{"id":146,"date":"2022-08-29T23:52:59","date_gmt":"2022-08-29T23:52:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=146"},"modified":"2022-08-29T23:52:59","modified_gmt":"2022-08-29T23:52:59","slug":"review-xd-m-magwell-conversion-kits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=146","title":{"rendered":"Review: XD-M Magwell Conversion Kits"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/700998758?h=d60d318968&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/richard-johnson\/\">Richard Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">J<\/span>ust because something new comes along doesn\u2019t mean you need, or even want, to trade in the old model. When I find a gun that works for me, I\u2019m not inclined to toss it away just because a new version rolls out on the market.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture class=\"wp-image-33663\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-800x534.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-768x513.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>With these new magwell kits from Springfield Armory, you can quickly add a flared magwell to your legacy <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span>\u00a0pistol.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Such is the case with my <a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/springfield-xd-m-line-of-pistols\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols<\/a>. Yes, the newer <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite models offer distinct advantages in comparison. I can\u2019t deny I\u2019d buy the Elite version if I was comparing the two for the first time today. But, that\u2019s not the reality of my situation. I already own several <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols, and I\u2019m not inclined to toss them out with the rubbish, as they are very reliable tools.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33664\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-800x534.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-768x513.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"935\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits.jpg\" alt=\"parts included in the XD-M Magwell Upgrade Kits\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/parts-included-in-the-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Kits-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Kits come with all of the parts you need, including three backstraps, pins and magazine. A few hand tools and a hand towel is all you need to perform the installation at\u00a0home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And that also doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m not interested in upgrading them with the right components.<\/p>\n<h2>A \u201cFlare\u201d for Function<\/h2>\n<p>Springfield Armory recently launched three new kits that allow any gun owner to upgrade his or her 9mm <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> to the same extended and flared magwells used on the Elite series. Not only are the kits affordable and available right now, they are also easy to install with just a few simple hand tools.<\/p>\n<p>Springfield offers three versions of the kit that work for full-size and compact 9mm <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols:<\/p>\n<p>Each of the kits contains all the parts you need to add the new magwell and get on the range, including a new magazine designed to work with the magwell. These magazines add capacity to your pistol and speed of reload, both of which are welcome additions to any defensive or competition pistol.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33665\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm-800x599.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm-400x299.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm-768x575.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm.jpg\" alt=\"flared magwell on compact XD-M\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm-800x599.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm-400x299.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/flared-magwell-on-compact-xdm-768x575.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Springfield Armory offers the new magwell kits for 9mm Compact <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols in addition to the <span class=\"nowrap\">full-sized model.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The \u201cStandard Magwell Conversion Kit\u201d is designed for full-size 9mm <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols and gives you the larger \u201cstandard\u201d magwell and a 22-round magazine. The \u201cShort Magwell Conversion Kit\u201d is also designed for full-size 9mm pistols, and provides you with the smaller magwell and a 20-round magazine. The \u201cCompact Short Magwell Conversion Kit\u201d is designed for 3.8\u201d Compact <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols and gives you the smaller magwell and a 14-round magazine.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Magwell Review<\/h2>\n<p>For this review, I got two kits: one for my <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> 3.8\u201d Compact 9mm pistol and a second for my full-size <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> 9mm OSP with a 4.5\u201d threaded barrel. Both kits were delivered in plastic pouches that included the magwell, a locking pin, three backstraps of varying sizes to work with the extended magwell, and a new magazine. All parts are black.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33666\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review-800x539.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review-400x270.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review-768x518.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"944\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield Armory XD-M Magwell Upgrade Review\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review-800x539.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review-400x270.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-Armory-XDM-Magwell-Upgrade-Review-768x518.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The author installed the magwell kit on his FDE <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> in about 15 minutes. Once he knew the procedure, the installation on a second <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> took less than five\u00a0minutes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although many in my family are mechanically inclined, that genetic boon appears to have skipped me. Even so, Springfield promised I would be able to accomplish the magwell conversions on my pistols. I dove into the work, starting with the larger of the two guns.