When the Brits first clapped eyes on the Routemaster bus in 1954, they were understandably reluctant to jump on board. The ‘Double Decker” looked decidedly top-heavy. So the Associated Equipment Company filmed an unladen Routemaster tear-assing around a race-track whilst remaining vertical. Fantasia’s dancing hippos looked equally graceful, but point taken. The British subjects (who didn’t really have a choice anyway) clambered on the “London Bus” for the next 61 years. It’s something to keep in mind when you grab a Springfield Sub-Compact XD, a pistol with more than a passing resemblance to a Double Decker . . .
Unlike the UK’s two-story public conveyance, the Springfield Sub-Compact XD is ill-proportioned in all directions. Though glove-friendly, the trigger guard looks like the stretched image on one of those early 16:9 TVs. Without a pinkie extension (pictured), the grip belongs on a half-scale mock-up. Compared to the drop-dead sexy Ruger SR9c, the Springfield Sub-Compact XD is, as the Italians would say, super brutto. Eccoci qua. Here we are. And we are not alone . . .
Here’s a profile of another compact killer: the Glock 26. Compared to the Glock (above), the Sub-Compact XD doesn’t, aesthetically. Of course, neither polymer pistol is what you’d call a beauty queen. Both guns (and Smith & Wesson’s M&P) make a cinder block look like museum-quality sculpture. That said, the Springfield Sub-Compact XD has its advantages over its natural born enemy.
For one thing, the XD’s mag release is ambidextrous; if you’re left-handed, the XD Sub-Compact wins. For another, the Sub-Compact XD has a grip safety. (Debate that amongst yourselves.) A lot of shooters find the Springfield’s grip angle more comfortable than Herr Glock’s Glock. Some gunslingers appreciate the Springfield’s erect nipple (a.ka. the chamber loaded indicator). The Sub-Compact XD also has a rail for a micro-light and carries more ammo than its Austrian rival. How great is that?
I’m not sure. Thirteen rounds (XD) vs. ten bullets (26) doesn’t seem like a life-or-death difference to me. Comparing the 13-round Springfield to an eight-round .45 offers a more compelling comparison. But one thing’s for sure: if you plan on tactical reloads with the XD Sub-Compact, or any sub-compact gun, it’s only a matter of time before you pinch your hand whilst inserting a fresh complement of cartridges.
And when I say “pinch” I mean “cause an injury that may require stitches and leave a lifelong scar” and a dangerous aversion to tactical reloads. Alternatively, you could load-up the Sub-Compact XD with the 15-round magazine (with free! grip extension) and forgag the reloading deal. But then you’d have a gun with a handle only marginally smaller than the full-sized XD’s; a firearm that won’t imperil your palm and holsters nineteen rounds of ballistic reassurance.
All things being equal (which they never are), it’s a moot point. Ask any diehard (they hope) self-defense shooter: accuracy trumps capacity. In the hitting what you aim at department, the Springfield Sub-Compact XD does not disappoint. It really is as good as the Glock 26. Or better.
With its extra weight (26 ounces vs. 20), the Sub-Compact XD manages recoil more confidently than the Glock. Although the Springfield’s bore axis is dramatically higher than its Austrian counterpart, the weight helps settle things down quickly, enabling accurate “follow-up” shots. Truth be told, either gun can be mastered with regular practice. But the heft is an important consideration for a newbie, who probably won’t train more than once a month, whose life might one day depend on accurately firing a 9mm firearm with a short barrel.
The bottom line is the same for either firearm: superb accuracy at combat distances. One-inch groups at six yards are eminently doable. In terms of shooting on the move, the chances of hitting center mass are as good with the Springfield Sub-Compact XD as they are with the baby Glock—or just about any other small(ish) gun you can name.
The Springfield Sub-Compact XD vs. Glock 26 debate is destined to rage amongst the gunnoscenti for years to come. Meanwhile, gun buyers should not get distracted by invidious distinctions. When it comes to reliability, the two firearms stand head and shoulders above their competition .
