{"id":2618,"date":"2024-10-11T04:33:26","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T04:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2618"},"modified":"2024-10-11T04:33:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T04:33:26","slug":"springfield-armory-xd-mod-3-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2618","title":{"rendered":"Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 Review"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By Richard Johnson<\/a><\/p>\n

In today\u2019s article, Richard Johnson reviews the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 pistol. This new 9x19mm Parabellum handgun is an evolution of the original XD line with new features and an amazing MSRP: $325. At that price, can it perform? The XD Mod.3 was loaned to the author by Springfield Armory.<\/em><\/p>\n

I<\/span>t\u2019s hard to believe, but the Springfield Armory XD is approaching 25 years of service. The guns made a big splash when they first entered the market in 2001 and continue to be quite popular. But just because they remain great shooting pistols doesn\u2019t mean the design cannot be refined and updated. A lot has happened in modern handgun design over the past two decades or more, and that\u2019s where we find ourselves today.<\/p>\n

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The new Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 incorporates features of modern pistols while retaining the original pistol\u2019s reliability. The best part? The incredibly affordable price tag. Image:\u00a0Jeremy Tremp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sitting next to my keyboard as I type this is the newest addition to the XD line: the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3. Spoiler alert: I think Springfield is really going to make waves with this gun. I don\u2019t want to bury the lede here \u2014 this gun is a fantastic pistol and has an unbelievable suggested retail price of just $325. But why do I think it surpasses the original and is, hands-down, the best value in 9mm pistols on the market today?<\/p>\n

What Is the XD Mod.3?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At its core, the XD Mod.3 is an expansion of the company\u2019s popular striker-fired pistol line. You might be wondering about the Mod.3 designation. Obviously, the original XD was the \u201cMod.1\u201d, while there was also a Mod.2 variant offered for several years with some aesthetic and feature modifications to the original platform.<\/p>\n

\"shooting\n<\/picture>
The XD Mod.3 takes everything great about the original design and adds numerous upgrades and enhancements. Image:\u00a0Jeremy Tremp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the new XD Mod.3 represents a truly new and modern take on the XD platform, keeping everything that was good about the original and updating and modernizing it where needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The XD Mod.3 is a full-size, striker-fired pistol chambered for the 9mm cartridge. While it shares many features with the original pistol \u2014 such as compatibility with original full-size XD9 magazines \u2014 the XD Mod.3 has some truly notable upgrades.<\/p>\n

Topping It Off<\/h2>\n

First and foremost, the XD Mod.3 is optics-ready direct from the factory. As red dots are now becoming the norm for handguns, this modification makes a lot of sense. The slide is cut to accept Springfield\u2019s popular OSP plate system to fit a wide range of professional red dot sights.<\/p>\n

\"Crimson\n<\/picture>
The OSP optics mounting system on the XD Mod.3 allows you to mount a wide selection of red dot sights. The author used a Crimson Trace, but could have easily selected a Trijicon, Holosun or Vortex model.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The plates come in Trijicon RMR<\/a>, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and NOBLEX (Docter) footprints. Compatibility with these footprints mean you can also use many sights from Burris, Vortex, HEX, Shield, Crimson Trace, Redfield and Holosun. In addition, they are readily available from the Springfield Armory Store and very affordable. The slide comes with a flush-mounting cover to keep things tidy if you choose not to run a red dot sight.<\/p>\n

Speaking of sights, the XD Mod.3 also features a set of highly durable and rugged steel sights. The high-visibility front sight features a bright red fiber optic rod, and the rear sight has two easy-to-see white dots.<\/p>\n

\"optics\n<\/picture>
The slide of the XD Mod.3 is cut to accept readily available OSP plates for mounting a wide range of optics. Image:\u00a0Jeremy Tremp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And while we are on the topic of the top half of the pistol, let\u2019s discuss the slide serrations located at the rear and forward end of the slide. Wider and deeper than on the original, they offer a lot of gripping surface that works well with both bare and gloved hands. Good serrations improve your ability to run the slide under pressure, and I think those on the Springfield Mod.3\u2019s slide are excellent.<\/p>\n

Gripping Changes<\/h2>\n

The polymer grip frame of the Mod.3 also has some notable features. The undercut triggerguard and extended beavertail allow you to get a very high grip on the pistol. Also, more aggressive texturing on the leading and trailing edges of the grip is a noticeable change over the original XD.<\/p>\n

\"gripping\n<\/picture>
The gripping surface of XD Mod.3 is textured for enhanced purchase. The triggerguard is generously undercut for a high grip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In addition, the frame has reshaped thumb rests on both sides of the frame to offer a more natural angle when using a solid grip. Finally, the forward edge of the triggerguard is rounded, while remaining large enough to easily accept a gloved finger.<\/p>\n

At the forward end of the frame on the dustcover, the Mod.3 carries over the accessory rail design of the original. However, it adds in an additional slot for more precise fitting of accessories like weapon-mounted lights. This can make a significant difference in how easy it is to activate a light due to its position.<\/p>\n

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While all of the pistols in the Springfield Armory XD line employ a passive grip safety that is disengaged when you achieve a proper shooting grip, the Mod.3 enhances the design by adding a \u201cmemory bump\u201d at the lower end. This ensures that the safety will be fully disengaged when gripped without decreasing its effectiveness.<\/p>\n

\"backstrap\n<\/picture>
The Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 has a grip safety and cocked striker indicator. The texture on the backstrap is the same as the texture on the front of the grip frame.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trigger design has also received some attention in the Mod.3. While the original XD had a traditional-style curved trigger, the new variant features the popular flat-style trigger. Similar in shape and contour to that of the XD-M\u2019s \u201cMETA\u201d trigger, the Mod.3\u2019s flat trigger helps ensure a consistent feel throughout the pull. The rear of the trigger has a stop to prevent overtravel.<\/p>\n

