New for 2020: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact

by
posted on September 8, 2020
springfield-armory-xd-m-elite-38-compact-f.jpg
Until now, those who wanted a carry-sized XD from Springfield Armory had to stick with the subcompact offerings in the company's XD-S lineup or deal with the larger frame and slide size of the company's XD-M lineup. Now, with the launch of the XD-M Elite 3.8" Compact, Springfield Armory fans now have all the benefits of the XD-M Elite series of guns packed into a small, easily carried pistol for personal defense.

“This newest addition to the XD-M Elite line of pistols gives shooters and concealed carry users a great option for EDC,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “Features like the META trigger, fully ambidextrous controls and a funneled, removable magwell make the XD-M Elite 3.8" Compact a must-have for CCW.”

Size-wise, the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8" Compact is built for daily carry, featuring a short compact frame and a shortened magazine well paired with the gun's 3.8" match-grade barrel. Overall height measures just 4.58", and the overall length is 6.75".

Despite these dimensions, the XD-M Elite configuration enables shooters to pack more rounds on board compared to the XD-S series of guns. The pistol is equipped with a 14-round flush-fit magazine. However, the capacity doesn't stop there. The XD-M Elite 3.8" Compact is outfitted with a removable flared magazine well. The design allows for fast, easy magazine changes when needed, but if users want to step up in capacity, they can. Taking off the removable magazine well allows users to use full-size, 20-round XD-M magazines in their pistol with a grip sleeve.

The benefits of the XD-M Elite Compact don't end there, though. At the heart of each Elite-series handgun in the Springfield lineup is a Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META). This trigger unit was purpose-built to provide shooters with a refined trigger feel that's tactile, clean and crisp. Springfield Armory bills it as the "finest trigger pull available on a production polymer-framed pistol." The trigger itself features a flat-faced shoe, as well as an integral overtravel stop.

An ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release allows users to run the gun with either hand, making it a great option for left-handed shooters. The slide also features the generous, chevron-shaped serrations exclusive to the XD-M Elite series, which provide enhanced control and grip. At the top of the slide, users will find the company's U-Dot sight system, complete with a bright, fiber-optic front sight and a tactical-rack U-notch at the rear.

Each Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8" Compact ships with two 14-round magazines, and the suggested retail price on the gun is $559. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.





Latest

250 Years Of U.S. Infantry Ammunition
250 Years Of U.S. Infantry Ammunition

From Paper Cartridge To PMAG: 250 Years Of U.S. Infantry Ammunition

Any survey of military firearms isn’t complete without also discussing the development of ammunition across this past quarter-millennium. From a conceptual standpoint, very little has changed.

Review: IWI Carmel

Initially introduced in 2019 to the international military market in a select-fire format, the IWI Carmel is a modular, durable and thoroughly modern sporting rifle.

Ruger Reaches New Milestone In Support Of Youth Shooting Sports

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. became the first Blue Diamond level sponsor of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) in 2024 by supporting the youth shooting sports program with more than $75,000 a year.

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.