Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. The modular grip inserts allow adjustment to fit man hand sizes. Even Heidi’s “Munchkin-sized” paws were able to run the XD(M) fine. never work. That said, swearing sort of to an oath of silence I said I would look at the “new” pistol. When I got the special pistol I opened the box and the first thought through my mind was of the Chevelle and the Chevelle Super Sport gig. The new XD(M) was, in my mind’s eye, a morphing of the tank-tough utilitarian XD into a more refined, stylized and very slicked up pistol — sort of a Super Sport XD. After the initial SA call I talked to wife Heidi about the new pistol concept and she was curious to the point of “Well, what could they do to improve it if it is the XD or like the XD?” I told her I thought, “About the only thing I can think of is some modular thing or something.” Slide They’ve taken the straight mechanical lines of the slide and angled them from the rails upward and inboard, actually tapering the slide. The sights can be whatever configuration the shooter might select. My test version has the new Springfield designed sights which are a three-dot system having a very low profile with a leading forward edge that may be helpful for one-hand injury-type applications to grab and run the slide. The slide has system’s-check cuts milled front and rear on the sides. The XD(M) retains the XD’s loaded chamber indicator lever and my perception is there is more of a cut on the barrel allowing you to see a small sliver of brass from a cartridge in place in the chamber. The placement when applied. The slide-lock cocked indicator is still at the back of does not appear to protrude more than the slide confirming visually the pistol is the original XD, which is good. first-class and have a there van cocked, and with the touch of a fingertipIf you’re Thegoing ambi-magazine release is still curtain, here go.it’s Ladies, on the exposed cocked pin, also showingwith in a the XD(M)well, and like in you the XD, a solare paying attention? the state of affairs. Both the cocked pin id set up.you I think the frame on the XD(M) and the chamber indicator of the XD(M) has been dished-out on both sides above remain consistent with the XD. I would the magazine release and forward towards not bet my life on the status of the pistol the trigger. This would for better access to with those two pieces of gear and would the trigger for the small-hands and shortalways check by eye or touch to make finger crowd. The frame still has the light sure a cartridge is actually chambered. rail for weapon-mounted lights if required and my personal favorite thing — the grip safety — is in place. Frame Now for the really cool stuff. The Several excellent changes have oc- grip forward has been changed with the curred here. The disassembly lever molding being carried at least half way has had the sharp square rear edge rearward on both sides making for a removed that constantly gouged my much more positive grip for both hands. left thumb when firing. The new le- The big money is in the fact the back ver is rounded and tapered toward the strap is now modular and Springfield has rear, so I think somebody else besides done a great job of making a small pistol me got whacked by the thing. The even smaller! The new system reduces XD(M)’s side-lock has been the size substantially, but not the round shaped into a downcount as the XD(M) holds 16 rounds of ward curve at each .40, plus one in the spout. end making for a No one I know of has smaller more positive hands than Heidi and she took to the new XD(M) set up with the smallest back strap inserted, like the proverbial duck-water thing. Inside The Slide The big issue here is the placement of a Continued on page 63 Also available in a twotone, all versions maintain the light-rail feature. WWW.AMERICANCOPMAGAZINE.COM 43