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Some basic hand tools are needed, and I suspect that most readers of this article already have them on their bench. The tools I used were:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wheeler Engineering Hammer &amp; Punch Set<\/li>\n<li>Wheeler Engineering Roll Pin Punch Set<\/li>\n<li>Generic gunsmith block<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A standard punch should work fine for this, as will virtually any hammer. If you don\u2019t have a gunsmithing block to catch the pins when pushed out, you can simply use a folded soft cloth under the pistol instead.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33667\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM-800x534.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM-400x267.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM-768x513.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"935\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM.jpg\" alt=\"extended magazine to use with flared magwell on XD-M\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/extended-magazine-to-use-with-flared-magwell-on-XDM-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>After installing the magwell, the author ran the included 22-round magazine in his full-size <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> without a single\u00a0problem.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I was able to install the first magwell kit in about 15 minutes. Once I knew what I was doing, I installed the second kit in less than five. I suspect most of you reading this will be a lot closer to the five-minute mark on your first attempt.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Install<\/h2>\n<p>The process for installing the Magwell Kits on the 9mm <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols is the same regardless of size. In this example, I used the standard kit on my <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> FDE. Although I found the magwell kits easy to install, if you have any doubts about your ability, you would be better off taking the kit and pistol to a qualified gunsmith. If you are up to the task, these are the basic steps.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ensure the Gun is Unloaded:<\/strong>\u00a0Before beginning any work on your <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span>, remove the magazine from the pistol, clear the chamber and triple-check to ensure there is no ammunition in the gun\u2019s chamber. Remove all ammo from the work area.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33668\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap-800x644.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap-400x322.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap-768x618.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1127\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap.jpg\" alt=\"drift out pin to remove backstrap\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap-800x644.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap-400x322.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/drift-out-pin-to-remove-backstrap-768x618.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>After ensuring the gun is unloaded, the roll pin holding the backstrap in place will need to be\u00a0removed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Drift Out Pin and Remove Backstrap:<\/strong>\u00a0With a 3\/32\u201d punch, drift out the backstrap roll pin. If you\u2019ve never removed this pin before, a few light taps with a hammer may be needed. Once the pin is free, you can lift out the backstrap.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Assemble New Magwell and Backstrap:<\/strong>\u00a0Connect the new magwell to the appropriately sized backstrap for you from the kit. You will use the locking pin included with the magwell kit.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33669\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap-800x580.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap-400x290.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap-768x557.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1015\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap.jpg\" alt=\"assemble the magwell and backstrap\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap-800x580.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap-400x290.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/assemble-the-magwell-and-backstrap-768x557.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>The new backstrap and magwell are shown connected prior to fitting onto the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span>. The locking pin is shown partially out to indicate where it\u00a0inserts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When inserting the locking pin, pay attention to insert it so the groove in its shaft will align with the roll pin you removed in the previous step. Once inserted, the locking pin should hold the magwell and backstrap together as a single piece.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Attach New Magwell and Backstrap:\u00a0<\/strong>Leading with the tabs on the upper part of the backstrap, angle the backstrap onto the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> frame and pivot the magwell into position. There will be a small amount of friction resistance that will help ensure the parts stay tightly fitted after installation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33670\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap-800x497.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap-400x249.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap-768x477.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap.jpg\" alt=\"installation of the new magwell and backstrap\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap-800x497.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap-400x249.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/installation-of-the-new-magwell-and-backstrap-768x477.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>All of the magwell kits assemble in the same manner regardless of the size <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> you\u00a0own.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Insert Roll Pin:<\/strong>\u00a0Once the magwell and backstrap are in place, visually check to make sure your pin holes are aligned. Insert the roll pin you previously removed into the backstrap. You will likely need to use a hammer with a 3\/32\u201d punch to move the pin back into place.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Function Check:<\/strong>\u00a0With the firearm completely unloaded, practice inserting the new magazine, manipulating the slide and dry-firing the trigger. If the new magwell was properly installed, the gun should be functioning as well as it was the day you bought it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33671\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell-800x594.