Carrying a firearm while out and about in the wilderness albeit camping, hiking, riding horse or ATV, fishing, or exploring to see what is on the other side of the hill seems only prudent. Even a hunter carrying a rifle is not wrong to consider bringing along a heavy hitting sidearm, especially if working in remote country. None of this is a new concept. The earliest settlers kept flintlock rifle and pistol muskets handy for peace of mind against natures’ threats—both four and two legged—and basic survival preparedness. The same trend continued as Europeans, then Americans, spread westward.

The single action revolver with a large hole in the barrel has been a constant carry along companion for nearly 150 years. This practice continues today with modern wheel gun renditions. It’s hard to accept there are no other contenders worthy of consideration for wilderness carry other than a design with lineage dating back to 1873. Polymer semi autos have proven their worth as personal defense weapons since arriving on the scene in the early 1980s. What has stymied semi-automatics from earning a spot as a wilderness weapon is caliber selection. Initially, it was reliability concerns. Compounding this…9mm and even 45ACP cartridges are a little light in power factor for surly animal defense.

All of this is subtly changing with semi-automatic polymer striker fired handguns entering their fourth decade of service. To sweeten the deal how about a “muscled” up offering that chambers something in the 41 Magnum power range? Well, if you are going to shake things up, you might as well go all the way and mount a red dot optic on the slide, as well.

Enter a couple 10mms from Springfield Armory in the form of the XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP and XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP, each with Hex Dragonfly red dots. This is about as far away as you can get from the legacy single action revolver.

We decided to explore the short and long of the Springfield XD-M Elites by examining both 3.8-inch and 4.5-inch variants. Springfield Armory Hex Dragonfly red dots are fitted to both handguns. The 3.8 XD-M Elite has magazine capacity of 11 rounds and the 4.5 XD-M Elite, 16 rounds. The 16-round magazine can be used in the 3.8 XD-M Elite. Weight is 28.5 ounces and 32 ounces, respectively. Each features ambidextrous slide stop, fiber optic front, and Tactical Rack U-Do Rear sights. Removable short magwells are also present. Springfield Armory has developed the XD-M Elite to serve as the premium version of XD-series in order to show off the potential of the platform.

Evolution has been a constant with the Springfield Armory XD, with the XD-M Elite the latest rendition. The XD-M Elite 10mms featured here are the latest creation building upon customer feedback and manufacturing expertise. Thankfully, Springfield Armory maintained the grip angle with the XD-M Elite model, instead they focused changes on other aspects such as the trigger, magazine well, undercut trigger guard, enhanced slide serrations, extended beavertail, and sights. I have always felt the XD’s grip safety and grip angle give off the aura of a polymer framed 1911. An integral railed dust cover allows for lights/laser. The XD-M Elite also comes with interchangeable backstraps to accommodate individual shooter requirements for grip feel. Vertical chevron-like cuts are found at the rear and front of the XD-M Elite’s slide for increased purchase when manipulating the slide.

A significant enhancement with the XD-M Elite consists of Springfield’s Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META). Not only is the META one of the best out-of-the box triggers; it stacks up well with many aftermarket trigger offerings. The trigger pull measured approximately 5 pounds. The Springfield Armory META’s straight trigger offers a near 90-degree break for better geometry and is less likely to pull sights to the right or left. The key with the XD-M Elite is the same trigger pull every time. Overall, the XD-M Elite META trigger is an asset.

The 3.8 XD-M Elite appeals with its stout compact dimensions while still seething with 10mm power. Its size allows for multipurpose role consideration. It’s feasible to consider the 3.8 XD-M Elite for everyday concealed carry as well as outdoor/wilderness use. The 3.8 XD-M Elite was used with a Premier Body Armor (PBA) bundle combining Viktos Upscale Sling bag with PBA Level IIIA ballistic panel. The red dot equipped 10mm XD-M Elite is quite the potent package. It really shows off the flexibility of the smaller brother XD-M Elite.

The 4.5 XD-M Elite is pure wilderness carry with 4.5-inch barrel wringing velocity out of the 10mm and providing big bore handgun performance. While increased only under an inch in barrel length and few ounces in weight, the 4.5 XD-M feels a good bit larger than its 3.8 XD-M Elite sibling. With the 3.8 XD-M your bottom finger hangs off the bottom of the grip. Height is only 4.58 inches with the 3.8 XD-M Elite. Springfield does offer a 10mm 15-round magazine with sleeve that serves to extend the 3.8 XD-M Elite’s grip.

The 10mm was designed to be a rimless semi-automatic pistol cartridge with ballistics comparable with the .41 Magnum. The brief FBI flirtation with the 10mm also raised its profile within the shooting community. Full powered JHP and FMJ 10mm loads from Hornady, Federal, and Double Tap were used with the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms. Neither had any issues digesting JHP profile bullets. This is an important as hunters or security conscience civilians will use expanding ammunition for maximum terminal performance.

Federal Premium 180 grain Trophy Bonded 10mm shows the 10mm potential compared to 9mm or 45ACP. The Federal Trophy Bonded 10mm bullet is based on the rifle bullet version of the same name. The Federal load drives a 180-grain JSP bullet at 1,275 feet per second delivering 650 foot-pounds of energy which puts it roughly between the 357 Magnum and 41 Magnum for comparison purposes. This kind of power offers great flexibility for the user in terms of use in a personal defense, or backwoods use.

Double Tap offers 10mm loads for personal defense and hunting. Various jacketed hollow point and hard cast bullets give performance options across a broad spectrum. For example, the Double Tap 200 grain Hardcast Solid has a 21 Brinell hardcast rating, limiting deformation upon impact. Its wide, flat-nose meplat cuts a large, clean hole without any flight deviation or deflection when striking an animal.

10mm loads used from Hornady consisted of 180-grain XTP and 175-grain FlexLock Critical Duty. These Hornady loads were designed with personal defense in mind with XTP and Critical Defense bullets loaded to 1150 to 1250 fps. The Critical Duty’s FlexLock bullets have a heavy jacket and a harder, high-antimony core designed to defeat barriers. The jackets are locked to the core via the same InterLock process the company uses on its centerfire rifle bullets. Hornady has also taken full advantage of recent advances in propellant technology and is using low muzzle flash powder in Critical Duty ammunition. Hornady Critical Duty FlexLock bullets balance barrier penetration with proper expansion in the target for maximum effectiveness. The ogives of the Critical Duty bullets do not taper much as compared to other hollow point bullets, which improves feeding characteristics in autoloaders. The nickel-plated cases are another attention to detail that limits drag into or out of a weapon’s chamber, limiting the chance of failure to feed or extract. Critical Duty, as the name implies, was designed with law enforcement users in mind. However, security conscience citizens or hunters would be remiss in not to at least considering it for use, as well.

Another manufacturer to consider, especially for hunting purposes is Buffalo Bore. Buffalo Bore is a prime source of true 10mm ammunition, offering several bullet types ranging from hard cast, JHC, to FMJ-FN. The Buffalo Bore hard cast loads are an excellent option for anyone needing barrier penetration or unwavering deep penetration in a large game animal. The Buffalo Bore 220-grain Hard Cast Flat Nose loads moving at nearly 1145 fps are an excellent option for anyone contemplating using the 10mm against heavy boned animals where deep penetration is a must.

Much anticipation awaited firing the two Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms. Range T&E took place at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). The Federal Vital Shok 180-grain Trophy Bonded, and Buffalo Bore were the stoutest loads, but in no way harsh or unmanageable. Anecdotally, empty brass was ejected briskly several feet away–such was the slide velocity. The Springfield XD-M Elite polymer frames were appreciated for absorbing and mitigating felt recoil. Even the more compact 3.8 XD-M Elite proved no problem. EVTC steel targets were rocked with a more substantial smack than a typical handgun round. While one was definitely aware you were not firing a 9mm, recoil was not prohibitive with accurate rapid shots possible. All of the 10mm loads tested had no issue penetrating windshield or car body sheet metal. This is the type of performance and barrier penetration capability that the 10mm was designed for. Further range testing consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion.

PERFORMANCE

XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP

Each XD-M Elite was tested fired through a Caldwell precision chronograph to determine the effect of barrel length on velocity per specific load. Velocity gain between the 3.8-inch XD-M Elite and 4.5-inch XD-M Elite was in the 40-60 feet per second range. For example, the Buffalo Bore 180-grain JHP clocked in at 1270 fps from the 3.8 and 1305 fps from the longer barreled 4.5.

PERFORMANCE

XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP

The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite OSP handguns were tested at the range first by verifying Hex Dragonfly sight zero and then firing several magazines at various steel and paper targets. This quickly shows if any reliability issues exist. Further testing consisted of strings of fire against steel plate racks and steel popper targets at 15, 25, and 45 yards. An informal accuracy test was conducted from a rudimentary bench position. Each XD-M Elite delivered by constantly producing 2-inch or better groups at 25 yards.

As many “maturing” shooters can attest, the single focus plane with the red dot is easier to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. Point shooting with the Hex Dragonfly red dot is still very possible when using the window as a ghost ring—albeit a large ghost ring—if forced to react spontaneously to a threat. In short, if fur is in the glass, start pulling the trigger. The Hex Dragonfly equipped XD-M Elites came into their own for precise fire at any range desired with placing the dot on the target and applying correct trigger control. The Springfield Armory XD-M Elites demonstrated the ability to hit steel man popper targets at 50 yards with amazing efficiency and even out to 100 yards with regularity. The Hex Dragonfly red dot levels the playing field between the shorter sight radius of the 3.8 Elite the longer 4.5 Elite’s when reaching out to distant targets.

Holster selection for wilderness carry is just as critical as for personal defense. Your large handgun must not impact your primary task, yet it must remain accessible at a moment’s notice. A variety of holsters were used with the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms. DeSantis and Galco holsters proved solid hip carry selections for the XD-M Elites. Once clothing layers were problematic, a chest rig from CrossBreed was employed. It can be worn over clothing or snuggled under outer layer. The CrossBreed Chest Rig employs CrossBreed’s dual construction technique of kydex pocket with wide, perforated suede backer. Multiple points of retention kept the XD-M Elites in place no matter the activity—riding horses, riding ATVs, or hiking.

There are many situations in which the penetration and power of a 10mm is advantageous. Both of the Springfield XD-M Elite 10mms place real power in an accurate and reliable handgun package. The XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP and XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP represent a good balance of features for a myriad of uses beyond just wilderness carry considerations. Each of the 10mm Springfield XD-M Elite OSPs allow a user to indulge oneself by having something out of the ordinary, while maintaining sound functionality.

While nostalgic sentiment may push you toward the revolver for wilderness carry, it is hard to argue against 12 or 17 rounds (loaded magazine plus one chambered) of full power 10mm found in the two Springfield XD-M Elites. Carrying spare ammunition and reloading is pretty efficient, as well. Wilderness carry of a sidearm has one purpose—to be there when you need it.

SPECIFICATIONS

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP with Hex Dragonfly red dot

SPECIFICATIONS

XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP with Hex Dragonfly red dot

SITES OF INTEREST

Springfield Armory www.springfield-armory.com

HornadyMfg.Inc www.hornady.com

Buffalo Bore Ammunition www.buffalobore.com

CrossBreed Holsters www.crossbreedholsters.com

Galco Holsters www.galcogunleather.com

DeSantis Gunhide www.desantisholster.com

Double Tap Ammunition www.doubletapammo.com

Premier Body Armor www.premierbodyarmor.com

The Springfield Armory XD handgun traces its heritage back to 1991 to the war-torn Balkan nation of Croatia. Initially, entry into the U.S. market was less than stellar via the HS2000 brand. In 2002, Springfield Armory had acquired the licensing rights to the design. Springfield Armory’s tweaks helped turn around the model’s reputation quickly. By 2006 the XD was winning multiple prestigious industry awards.

Like most modern handguns, the XD functions via short recoil-operated locked breech a la Browning’s design with camming-cut below the barrel. This serves to unlock and lower the barrel during the recoil cycle. The XD has slightly modified Browning’s design by removing the locking points located on the barrel in front of chamber. Instead, the XD utilizes a single locking lug milled above the barrel’s chamber, thus using the slide’s large overhead ejection port as its locking recess. The front contour of the barrel lug cam slot has been cut square to direct counter-recoiling forces up and forward, reducing stress on the lug.

