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
Gun of the Week: The New Taurus Judge
For 2026, Taurus USA took a fresh look at one of its most popular platforms, the Judge revolver, and updated it with a new feature set while retaining the versatility that made it popular in the first place.
The Armed Citizen® Sept. 18, 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.
This Maryland County Moved to Disarm Jews and Others in the Face of Evil
Even given the unconscionable history of gun control, the law banning concealed carry in and within 100 yards of houses of worship and other public assemblies in Montgomery County, Md., is particularly disturbing.
Review: Ruger American Gen II Patrol
Ruger's American rifle line represents a good balance between cost and performance, and the latest generation offers many welcome upgrades, as seen on this Gen II Patrol model in 5.56 NATO.
SOG Knives Celebrates 40 Years in Business
SOG Knives, which was established by Spencer Frazer in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.
The History of Repeating Arms Gun-Control Groups Don’t Want the Courts to Know
This episode of NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast refutes one of the biggest false claims gun-control groups and the politicians they support repeat ad nauseam by asserting that the Founding Fathers could not have imagined the AR-15.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