Foundational Choices<\/h2>\n

While the XD Mod.3 has a notable number of enhancements, it also carries over many sound features from the original design. These include a loaded chamber indicator, striker status indicator at the rear of the slide, and an ambidextrous magazine release.<\/p>\n

One of the best carryovers is the 16-round magazine in my opinion. Older Springfield Armory mags are 100% compatible with the new XD Mod.3 pistols. If you are like me, you have more than a few magazines for the original line, and these will work without problems in the new guns.<\/p>\n

\"Springfield\n<\/picture>
The sights of the Mod.3 are made of steel and feature white dots on the rear and a high visibility fiber optic front. Image:\u00a0Jeremy Tremp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you have run a Service Model XD, you will feel right at home with the XD Mod.3. It features a hammer-forged 4\u201d barrel with a Melonite finish, housed within the forged steel slide that features a matching black Melonite finish. Weight of the pistol is 27 oz. Overall length is 7.3\u201d.<\/p>\n

Currently, there are two versions of the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 offered: a standard Service Model and a low-capacity Service Model with a 10-round magazine. Other than magazine capacity, they are identical, and both pistols come with a single magazine.<\/p>\n

XD Mod.3 Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Chambering<\/td>\n9mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barrel Length<\/td>\n4\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n27 oz.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall Length<\/td>\n7.3\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sights<\/td>\nFiber optic front, white dot rear<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Grips<\/td>\nIntegral, polymer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Action<\/td>\nStriker-fired<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finish<\/td>\nMelonite<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Capacity<\/td>\n16+1 (one magazine), 10+1 (one magazine)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSRP<\/td>\n$325<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Range Time<\/h2>\n

My son and I headed to the range with the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3. Due to the thunderstorms we get throughout the summer in Florida an indoor range is sometimes mandatory, and it was required on this day.<\/p>\n

\"testing\n<\/picture>
The author tested the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 at an indoor shooting range. The gun was perfectly reliable with a variety of 9mm loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I had decided to set up the XD Mod.3 with a Crimson Trace CTS-1500 red dot I had on an XD-S Mod.2 9mm pistol<\/a> I had on hand. Mounting it with the appropriate plate proved simple and easy.<\/p>\n

After setting up, we checked the Crimson Trace red dot sight I had mounted to the pistol to see where it was aiming. We dialed it in and set to shooting. Starting with commercial full metal jacket (FMJ) target loads<\/a>, we began some presentation and rapid-fire drills to get a feel for the gun. Both of us liked the feel of the pistol and were quite comfortable while handling it.<\/p>\n

\"Springfield\n<\/picture>
The author found the accuracy of the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 to be very good with all loads tested.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ammunition cycled smoothly through the system as we made hole after hole in the paper targets. After several hundred rounds of flawless operation, we set up a sandbag rest to test the pistol\u2019s accuracy at 15 yards. I also set up a chronograph to check the bullet velocities of each shot.<\/p>\n

All loads shot well and within what I would consider more than acceptable accuracy. All five loads I tested delivered best five-shot groups in the 1.5\u201d range or so at 15 yards. The stark reality is that the shooter \u2014 me \u2014 is the weakest link in this accuracy chain. I suspect both the gun and ammo have even greater accuracy potential than I do with my aging eyes and increasingly arthritic hands.<\/p>\n

As you might expect, recoil is quite manageable with this full-size pistol, even with the +P loads. While the 9mm is not an untamed beast, good handgun design can have a significant impact on how well one is able to absorb the recoil impulse and keep the front sight on target.<\/p>\n

Out of the box, the XD Mod.3 is a nearly perfect fit for my hands. The rear grip and undercut triggerguard allow me to get my hand way up on the gun to minimize muzzle rise. Also, the grip texture does an excellent job of keeping the gun anchored in my hand.<\/p>\n

\"shooting\n<\/picture>
With a proper two-handed grip, the XD Mod.3 had modest recoil with even +P defensive 9mm loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trigger has a similar feel to my original XD9<\/a>, with a moderate amount of take-up and short travel to a clean break. There is no perceptible overtravel thanks to a built-in stop at the rear of the trigger. Reset requires a moderate amount of travel and has a distinct click.<\/p>\n

Closing Thoughts<\/h2>\n

With an MSRP of just $325, it\u2019s hard not to mention the word \u201cvalue\u201d when reviewing the XD Mod.3. With its combination of proven performance and modern upgrades, it offers a lot of gun for the money. But if you ask me, I think the XD Mod.3 stands alone as being a good option at any price point you might expect for a pistol of this type.<\/p>\n

Consider what the gun offers. It\u2019s a proven design with more than 20 years of history. In addition to being utterly reliable, the semi-automatic pistol offers a range of features including an optics cut, accessory rail, fiber optic front sight, superb front and rear slide serrations, and an enhanced grip that feels fantastic in the hand. And don\u2019t forget that this gun is 100% compatible with the existing supply of affordable 9mm XD magazines.<\/p>\n

I simply don\u2019t know of a better deal on a firearm anywhere in the market.<\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s Note: Please 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 and discuss this article and much more!<\/em><\/p>\n

Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n

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Featured in this article<\/span><\/h5>\n

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XD\u00ae Mod.3 OSP\u2122 4″<\/span><\/h3>\n


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By Richard Johnson In today\u2019s article, Richard Johnson reviews the Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 pistol. This new 9x19mm Parabellum handgun is an evolution of the original XD line with new features and an amazing MSRP: $325. At that price, can it perform? The XD Mod.3 was loaned to the author by Springfield Armory. It\u2019s hard […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2618","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\/2618","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=2618"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2618\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2618"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2618"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2618"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}