Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2

Watch this American Rifleman Television segment of Rifleman Review from 2019 to learn more about the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2.

Two years ago, Springfield Amrory began to roll out a new version of the XD-S sub-compact handgun line, the XD-S Mod.2. Like the changes that were made between the full-size XD-M and XD-M Mod.2 models, a similar case happened between the standard XD-S and the XD-S Mod.2. Internally, the XD-S Mod.2 shares many of its design features with the previous iteration, being a striker-fired, polymer-frame, 9 mm handgun. Some of the most notable changes made to the XD-S Mod.2 were on the aesthetics and ergonomics of the frame. 

A view of the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 from the left side.

The Mod.2 frames lack the large block texturing of the original models, replacing it with more user-friendly grips with subtle yet effective stippled texturing. These textured areas are limited to the front-strap and backstrap sections, with the sides of the grip being mostly smooth plastic to help prevent snags during carry. The front strap of the Mod.2 is redesigned to include finger grooves modeled in, and the backstrap is interchangeable with differently sized panels that come with the pistol.

A closer look at the redesigned GripZones on the frame of the XD-S Mod.2.

Other elements changed on the Mod.2 line include a heightened beavertail and insertion of an undercut under the trigger guard to further enhance user comfort, as well as allowing for a higher grip to better control vertical recoil. Another change found on the Mod.2 over the standard XD-S is an extended grip safety. This extended grip safety is easier to engage and doesn't require a full grasp to push in, allowing the XD-S Mod.2 to be more easily fired with a less-than-perfect firing grip. On top of the slide is a built-in loaded-chamber indicator, in the from of a metal tab that visibly lifts up when loaded.

Firing the XD-S Mod.2 on the range.

The XD-S Mod.2 also comes with a set of AmeriGlo iron sights, with a green tritium front sight and an all-black rear. For 2021, Springfield Armory now offers a new version of the XD-S Mod.2 with an integrated cut slide and hardware for mounting micro red-dot sights, the XD-S Mod.2 OSP line. For more information on the XD-S Mod.2 line, visit springfield-armory.com.