NRA Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5” OSP In 10 mm Auto

by
posted on December 2, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Back in 2009, American Rifleman selected a unique striker-fired pistol design for its coveted “Handgun Of The Year” award. That gun, the XD-M, continues to be improved upon, and the top-tier “Elite” version of the match-ready pistol came to fruition back in 2020. Now, Springfield’s hard focus on expanding the power factor among its handgun lineup has realized the addition of a 10 mm Auto chambering. Watch the video above to see the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5" OSP in 10 mm Auto in use on the NRA Publications Tech Range.

The XD-M Elite series includes a total of five models, but our focus here is on the 4.5" Optical Sight Pistol or OSP version. These guns typically wear a black polymer frame, forged steel slide and barrel, and feature enhancements at every corner that home defenders and hunters alike will rejoice in. The fact that Springfield Armory has stepped it up with more power from its 10 mm Auto chambering is a major move, especially considering this is an optics-ready platform available at an attainable price point.

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite OSP 10 mm pistol green slide exclusive sportsman's warehouse with HEX optic red dot sight

Unlike its compact-sized stablemates, the longer 4.5” slide and barrel configuration, combined with the lengthened grip frame you see here, allows for more control and accurate shooting of one of the most robust handgun chamberings in commercial production while also providing the ability to hold up to 17 rounds onboard. Of course, with that many rounds of 10 mm Auto in the stack, the gun’s loaded weight is sure to increase from its empty listed weight of 31 ozs. A milled slide provides ample opportunity to add a micro red-dot sight. Should you opt run the irons, Springfield includes a great pair of open sights. The rear is a tactical type with an easily visible U-notch, and the front post holds a fiber-optic pipe for low-light viewing. These sights are drift-adjustable.

Left-side view of black pistol Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5" OSP in 10 mm Auto

Our range experience with the XD-M Elite 4.5" OSP was a positive one, despite the added juice from the gun’s hefty chambering. Our test sample arrived wearing Magpul’s OD Green Cerakote finish, which pairs nicely with the removable green backstrap. Springfield’s META trigger system is a joy to press. The flat face provides a great feel. Like all other XD-Ms, there is no manual safety, merely passive systems that require a positive hold and firm trigger purchase. Our testers particularly enjoyed the flared magazine well, which is removable. In addition to easing our reloads, it was found that the flare also aided in our grip, and this feature, along with other ergonomic elements of the grip frame, enhanced purchase during live-fire exercises. The provision of a three-slot Picatinny rail is an added bonus.

Specifications
Importer: Springfield Armory
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 10 mm Auto
Barrel: 4.5" hammer-forged steel, Melonite finish
Slide: forged steel, Melonite finish
Frame: black polymer
Magazine: 16-round detachable box
Sights: drift-adjustable; fiber-optic post front, U-notch rear
Trigger: single-action Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META)
Overall Length: 7.6"
Height: 5.75"
Width: 1.2"
Weight: 31 ozs.
MSRP: $653 (base)

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.