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
Rifleman Review: Federal 7 mm Backcountry
Unlike other recent cartridge launches, the key to Federal Ammunition's 7 mm Backcountry wasn't just in the design of the cartridge but also the type of material used in its case construction.
Big Bite in a Small Package: The Henry Repeating Arms Bear's Leg
Henry Repeating Arms is stepping up its lever-action game with the addition of its Bear's Leg design, a tactical lever-action that provides power and versatility in a compact platform.
I Have This Old Gun: French Model 1777 An IX
French Charleville muskets are a fascinating study in improvement, having evolved from a loosely uniform pattern to what was likely the first military longarm with truly interchangeable parts.
NRA CEO/EVP Doug Hamlin Talks Politics, the NRA, and the Future of Our Freedom
In this interview with The Armed Citizen Podcast at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin talks about what is going on with the NRA, the many battles for our freedom around this nation the NRA is involved in, and what’s to come.
Best of the Best: American Rifleman's 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners
From firearms to accessories to optics to ammo and suppressors, we’ve determined these to be the stand-out products from the last year, providing firearm enthusiasts with innovation, value, utility and performance.
Review: Diamondback 9 mm SDR
Folks might be a bit surprised that Diamondback would choose 9 mm as the second caliber for its SDR revolver, but a closer look reveals why 9 mm is a solid caliber option for the platform.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