Evolution has been constant with the XD. Springfield Armory decided to update their XD handgun lineup via the XD-M Elite series. After all, it would smack as arrogant to assume that refinements would not benefit the user after years of being on the market. The XD has always attracted admirers thanks to its ergonomics. For example, its grip angle found favor with many who argue it offers a better natural point of aim than competitors, especially polymer ones from Austria. The XD-M Elite 4.5-inch barreled 9mm featured herein is the latest creation building upon customer feedback and manufacturing expertise. Thankfully, Springfield Armory maintained the grip angle with the XD-M Elite model. Instead, they focused their attention on other aspects of the design, such as the trigger, magazine well, undercut trigger guard, enhanced slide serrations, extended beavertail, and sights.

The XD-M Elite 4.5-inch modifications consist of a capacity increase, a new magazine well, slide serrations, an ambidextrous slide stop, a more prominent grip safety with memory bump and, most importantly, a trigger upgrade. The XD-M Elite has a reinforced polymer frame and steel slide with a significant design emphasis on ergonomics for ease of function. The slide is covered with a Melonite finish for durability wrapped around the 4.5-inch match barrel. Stippling and raised grooves adorn both the front strap and the forward face of the squared-off trigger guard. Material has been relieved where the trigger guard connects to the grip allowing for the shooter’s hand sit as high as possible. This allows the XD-M Elite to sit low in the user’s hand. This assists in limiting muzzle flip during recoil. The frame features a beavertail to help prevent slide bite as well as further manage recoil, especially during rapid strings of fire. I have always felt the XD’s grip safety and grip angle gives off the aura of a polymer framed 1911. An integral railed dust cover allows for lights/laser. The XD-M Elite also comes with interchangeable backstraps to accommodate individual shooter requirements for grip feel. Vertical chevron-like cuts are found at the rear and front of the XD-M Elite’s slide for increased purchase when manipulating the slide. The pistol weighs 29 ounces.

Further enhancements with the XD-M Elite consists of Springfield’s Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly (META). Not only is the META one of the best out of the box striker-fired triggers; it stacks up well with many aftermarket trigger offerings. The trigger pull measured approximately five pounds. The Springfield Armory META’s straight trigger offers a near 90-degree break for better geometry and is less likely to pull sights to the right or left. The key with the XD-M Elite is how it provides the same trigger pull every time. Overall, the XD-M Elite META trigger is an asset.

Ambidextrous slide stop, fiber optic front, and Tactical Rack U-Do Rear sights and an increased magazine capacity of 20+1 round out the Elite’s list of features. Springfield Armory includes a removable extended and flared magwell to accommodate the 20-round magazines. Springfield Armory has developed the XD-M Elite to serve as the premium version of XD-series to show off the potential of the platform. The user knows something is different with the XD-M Elite as soon as its soft case is opened.

We evaluated the XD-M Elite using several drills experienced during training with Redback One, TMACs, Tactical Response, Graham Combat, and other schools. Drills included working around breaching facades, door entries, and other CQB activities. Multiple magazine changes and high volume ammunition consuming drills exhibited no idiosyncrasies with the XD-M Elite. The magazine release button is easily accessed and the magwell appreciated.

The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite impressively handled all ammunition brands, bullet types, and weights with equal aplomb. XD-M Elite ergonomics and handling characteristics were quickly appreciated. A user understands why the XD-M Elite and its predecessor are so well thought of. The beavertail grip frame and overall balance of the pistol made felt recoil negligible. The slide reciprocates smoothly with the sights tracking smoothly in between shots fired.

