Hands-On With Springfield Armory’s New XD-E 9mm Hammer-Fired Pistol

Jeremy S.

7 years ago

◀Previous Post

Next Post▶

The wait is over and the secret is finally out. Springfield Armory‘s “all-new, game-changing pistol platform” is called the XD-E. It’s a polymer-frame, single-stack, [external] hammer-fired, sub-compact carry gun. With a true DA/SA operation and a combo thumb safety/decocker, the XD-E is quite unique. In fact, is there any other single-stack, DA/SA hammer-fired, polymer-framed sub-compact on the market? They’ve found a niche! Photos from the NRA Show plus Springfield’s press release follow . . .

Springfield Armory^® Introduces New XD-E™
The Hammer Reinvented

GENESEO, IL, April 28, 2017 – Springfield Armory® is pleased to announce its all-new patent-pending hammer-fired, single-stack, 9mm compact pistol, the XD-E.

The principle behind the new XD-E –– the best elements of Springfield Armory’s world-renowned XD Series, condensed into a pistol that’s intuitive, comfortable and accurate.

The XD-E sculpts unmatched Point-And-Shoot® ergonomics into a sleek frame just an inch wide, for hand and holster fit that is extremely conducive to everyday carry. The patent-pending hammer design grants the XD-E a Low-Effort-Slide (L.E.S.) that requires 27% less effort when compared to racking leading semi-automatic pistols. Thus, resulting in fewer slipped pulls, sore fingers and missed shots. The exposed hammer clearly shows gun mode, and the single/double action trigger offers options for shooting style. The XD-E packs 8 + 1 rounds of 9mm. With the Magazine X-Tension™ the capacity increases to 9 +1. Even the flat-base concealment magazine offers an extended base plate that allows a full grip. Three magazine configurations let you personalize capacity, comfort, and concealability.

The High-Hand™ beavertail and trigger guard design naturally lifts the shooters grip to a higher position for increased control and improved stability. GripZone® provides three texture zones to secure the shooters grip, minimizing slippage and twisting during recoil.

“When we listened to the challenges that gun buyers face, it was apparent that many people struggle with the operation of compact semi-auto pistols,” observed Springfield Armory® Chief Executive Officer Dennis Reese. “We decided to design a compact, safe, and carry-friendly pistol that was much easier to use whether you are a new shooter or skilled gunner. Now, buyers won’t have to make compromises when choosing a self-defense handgun.”

For carry, the Springfield XD-E delivers peace of mind. The first double-action shot requires an intentional, longer and deliberate trigger pull. After the first shot, the XD-E reverts to single-action operation, giving the operator a much lighter, crisp trigger break. The result is improved accuracy, controlled follow-up shots, and most importantly, the confidence to hit a target, even at longer distances.

Supplementing the double-action operation is a combination manual safety and de-cocking lever. Fully ambidextrous, the de-cocking system allows the user to safely lower the hammer without pulling the trigger.

“We firmly believe that a carry gun should be one that users want to take to the range for practice, training, and fun,” stated World Champion shooter and Team Springfield Captain Rob Leatham. “Especially for a gun suited for self-defense and concealed carry, it’s important to make the gun as easy and pleasurable to shoot as possible. That’s exactly what we’ve done with the XD-E –– I think shooters will agree, sometimes the hammer can be the most important tool in the tool box.”

The new XD-E qualifies for the Gear Up: Magazine Madness promotion when purchased prior to June 30, 2017. Customers will receive free gear including four additional magazines, mag pouch and holster. The free gear valued at $180 can be redeemed online at www.springfieldpromo.com.

Features, as listed at Springfield-Armory.com:

Hammer-Forged Barrel: Melonite-coated, hammer forged barrels offer unparalleled long life as well as superlative accuracy.

Fiber-Optic Front Sight: A bright-red fiber-optic front sight provides quick and easy target acquisition.

Accessory Rail: A length of standard Picatinny rail adorns the dust cover for lights or lasers.

Takedown does not require trigger pull.

Ambi-Thumb Safety/Decocker: A truly ambidextrous combination grip safety/decocker provides positive control of the weapon, regardless of your handedness.

Mod.2 Grip Texture: Mod.2 grip texture is meticulously crafted to lock the XD-E into your hand.

DA/SA Trigger: The time-tested double-action/single-action trigger is always ready, offering a first-round long double-action pull for safe carry followed by a shorter, lighter single-action mode pull for precision.

About Springfield Armory®

“The First Name in American Firearms,” Springfield Armory® was founded in 1777, when George Washington ordered the creation of an armory to store ammunition and gun carriages during the American Revolution. In 1794, the armory began to manufacture muskets and spent the next 150 years supplying firearms for every major American conflict. The original armory closed in 1968. In 1974, the Reese family took ownership of the Springfield Armory® name and began making the M1A™ rifle. Today, Springfield Armory® develops many products loyal to the company’s heritage, like the 1911 pistol, while ensuring its future with innovative products, including XD pistols such as the XD®, XD® Mod.2®, XD(M)®, XD-S®, and XD-E™ polymer pistols and now the new SAINT™ AR-15 rifle.

The SA pistol XD line includes the XD, XD-M, XD-M Elite.