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell-400x297.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell-768x571.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell.jpg\" alt=\"completed installation of magwell\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell-800x594.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell-400x297.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/completed-installation-of-magwell-768x571.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>As it is a genuine Springfield Armory kit, the magwell and backstraps are a perfect fit on the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span>\u00a0pistol.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If there is looseness in the magwell or backstrap, discontinue use and work back through the steps to ensure you properly installed the new <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> magwell. If there is a problem you cannot solve, contact a local gunsmith for additional assistance.<\/p>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>The magwell upgrade kits for the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistols proved simple to install and are a high-quality design that perfectly match the look and feel of the handguns. I encountered no problems during two installations. Even more importantly, both pistols ran right as rain after the work was complete.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-33699\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell-800x578.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell-400x289.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell-768x555.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"1011\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell.jpg\" alt=\"Springfield XD-M upgraded with new magwell\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell-800x578.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell-400x289.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Springfield-XDM-upgraded-with-new-magwell-768x555.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption>Once installed, the magwell kit adds enhanced functionality to the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> pistol for competition and home\u00a0defense.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you are running a full-size <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> 9mm for competition or tactical use, the upgrade seems like a no-brainer to me. It gives you a wide mouth and funnel to help speed reloads under stress. Likewise, the included extended magazine gives you more rounds between reloads.<\/p>\n<p>For my 3.8\u201d Compact <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span>, the magwell upgrade makes even more sense. With the flush-fitting, 13-round magazine, my pinky hangs off the bottom of the pistol. However, my 19-round extended magazines with the X-Tension sleeve are simply too long for my concealment needs. Much like Goldilocks who found the middle bed was \u201cjust right,\u201d I found the magwell upgrade made the pistol the perfect fit for my needs. The upgrade adds just enough length to the grip for an improved hold on the pistol. Plus, the 14-round magazine offers additional firepower without being ridiculously long for a CCW pistol.<\/p>\n<p>No matter the gun, I found these Springfield <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> magwell kits are real winners.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/12329\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-three\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-xdm \" href=\"https:\/\/store.springfield-armory.com\/xd-m-standard-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-bottom: 2rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-xd-m-standard-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-xd-m-standard-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm.jpg\" alt=\"XD-M\u00ae Standard Magwell Conversion Kit, 9mm\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>XD-M\u00ae <span>Standard Magwell Conversion Kit, 9mm<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-xdm \" href=\"https:\/\/store.springfield-armory.com\/xd-m-short-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-bottom: 2rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-xd-m-short-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-xd-m-short-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm.jpg\" alt=\"XD-M\u00ae Short Magwell Conversion Kit, 9mm\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>XD-M\u00ae <span>Short Magwell Conversion Kit, 9mm<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-xdm \" href=\"https:\/\/store.springfield-armory.com\/xd-m-compact-short-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"margin-bottom: 2rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-xd-m-compact-short-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-xd-m-compact-short-magwell-conversion-kit-9mm.jpg\" alt=\"XD-M\u00ae Compact Short Magwell Conversion Kit, 9mm\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>XD-M\u00ae <span>Compact Short Magwell Conversion Kit, 9mm<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.wheelertools.com\/gunsmithing-tools\/hammer-and-punch\/hammer-and-punch-set-plastic-case\/951900.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-wheeler-hammer-and-punch-set.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-wheeler-hammer-and-punch-set.jpg\" alt=\"Wheeler Hammer and Punch Set\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Wheeler <span>Hammer and Punch Set<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-other \" href=\"https:\/\/www.wheelertools.com\/gunsmithing-tools\/hammer-and-punch\/roll-pin-punch-set\/204513.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-wheeler-roll-pin-punch-set.jpg.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/product-wheeler-roll-pin-punch-set.jpg\" alt=\"Wheeler Roll Pin Punch Set\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Wheeler <span>Roll Pin Punch Set<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/xd-m-magwell-kit-review\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Richard Johnson Just because something new comes along doesn\u2019t mean you need, or even want, to trade in the old model. When I find a gun that works for me, I\u2019m not inclined to toss it away just because a new version rolls out on the market. With these new magwell kits from Springfield [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-146","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=146"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=146"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=146"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}