Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory XD-E .45 ACP

An extension of its venerable XD family, Springfield Armory’s XD-E provides an alternative to the striker-fired system commonly found in new-age polymer pistols. The XD-E is a lightweight and thin pistol designed for on-body carry that boasts a hammer-fired, recoil-operated system.

Unveiled at the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, Springfield’s XD-E provides options for and is tailored to shooters in search of a do-all pistol. Looking at the company’s .45 ACP variant with included 3.3” hammer-forged steel barrel, the gun measures 5”-tall, 6.75”-long and 1” at its widest. The single-stack pistol tips the scales at 25.6 ozs. with its six-round, flush-fit magazine inserted.

Featuring the company’s Grip Zone enhanced grip-texturing panels throughout, the black-polymer frame includes a bilateral manual-safety mechanism that also decocks the exposed hammer, a feature never before seen with Springfield’s XD series. Additionally, the gun’s frame provides an accessory rail, eliminates the typical XD-style grip safety found along the top of the backstrap and retains the bilateral magazine release of the XD.

Given the gun’s operating and safety system, it can be carried in multiple modes. Users who wish to begin shooting in single-action mode with the safety applied can do so. Others may prefer the safety off and set to the traditional double-action mode with subsequent shots fired single-action—needless to say, the XD-E provides options.

Internally, the gun is recoil-operated and utilizes a dual-captive-recoil-spring system with a full-length guide rod that requires 27 percent less locking force compared to similar guns featuring striker-fired ignition. This means the slide is easier to rack. Atop the slide are six, wide-cut cocking serrations, a loaded-chamber indicator and dovetail sights; a fiber-optic post front is dovetailed into position as is the two-dot combat-style rear sight.

To learn more about this Springfield Armory XD-E chambered for .45 ACP, check out our Rifleman Review video above. For more on the Springfield Armory XD-E, visit springfield-armory.com.

Further Reading:
Tested: Springfield XD-E Pistol
American Rifleman Television
Tested: Springfield Armory XD-E Single-Stack 9 mm Pistol
NRA Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory 911 Pistol
Pocket Pistols Past and Present
Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory 1911 TRP 10 mm RMR