Several years go there was a considerable surge in demand for concealable semi-automatic firearms. And while there were plenty of options available chambered in .380 ACP, many who were seeking a personal-defense handgun would have preferred a more powerful chambering or additional rounds. For that reason, many firearm manufacturers reprised their earlier success with small, single-stacks chambered in 9 mm Luger. 
But in 2012, Springfield Armory introduced the XD-S, a subcompact, polymer-frame single-stack that measures 1"x4.4"x6.3" and weighs 21.5 ozs. Those numbers alone would not be particularly impressive were it not for the fact that the XD-S is chambered in one of America’s most respected defensive handgun cartridges: the .45 ACP. That places the newest XD nearly in a class by itself, and was American Rifleman's 2013 Golden Bullseye winner for Handgun of the Year. Watch more in this American Rifleman TV segment on the Springfield XD-S.
Video: Springfield's XD-S in .45 ACP
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Colt Canada Awarded Contract to Modernize Canadian Service Rifles
Colt Canada has been awarded a $273 million contract to modernize Canada's fleet of military rifles through the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle Project.
First Look: KA-BAR Slabby
Few proprietary eponyms in the knife world are as well-recognized as KA-BAR, the combat/utility design originally requested by the U.S. Military during World War II and used with success by countless troops in conflicts since.
American Fowlers: The Colonial Longarm for Hunting & Home Defense
In colonial America, it was firearms from other countries that armed soldiers, but for most of the civilian populace, American-made fowlers fit the bill.
Mossberg's Stock Options: The 590R & 590RM Chisel Folders
The Mossberg pump-action 500/590-series is the most widely produced shotgun of all time, and now there are two new models that use the innovative Chisel Machining folding stock.
Gun of the Week: Savage Arms Axis 2 Pro Western
Savage Arms has a whole new line of Axis rifles to suit the needs of a new generation of hunters and shooters, all loaded with premium features, and we took a closer look at the company's Axis 2 Pro Western.
Bookshelf: Rifle Cartridges for the Hunter
Richard Mann's latest book offers all the color of hunting stories with plenty of practical information, to boot.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