With simple lubrication and occasional cleaning, the XD will faultlessly fire tens of thousands of rounds, even in the harshest conditions. Rental guns, for example, have processed 250,000 rounds without a hitch. Our sample ate-up and spit-out everything we fed it, from the humblest Blazer to the loftiest Hornady Critical Defense. Over the long term, the Tenifer Plus+ coated XD is a far more solid choice than flashier alternatives (cough Ruger cough).
On the downside, the Springfield Sub-Compact XD really needs that pinkie extension for comfort and control; a cheap upgrade that should be standard-issue. Also, more than a few shooters prefer the Glock’s quick-breaking trigger and lightning fast reset to the Springfield’s relatively mushy go-pedal and long distance reset. And the Sub-Compact’s plastic case is unforgivably Day’s Inn compared to the XD-M’s Ritz Carlton-class carrier.
It’s only a matter of time before the Springfield Sub-Compact XD gets the dash-M treatment. The new Sub-M’s improved grip will be much appreciated in colder climes, and the chevrons on the barrel should help make the design less of a dog’s breakfast. The question is, why bother?
There’s nothing wrong with the current Sub-Compact XD’s ability to accomplish its mission. It’s a dead nuts reliable, more-accurate-than-you-are carry piece. So you might want to wait until the Sub-Compact XD-M hits the shelves and then bargain hard on the “old” Sub-Compact XD. A keenly priced Sub-Compact XD could be just the ticket. Mate.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Caliber: 9x19MM
Magazines: 1 – 13 Round Compact, 1 – 16 Round w/ Grip Extension
Barrel: 3” Steel, Melonite, Fully Supported Ramp Sights: Dovetail Front and Rear (Steel) 3 – Dot Trigger pull: 5.5 – 7.7 lbs. Frame: Black Polymer
Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite Finish
Recoil System: Dual Spring with Full Length Guide rod
Length: 6.25”
Height: 4.75” w/ Compact Mag, 5.5” w/ Extended Mag
Weight w/ Empty: 26 ozs. w/ Compact Mag, Magazine: 27 ozs. w/ Extended Mag
RATINGS:
Style *
If it was a dog you’d shave its ass and make it walk backwards.
Ergonomics Carry * * *
A bit heavy, but only a bit. Finding holsters that can accommodate that XXL trigger guard is a bitch, but a 13-round mag makes it good to stow.
Ergonomics Firing * * * * *
A bit snappy, as you’d expect. But the extra weight helps you hit what you’re aiming at and get back on target right quick.
Reliability * * * * *
It’s what allows XD to be spoken in the same sentence as Glock.
Customize this * * *
The mini-rail-enabled flashlight option is welcome, but the lack of suitable holsters makes that a problematic proposition. The sights are sufficient. So . . . what more do you need, really?
Overall Rating * * * *
No beauty queen, but no safe queen either. A practical carry gun upon which you can bet your life.
I wonder if S&W will join in the fun and make an M&P9sc
Springfield just came out with the XDm-9mm Compact. It is slightly smaller in height (4.6″ vs. 4.75″) and only 3/4 inch longer (7″ vs. 6.25″). Same 13 round magazine size, but can use the XD-9mm 19 round magazine with the extension. Lots of holsters available – can use all the XDm-9 and XD-9 Compact holsters, plus new ones coming on line from almost all major manufacturers (I have holsters from Comp-Tac, Blackhawk, and Galco). It’s the height, not length, that has most impact on conceal-ability. Why buy a sub-compact XD? If 3/4 inch less length is that important, wait till the XDm sub-compact comes out.
I’ve shot both the full-size and the compact 9mm XDs extensively. A friend of mine owns both of them, so my familiarity with both models is more than “I fondled them at a gun show” deep. The subcompact is his daily carry gun, and the full-size model lives in his bedside gun safe at home. No matter what gun he reaches for, whether in the dead of night or in a parking lot, they both feel and function and fire exactly the same. One is just a bit shorter and easier to carry.
RF is absolutely right about these guns: they are accurate, strong, and stone-cold reliable. They’ll put a whole magazine (short or extended) into a ragged cloverleaf at 7 yards and they’ll do it without fail, again and again, until you’re standing in a pile of empty brass. I’ve never seen a jam or failure of any kind, through dozens of boxes of ammo.
