
FYI. My carry piece is a Kahr 45. The gun is thin, but the grip is full size in length. It was a nigthmare to break in, and is sensitive to certain ammo. Once I found it likes high pressure ammo, problem solved.
At 5′7″ with a short waist and hip area, I have a lot of trouble carrying long barrel guns. Even my Karh with a 3.64 barrel and 6.32 overall length needs a DeSantis high riding Top Cop to remain hidden. If the XDM came in 3.5 instead of 3.8, I’d probably buy it. In my case, length is an issue but I can cover the larger grips with a sliding paddle holster.
Ya see folks, it all depends on who is buying and what their needs are. Don’t be a “brand” whore. They’re all good to someone.
Personally, I want one of each.
BS
I can’t believe the drama between the two weapons! I first looked at the XDM and liked it over the Beretta px4. But for my wife and I, I am looking more towards the 3.8. I don’t care if it’s “gimmicky” or not! Or if it looks like someone else’s weapon? Does it draw better? Is it a more comfortable carry? Does it get the job done? That’s what I care about!
What’s all the hub about and why does anyone care who copies who?
Gun brand wars? Really? Two words… grow up!
It appears not many have read the second post on this issue, so let me repeat myself.
I’ve had an XDM in 9mm for 18 months now. I’ve put over 4000 rounds of every kind of cheap ammo I could find, and it is the only pistol I own that has never had one feed or ejection error. Not one!
My Nephew has a Glock 23 in 40, he loves his pistol and I like it too. No errors there either. I have a Kahr 45, it’s so picky and only likes high pressure ammo, but I love it and it’s easy to carry. But not fun to shoot.
I’m not a gun racist. It’s all good so be careful who you decide is the enemy is. It certainly is not us fellow gun onwers, no matter what brand or model we like. Don’t be like the elitist scum who are trying to take them away.
I don’t care what you carry and you should not “lose respect” for what I carry or complain about who “copied your brand”. Your brand vs my brand is like Ford vs Chevy. This is not complicated so go fight the real enemy and not each other.
Now if you want to warn me about some malfuntioning piece of crap (like my Kel-Tec PF9), then I will appreciate and respect your help. Otherwise it’s a matter of preference. Period!
Your friend in arms…
BS
PS. that means arms of any brand and in any caliber from BB’s to 50 BMG
PPS. I’d like to state that Kel-Tec fixed my PF9 in record time and now it’s a decent hot summer shorts pocket gun, but not for putting thousands of rounds through.
PPPS. I still want one of each
Get a grip guys! Literally! I held one of these today and I am buying it! I love the full size grip, not only for the feel and comfort, but to retain the capacity. I hate those stupid “mini” grip guns where your pinky hangs off the bottom.I’m not the guy in the burger king commercial with the “really tiny hands”. Stop whining and don’t buy it if you hate it so much. I hate selling my P97 .45 but this thing is beautiful and it fits my hand like no other, and will be no harder to hide than my Ruger.
I’m very novice when it comes to handguns. But, I do know this; of the .40s I held yesterday at the gun counter, the XDM 3.8 felt the best in my hands. It was the perfect combination of size, weight, and balance. It just felt perfect for me.
Surely there is not one perfect gun for all. However, when I make the purchase it will most likely be this gun an for no other reason.
I’ve recently handled the XDm 3.8, in 9mm. It has a nice feel but I’m not sure that it is worth paying an additional $100 for this pistol, over the XD9. I would also like to see the XDm 3.8 offered in a Compact version, like the XD45 (Which, I own and love!). Springfield really hit a home run with the XD45 Compact. You get two guns in one, depending on what magazine that you use. Springfield came up with a great idea, when they thought of providing a full size magazine, with the sleeve that matches the grip. I would like to see glock do this with the model 19. I do like the removable grip insert on the XDm 3.8. I can’t wait to see the 4th Generation Glock. The ability to change the Glock Grip may turn me back to my old favorite.
Don’t be a hater, encourage this companies to continue to strive for improvement. Look at things have improved over the last twenty years.