by American Rifleman Staff - Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Springfield Armory has launched two new suppressor-ready XD(M) handguns in 9 mm and .45 ACP calibers. The models feature extended 4.5" pre-threaded barrels and extra-tall suppressor height sights that allow attachment of standard silencers with no customization required. They come finished in flat dark earth frames matched with forged carbon-steel Melonite slides.
“We decided to offer the suppressor models in both 9 mm and .45 ACP to meet a variety of customer shooting preferences,” said Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese. “.45 ACP is naturally subsonic, and a perfect choice for suppressor use, but we’re also excited about 9 mm options," he said, noting that their counterparts in the ammunition business are making affordable 9 mm subsonic rounds, which was an impetus to build a gun for that caliber.
Reese also said that shooters are buying suppressors in record numbers. “Shooting pistols suppressed is not only enjoyable, it's also safer for shooters and bystanders both due to the greatly reduced noise levels," he said.
The 5.28” barrel extends ¾” from the front of the slide, so no adapter is required—simply attach a silencer directly to the existing barrel threads. The 9 mm XD(M) Threaded model features the standard ½” x 28 threading while the .45 ACP model is cut with a .578” x 28 threads per inch pattern. Both models ship with a thread protector cap to prevent damage while shooting unsuppressed.
Both front and rear sights are custom designed and tall enough to ensure visibility over most standard suppressor bodies. The steel three-dot sights are finely serrated on the shooter-facing sides to minimize glare and provide a more crisp sight picture. The front sight rises .365" above the top of the slide for unobstructed sight picture visibility.
Beyond the suppressor-specific changes, the XD(M) 4.5 Threaded Model shares some features of the standard XD(M) models, including match grade hammer-forged barrels, interchangeable backstraps, and classic XD ergonomics.
Both new XD(M) Threaded models ship with three magazines. The 9 mm versions hold 19 rounds each while the .45 ACP magazines fit 13.
