You may have noticed all the ads around the web about Springfield Armory’s latest offering coming soon:

We worked with Springfield Armory to bring it to you first so here it is; Springfield Armory has introduced a new version of the XD-9 Sub-Compact called the Mod.2 with “GripZone” that features a more ergonomic grip.The slide has also been redesigned which looks great in my opinion. Another change is the sights. The Mod.2 has a fiber optic front sight which can be used with green or red inserts.The rear sight has a smoother, lower profile than the previous model.

According to Springfield the “GripZone” is every surface on the frame that makes contact with your hand. “The “GripZone™” has been carefully, intentionally designed to combine multiple principles of biomechanics in order to enhance your shooting experience.”

Also the circumference of the frame has been reduced to augment the shooter’s grip. The grip has been completely re-contoured to better fit the hand:

Springfield also sent me the old XD-9 Sub-Compact to use in order to compare and contrast:

The old model is nice and smooth but still with enough surface to provide an adequate grip:

The new contours of the XD-9 Mod.2 are definitely more ergonomic:

And of course it comes with all the usual XD gear which is always a nice addition:

I loaded 5 rounds and stood about 10 yards from the target to get a quick point-and-shoot accuracy test:

And I was pleased:

Of course the old XD shot just as nicely, but I really got pretty good with the XD Mod.2:

My cameraman gave both a go as well:

However he preferred the old model to the Mod.2 stating that the contours of the grip simply were more familiar to him.

Of course you still get XD reliability. I performed my usual shenanigans to try and get the gun to fail:

Still, the gun worked perfectly despite my efforts to make it jam.

All in all I like this new offering from Springfield. The slightly rough texture and molding of the grip make the gun more shootable for me personally, but they may or may not be preferred by all. Either way, I would highly recommend checking one out at your local gun store.

The MSRP for the black model is $565.00 while the bi-tone is priced at $599.00. Available in 9MM and .40 S&W. More infomation at Springfield Armory.