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
What Should Ruger’s Future Revolvers Look Like?
Ruger’s revolvers would benefit from a few updates if the company ever decides to bring them back into production.
Savage Arms Expands Model 334 Line with New Chamberings & Compact Models
Initially introduced in 2023, the Savage Model 334 bolt-action lineup has been an affordable, no-frills platform for hunters and shooters, and in 2026, Savage has expanded the line with new chamberings and compact models.
Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1894 Trapper 10 mm
One of the latest Marlin lever-action rifles on the market is the Model 1894 Trapper, and the company now offers the platform in a 10 mm Auto chambering.
Scout Rifle World Shoot Recap
There’s lot to learn about the Scout Rifle, and we tested one at the inaugural Scout Rifle World Shoot.
The Armed Citizen® Nov. 6, 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.
The Six-Hour Gun: Saving a Family Heirloom
Simple math would have told anyone it wasn't worth fixing a $150 revolver. But to one family, this simple, common revolver meant everything.
Interests
Scout Rifle World Shoot Recap | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- Shane Mahoney Receives AFWA Lifetime Achievement Award for Conservation Leadership | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- C&H Precision and MERUS Adventure Launch Guided Hunt Giveaway | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- How Can Hunters Travel Out of State With Suppressed Firearms? | An Official Journal Of The NRA
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
