XDM Suppressed

Why is this a “new” 2016 offering? I’m not entirely sure either. We published a press release for this very pistol back in June, and I know a number have hit the streets since then.

Regardless of the actual release date on it, I think this is a pretty decent performer, and a gun that would make a good addition to your collection.

I know a number of you don’t have local shops that are a place you can go to for both knowledgable staff and good equipment, or that you can form a relationship with (such as “big box” stores, etc). I am fortunate in this regard, and my local “go to” shop, BMC Tactical, is the reason I was able to run the XDM suppressed (Walt allowed me to use one of the store’s cans for this review).

Construction

Pretty much like every gun in the Springfield XD line I’ve held, this pistol was well put together. Nothing loose or rattling. I haven’t had a Springfield yet that was sloppy.

The polymer frame is colored “Flat Dark Earth” which is the current color offering Springfield is pushing out this year.

I never really thought about owning a two tone gun before, but there is something about this one I like.

The barrel has a cap to protect the threads.  Which you should never have on it.  Because it should have a can attached.  M’kay?

Suppressor goes here… 🙂

It has super tall suppressor height sights (just simple white 3-dot kind).

I’m pretty sure a stiff wind will throw your aim off with sights this high.

In regards to safeties, it has the Glock-style trigger safety along with the grip safety, situated below the nice wide beaver tail.

Beaver tail is much thicker.  I’m sorry, but the sights are just comical.

As appears to be standard on everything in the XD line, it also has the striker status indicator that the gun is cocked and a loaded chamber indicator on top of the weapon that raises up from the center of the slide when a round is in the chamber (not that either of those are things I would rely on—or really train myself to rely on).

Loaded chamber indicator.  Good luck seeing it behind that rear sight, though.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber: 9 x 19mm
• Magazines: 3 – 19 Round (stainless steel construction)
• Barrel: 5.28 inches (13.41 cm), Hammer Forged, Steel, Melonite® Finish, Threaded (0.5”-28) with a 1:10 Twist
• Sights: Dovetail Front and Rear “3-Dot”, Steel, Suppressor Height
• Frame: Flat Dark Earth Polymer
• Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish
• Recoil System: One Piece Full Length Guide Rod
• Length: 8.25 inches (20.95 cm)
• Grip Width: 1.18 inches (3 cm)
• Height: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
• Weight (with empty magazine): 29 ounces (822 grams)

Observations

As I mentioned, I was fortunate enough to be able to review this gun while running it suppressed. The specific suppressor I used was the SilencerCo Osprey 45.  I know different cans change the feel of the gun in different ways, but aside from the increased length (and sound reduction, obviously), I really did not “know” the Osprey 45 was on the front.  There was virtually no weight and it didn’t feel like the front of the gun wanted to tip (contrasted with the Knight’s Armament I was issued for my M4 in Iraq which I would swear was made from solid lead).

This was also the first XDM I have shot. Previously I have had hands on with the XDs (one of which I now own), and the XD Mod.2 (one I just published on a couple of days prior). I was duly impressed. The gun shot pretty well out of the box, and it fit my hand splendidly, arguably better than did my Glock initially (which was improved by stippling).

So what is strange about the above is that the grip width is basically 0.02 inch (0.05 cm) different between the XDM and the Mod.2 (which I do not like the feel of). Interestingly, the Glock 17 has a grip width of 1.18 inches (3 cm)—same as the XDM. I would not think that little of a difference in dimension would color my opinion that much.

I ran the XDM naked with some Aguila 115 grain as a baseline, and then suppressed. Then I ran a few rounds of Buffalo Bore 147 grain sub sonic while suppressed. Walt thought that he had some Fiocchi 158 grain sub sonic floating around the store (but it was too stealthy and we ending up not being able to find it). The XDM handled both of the rounds fine, cycling the action appropriately.  Please enjoy my cheesy little video firing the gun suppressed.

“Baseline” Aguila 115 grain.

The Buffalo Bore 147 grain sub sonic ammo I ran.

I had never shot a pistol with suppressor height sights on it, and I found that took a little adjustment to get used to. Honestly, the worst feature about the gun was those sights. I understand the need for them with a can that projects above the height of the slide but it seems like there should be a better option.

Conclusions

I actually enjoyed shooting this pistol enough to add one to my collection (my wife’s rule is that I have fall in love with the gun to be able to buy it). Some of you may argue that I let my standards drop for that criteria, but I did find this gun worthy.  Oh, yeah–I forgot to mention–no “grip zone” markings… 🙂

I will be swapping out those suppressor height sights though. My preferred can is the exact same one I did this review with—the SilencerCo Osprey 45, and the top edge of the shell does not interfere with “normal” height sights. I think a nice fiber optic front of some sort. What would you readers suggest? I want to hear what sights you think I should put on (keep in mind I will be running this gun in competitions).

You can find out more information on their website at: http://www.springfield-armory.com/products/xdm-4-5-full-size-9mm-threaded-barrel/