{"id":886,"date":"2023-03-14T11:49:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T11:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=886"},"modified":"2023-03-14T11:49:00","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T11:49:00","slug":"review-springfield-armory-desert-fde-xd-m-elite-4-5-osp-10mm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=886","title":{"rendered":"Review: Springfield Armory Desert FDE XD-M Elite 4.5\u201d OSP 10mm"},"content":{"rendered":"


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

F<\/span>ew things are as personal as finding the right handgun for your needs. From personal defense to hunting, finding the perfect pistol is a deeply individual pursuit. Let me introduce you to one of the newest options on the market that is worthy of your time for consideration.<\/p>\n

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The new Springfield Armory XD-M<\/span> Elite 4.5\u2033 OSP 10mm Desert FDE is an excellent pistol for a range of\u00a0applications.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Springfield Armory XD-M<\/span> Elite 4.5\u201d OSP 10mm FDE is an advanced, high-performance firearm designed for the modern shooter who demands precision and unfailing reliability. Engineered to deliver superior shooting performance, the new pistol offers a range of features, is chambered in 10mm and is finished in a distinctive Desert Flat Dark Earth (FDE) color.<\/p>\n

\"springfield\n<\/picture>
This pistol is perhaps the most complete defensive handgun devised: impressive capacity, a powerful cartridge, red dot-ready, supremely accurate and utterly\u00a0reliable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During my testing, this gun performed exceptionally well. