Springfield Armory’s XDS pistol has been their most popular handgun since its inception into the market. A likely close second would be the feature-heavy XD Mod.2 which is an upgraded version of the staple, original model XD. Now Springfield has melded the desirable traits of both pistols to usher in the XDS Mod.2 before SHOT Show.

To eliminate the elephant in the room immediately, no, this pistol does not have the words “Grip Zone” on it. Some of you may be overjoyed while others slightly disappointed because it has become the running butt end of many jokes for gun enthusiasts.

What this pistol does offer is many of the attributes you have come to know and love with a few upgrades that might tempt you to add one to your collection. The general specifications that you are looking at are as follows:

• Barrel: 3.3″ Hammer-Forged, Steel, Melonite® Finish w/ 1:16″ Right-Hand Twist
• Sights: Fiber Optic Front & Tactical-Rack, Serrated, White-Dot Rear (Steel)
• Frame: Black Polymer w/ Enhanced Grip Texturing
• Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite® Finish
• Recoil System: Dual Captive Recoil Spring w/ Full-Length Guide Rod
• Magazines: One 5-Round, S/S Flush-Mag & One 6-Round, S/S Mid-Mag
• Height: 4.4″ w/ Flush-Mag | 5″ w/ Mid-Mag
• Weight: 21.5 Oz. w/ Flush-Mag | 22.5 Oz. w/ Mid-Mag
• Length: 6.5″
• Width: 0.975″

Similar to when the XDS was originally released, the XDS Mod.2 has initially come out offered in .45 ACP with 9mm, and potentially .40 S&W, soon to follow.

Your magazines from your original XDS will work in the new XDS Mod.2 to alleviate any concerns there. While the pistol ships with 2 magazines (one 5-RD Flush and one 6-RD Mid) there is a 3rd size, the 7-RD eXtension mag, that can be bought for even more purchase on the grip and more ammo at your disposal.

One final feature that is of note is Springfield Armory’s “Drop Proof” grip safety to remove the chance of accidental discharge aside from the safety built into the trigger. We see what you did there with those choice words. Touche´ Springfield’s marketing department, touche´.

XDS mod.2 .45 ACP enhancements & Upgrades

What makes the XDS Mod.2 superior to the original XDS is primarily 5 enhancements. As the name eludes to, you now have the advanced Mod.2 grip texturing. With 3 different zones or types of stippling surrounding the shooter’s grip, it ensures positive control of the weapon.

The XDS Mod.2 also provides a higher hand position on the firearm. By elevating the shooter’s hand closer to the bore axis you should have a softer recoil, more control and both of these elements will translate into more accuracy.

The slide has also been upgraded. Lending style from the XD Mod.2, the slide now has Posi-Wedge™ serrations which makes it easier to rack the pistol while not being so aggressive that it hurts a shooter’s fingertips with repeated use.

The trigger has been enhanced from the previous iteration to be more smooth and crisp to emulate the pull of a target pistol as opposed to that of a carry sidearm.

Finally, you have an improvement in sights between 2 models Springfield Armory will be initially offering.

bonus: improved & more thoughtful sights

Your standard XDS Mod.2 will feature a fiber optic front paired with a tactical-rack, white-dot rear sight. This is essentially the same sight picture from the original XDS with the key upgrade of “shelving” the sights or cutting them to allow you to tactically rack your firearm. For those unfamiliar with the term “tactical-rack,” that is when you have squared-off sights to such a degree that you could rack the slide on a pistol on the edge of a table or the belt of your pants. How frequently may a user utilize this feature? It is likely, not very often at all. It is something you will begin to see a lot more of from mindful manufacturers in the future though.

The 2nd model of the XDS Mod.2 will have very unique night sights that can be best described by Springfield Armory themselves:

The new XD-S Mod.2 features an SA front sight with Ameriglo®’s Pro-Glo™ green tritium inside a yellow luminescent circle, paired with an SA tactical-rack serrated steel rear sight with U-notch, making target acquisition extremely fast in low-light.

As you can see, between the standard and more upgraded version of the XDS Mod.2, with either pistol you are receiving sights that should benefit you based on your personal, intended purpose.

The pricing structure for the 2 mentioned XDS Mod.2 models and an additional laser version can be read below:

• XDSG93345B | XD-S Mod.2 .45 ACP | 3.3″ Black, Fiber Optic Sight | MSRP $568.00
• XDSG93345BT | XD-S Mod.2 .45 ACP | 3.3″ Black, Tritium Night Sight | MSRP $618.00
• XDSG93345BVR | XD-S Mod.2 .45 ACP | 3.3″ Black, Red Viridian Laser | MSRP $598.00

We do not have a solid statement from Springfield Armory, but it would be a logical conclusion that you should see these in circulation after SHOT Show.