The subcompact XD 9mm is backwards-compatible with the full-size XD 9mm magazines, but this compatibility isn’t reciprocal: the full-size XD 9mm cannot use either of the subcompact’s magazines. This is no different from the 9mm Glock 9mm family, where a higher-numbered (and thus smaller) Glock 9mms can accept the magazines from lower-numbered (and larger) Glock 9mms, but not vice-versa.
The XD subcompact ships with a short magazine and a full-size magazine with a grip adapter. Neither of these will fit a full-size XD, but full-size XD magazines are for sale everywhere and will fit either gun. To avoid the finger-smashing tactical reload, use the compact magazine for CCW and buy a full-size XD magazine for a high-cap (and pinchless) tactical reload. Ditch the adapter magazine, or keep it in your range bag for non-tactical use.
If you own both sized of XD, avoiding the ‘short magazine in full-size gun’ problem is equally simple. Leave the compact magazine loaded in the subcompact, and use full-size magazines for ALL your reloads in both pistols and you’ll never go wrong.
Note: when the XD subcompact gets the ergonomic ‘dash-M’ treatment, the magazines will not be compatible with any ‘non-M’ XD.
I’ve had one since 2008 and its been my daily carry piece since then. When it came out it was only 10+1 with the compact mag, but the newer 13+1 is a great replacement. It was my first pistol ever, I paid $399+shipping+FFL.
I’ve had no problems with it (except for my reloaded ammo, which was the ammo’s fault) and it shoots where you point it. My only gripe is the trigger safety which I find annoying after a box or two of rounds.
After a couple of years in the crossbreed super-tuck there is some wear on the slide starting to show but no rust. I figure I’ll duracoat it green or black whenever it needs it.
I carry the .40 version of the XD sub. The triggerguard makes little difference to holsters unless you are carrying in generic–you shouldn’t do that anyway.
But one of the things that surprised me was how close in overall dimensions the XD subcompact is to the Glock 19–The 19 looks a lot bigger, but is almost identical in height at the grip, and only about half an inch longer barrel. If you carry IWB, there’s no difference in the ability to conceal either gun, and you get a place for your pinkie with the Glock. I didn’t realize that until I made a holster for a 19.
Is that a Standard Schnauzer or a mini?
Mini.
Yes it is a goofy looking little pistol, but I’m sure it gets the job done.
I bought the full size XD9 (they call it the “Tactical”) and used it to fire for my CHL. I keep it in a drawer at the opposite side of the house from my bedroom, where my sub-compact has its place by the bed. I do not leave the house without it. I haven’t kept count of the rounds fired in the last four years, but the failures I know – none. Chris and Pete have it all correct. I am totally satisfied with both of these fine weapons.
Fugly little ucker!
My Glock has a better trigger and is easily adapted to any situation. My XD, I offloaded it on a guy who thought it was better than a Glock. His loss, my gain!
XD shoots circles around Glock.
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Just bought the XD sub in 40SW. Came with four mags: two 9 rd, one with a pinkie extention that you wanted and which fits my hand very well. Also came with a full length 10 rd mag, and a 12 rd mag of exactly the same dimensions that actually holds 13 rds of 40sw.
Overall, quite happy.
Having owned full-size Glock, a KelTec and an HK USP Compact as well as recently acquiring the 9mm SubCompact mentioned here i have a decent cross section of high end and budget minded handguns…Anyone who cries ‘Glock’ is either unfamiliar with XDs or has watched US Marshals a few too many times…
The XD costs nearly $100 less in my area; the magazines are metal not plastic; its actually CCW friendly (unlike my USPc which is like carrying a brick in my waistband)…and lastly it has 2 features a Glock doesnt but should–the loaded chamber indicator and cocking pin indicator–these are very nice piece-of-mind additions when carrying or instructing at the range….
Don’t get me wrong…Glock makes fine firearms–for people who prefer to pay extra for a brand name…they are equally reliable, easy to care for, with a plethora of accessories…but $100 difference buys plenty of ammo
just my $.02
Shot the XD40 & an S&W Sigma .40 with similar grouping. I’d rather have the Springfield.
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just bought a 40 xd subcompact springfield and i love it, but i was wondering can i put the full size 4o xd rd into the sub and would it mess up the gun if it do.