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
Rifleman Review: Taurus 850 Revolver
One of Taurus' latest offerings is the 850, which builds on the company's earlier 650 design, providing the same shrouded-hammer design in a .38 Special-only chambering.
The 110 RF: Savage's Flagship Rifle Goes Rimfire
The Savage Arms 110 action has been a hallmark within the rifle world since 1958. Now, for the first time, the full-size 110 action is available in a rimfire chambering.
Thanking the Old Dominion University ROTC Cadets Who Stopped a Terrorist Attack
On the morning of March 12, 2026, a routine Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps leadership lab at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., turned into a fight-or-flight situation.
Review: Staccato HD P4.5
Combining an exclusive pistol design with a ubiquitous magazine makes the Staccato HD P4.5 practical and desirable.
Skills Check: Rifle Standard Gold
Here’s how to improve your close-range carbine handling.
Caracal USA Awarded Government Contract in the Bahamas for CMP9K
Caracal USA announced it would be supplying its CMP9K platform to various government agencies in the Bahamas.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