Norma ammunition led the way in testing with FMJ, NXD, and MHP loads. Hornady, Remington, Federal, and Black Hills was also shot. T&E was conducted at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC), a private range located near Winchester, VA, where many local and federal law enforcement tactical team members train. Shooting from sandbags produced 2-inch groups at 25 yards. I quickly realized that the XD-M Elite possessed inherent accuracy superior to what I was capable of. That is a nice feeling that instills confidence in a handgun. The XD-M Elite digested anything fed to it. For example, the cutting edge (pun intended) Norma NXD 65 grain load, characterized by reduced recoil thanks to light bullet at high velocity, had no issues. A finicky ammo appetite is not an endearing trait with a personal defense handgun.

Norma has been manufacturing and innovating ammunition for 120 plus years. Norma Ammunition is associated with some of Europe’s other finer offerings—Premier League soccer, double rifles, and Formula 1 racing. All are truly world class.

The Norma MHP (Monolithic Hollow Point) is a monolithic solid copper projectile. Expansion is the MHP’s forte. Ballistic gel shoots with the 108-grain 9mm MHP exhibit compact 11-inch penetration, limiting concern of over-penetration. Expansion to 0.9 inches means all the energy created from the 1300fps+ 108-grains is dumped into the target. The MHP is skived so that expansion is generated from four petals that erupt from the projectile. The bullet profile is similar to an FMJ, so feeding will not be an issue.

PERFORMANCE:

EVTC’s Jungle Walk Range proved an ideal test location. A premium is placed on a quick handling accurate handgun such as the XD-M Elite with multiple rounds fired in quick succession being the norm to put a target down. The natural pointability of the XD-M Elite comes into its own in this realm. Random steel and paper targets were placed along the trail. Target arrays consisted of single and multiple engagement points only visible when shooter discovered them while coming around corner of the trail. Significantly, no malfunctions were experienced while test firing over 700 rounds.

Somewhat counterintuitively, the XD-M Elite would prove a solid choice for training new shooters. Its size is conducive to proper grip. Sights are intuitive. META trigger offers no excuses. In short, you perform the firing sequence correctly, you will be rewarded with rounds going where intended. As shooter proficiency increases, the XD-M Elite is more capable of keeping up.

The new Springfield Armory META trigger reminded me of other polymer handgun selections with one important nuance; only after they had experienced custom work from qualified gunsmiths, including aftermarket accessories. That is meant as a compliment to the new META factory trigger. The new trigger is crisper and has a tactile/audible reset. Everyone surely agrees that a trigger set-up properly is a great aid to accurate shooting. The XD-M Elite’s combination of good sights and trigger along with Springfield Armory quality control produces a weapon that can run plate racks at 25 yards with monotony. Along these lines, the XD-M Elite can deliver multiple hits on IPSC style targets at close range using point shooting techniques within 3-7 yards. This is a compliment to its overall design.

The key point with the XD-M Elite is that it is eminently adaptable to individual, or department needs no matter mission or budgetary concerns. Everything from the homeowner with a light/laser combo to an elite operator with night vision and infrared target designator will find the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite a handgun worthy of consideration. The buyer is getting a lot of value for the listed purchase price of around $609. The XD-M Elite is a potent package due to its accuracy, reliability, and capacity—all of this combines for increased lethality.

With the XD-M Elite, the Springfield Armory attention to detail is instantly sensed. Crucial items such as magazine release button shape, grip texture, trigger, and placing the shooters hand as near the bore axis are seamlessly interfaced. The XD-M Elite is one of the flattest shooting handguns I’ve shot. By flattest shooting, I am referring to minimal muzzle flip with sights tracking smoothly between trigger breaks. Springfield’s years of experience with the XD platform has allowed their engineers to take the nebulous concept of “feel” and translate it to the XD-M Elite being one of best shooting pistols on the market right out of the box.

Many may ask what the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite offers to shooters compared to other polymer-framed striker-fired handguns already on the market. The answer lies more with refining the striker-fired concept more than creating anything revolutionary. The XD-M Elite benefits from lessons learned combined with a manufacturer intimately familiar with quality weapon production.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Make: Springfield Armory
Model: XD-M Elite
Caliber: 9mm
Weight: 29 ounces
Magazine Capacity: 2-20 round magazine provided
Width: 1.2 inches at grip
Height: 5.75 inches
Barrel Length: 4.5 inches
MSRP: $609
URL: springfield-armory.com