The Firearm Blog » springfield

New Springfield XDM 3.8 compact

Steve — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:16:58 +0000

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.

Springfield XD .45 blown up

Steve — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:13:07 +0000

These photos are of a Springfield XD .45 was blown up after a squib load (a low powered load that does not have enough energy to push the bullet out the muzzle) blocked the barrel and another full power loaded round was fired.

The pressure generated blew off the top of the chamber, caused a bulge in the slide, and gorged the frame and also destroyed the extractor and loaded chamber indicator.

Note the bulge in the slide next to the chamber.

I am pleased to be able to say that the shooter was not injured. He is one lucky guy.

More info at XDTalk forum.

Hat Tip: Blue Gun Blog

Newton Leverbolt rifle: The bolt and lever rifle have had a child

Steve — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:45:41 +0000

Newton Arms have revived the Leverbolt rifle that was invented by the famous gun and cartridge designer Charles Newton in 1929. The design borrows element from the Springfield, Lee Navy and the Winchester lever-action. By utilizing a lever the bolt can be cycled faster than a traditional straight pull bolt action.

Click to expand.

According to my copy of Bolt Action Rifles (4th Edition), the story of the Leverbolt is a sad one. Charles designed the rifle after this business, Newton Buffolo Rifle Corporation, folded in early 1929. Unbeknown to him, and everyone else, the stock market would crash in October of that year heralding the beginning of the Great Depression.

Newton approached Marlin who agreed to limited production only if he could secure at least 500 orders. The cost was a $25 downpayment and an addional $35 on delivery. He failed to secure the neccessery orders and once the market crashed any chance of the rifle being manufactured was gone. Charles died a few years later aged 62.

Mehul, a moderator at nitroexpress.com and expert of the topic emailed me information about the Newton rifle:

For a straight pull action that is much sleeker than any of its competitors today (the Blaser R 93, Strasser RS 05 and the Heym SR 30 are three popular designs that come to mind) the Newton Leverbolt is especially interesting because it comes with a controlled feed and extraction system that would make it ideal for dangerous game. The speed of reloading and getting repeat shots off would also be ideal for an African rifle – with a 5 shot magazine in calibers from 375 H&H to 458 Lott this could be much better than anything else available today.

I am not sure of pricing or availability of the rifle at this time.

A big thanks to Mehul for the info.

If you love your M1903 or M1911 don’t read this post

Steve — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:22:32 +0000

You were warned … This is the Frankenstein’s monster of early 20th Century American arms:

An M103 Springfield in an SBR (Short Barrel Rifle) configuration presumably converted to .45 ACP with a 1911 pistol grip being used as the magazine well.

It is hideous. Something only its mother could love!

Hat Tip: Хроники безумного Макса

Springfield XD Safety vs. Glock Safety

Steve — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:55:47 +0000

Following his article about Glock safety Rob has written an article explaining the differences between the safeties in the Glock and XD.

If the Glock firing pin is partially retracted and the Springfield XD is fully retracted we could draw the conclusion that the Glock is half-cocked while the XD is cocked and locked. Both will fire if there is an accident. Both have safeties in place to prevent this from happening. If the only unique safety on the XD’s is the grip safety, how does it work? It looks like the grip safety on the 1911, but it definitely does not quack like the same duck.

More here.