Last year, Springfield Armory debuted a 9mm counterpart as a follow up to their popular single stack .45, the XD-S. This year, at SHOT Show 2014, SA introduced its newest addition to the XD-S lineup: the XD-S 4.0.
The XD-S 4.0, like its predecessor, is a 9mm sub-compact pistol. Aside from the four inch barrel, from which the XD-S 4.0 gets its designation, it and the XD-S 9 are very similar. They’re both one inch wide, single stack pistols. With the flush mag, the XD-S 4.0 will hold the same 7+1 rounds. When used with the X-Tension™ mag, however, the capacity increases by two rounds, and the grip converts from sub-compact to full-size.
XD-S 4.0 Specs
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 7+1 (flush mag), 9+1 (Mag X-Tension™)
Weight: 25oz (w/ empty mag)
Frame: polymer
Slide: forged steel (Melonite or stainless finish options)
Barrel length: 4.0in
Overall length: 7.0in
Overall height: 4.4in (without extended mag)
MSRP: $599 – Melonite slide, $669 – stainless slide
I mentioned above that the XD-S 3.3 9mm and XD-S 4.0 9mm are very similar (even the magazines are interchangeable). What are the differences? Essentially, the 0.7 inches of barrel/slide length and about 2oz of weight are it. At this point, you’re likely asking yourself the same question I was: if the two pistols are so similar, why make the XD-S 4.0? Springfield’s Rob Leatham had an answer for me. Not all of the XD-S pistol’s success was from how conceal carry friendly it is; some of the feedback Springfield received was that users, namely those with smaller hands, appreciated how the slim frame gave it a great grip. Members of this crowd voiced a desire for the same grip dimensions, but with a longer barrel, not just for CCW, but for general range use as well. Adding the extra length wasn’t enough to add noticeable weight to the pistol, but it did reduce the perceived recoil a bit, and increased both sight radius and muzzle velocity. This perk has the effect of making the XD-S 4.0 even softer hitting, and more accurate, than its shorter barreled antecedent.
What are your impressions of Springfield’s newest addition to the XD-S lineup?
Looks like a great gun.I always heard great things about the XD line. Another well written article, as always.
Looks like a great gun.I always heard great things about the XD line. Another well written article, as always.
I find it funny how they develop these small guns, the proceed to offer extended mags and longer barrels. I like the XDs its small, thin and great to conceal, If I wanted a bigger gun I would get one, well one more ;o)
The 4″ barrel doesn’t make it any harder to conceal since the width and grip with flush magazine are the same as the 3.3″. I just wish they had released the 45 in this configuration. Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to wait.
EricKmiecik Thanks, Eric. :]
peter3101 Lol That is an amusing trend. I guess I’m not part of the market to whose demands Springfield was responding with the 4.0, but I do like how they’re acting on customer feedback. That’s encouraging to see.
EdMessinger I had that same thought–wondering why they didn’t release the 4.0 for the .45. I notice more snap with that model, so a little longer barrel may have held some appeal for me. Maybe that’ll happen down the road… who knows :]
What I would like to see is a kit to convert the
45 xds to a 9mm, like Sig and Glock.
I went to a local gun shop in this little bitty town that I drive through. I was looking for a Sig P226 and got to talking to the owner. On the other end of the spectrum of size, he pointed me to this XD. I held it in my hands and it fit me like a glove. I loved it. I have small hands myself, like you Destinee, as I am 5’9, small body frame at 170lbs. So a smaller gun like this was great. I will be heading up there tomorrow to pick one up with the green sights. I enjoy your videos and your articles. A good looking girl that gets better looking by talking and firing a gun.