Several years go there was a considerable surge in demand for concealable semi-automatic firearms. And while there were plenty of options available chambered in .380 ACP, many who were seeking a personal-defense handgun would have preferred a more powerful chambering or additional rounds. For that reason, many firearm manufacturers reprised their earlier success with small, single-stacks chambered in 9 mm Luger. 
But in 2012, Springfield Armory introduced the XD-S, a subcompact, polymer-frame single-stack that measures 1"x4.4"x6.3" and weighs 21.5 ozs. Those numbers alone would not be particularly impressive were it not for the fact that the XD-S is chambered in one of America’s most respected defensive handgun cartridges: the .45 ACP. That places the newest XD nearly in a class by itself, and was American Rifleman's 2013 Golden Bullseye winner for Handgun of the Year. Watch more in this American Rifleman TV segment on the Springfield XD-S.
Video: Springfield's XD-S in .45 ACP
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Review: Glock's New Slimline Magazines
Glock has finally introduced its own 15-round magazine for its slimline models G43X and G48.
Serious Sluggers: The Savage Arms 212 & 220 Harvesters
For hunters who rely on slug guns to fill their tags, Savage Arms has released updated models of its 212 and 220 Harvester bolt-actions.
Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR
Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.
The Armed Citizen® July 17, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Standing Strong for Colorado’s Law-Abiding Gun Owners Ahead of Critical Midterms
NRA EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford traveled to Denver this week to discuss gun rights.
A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy
Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
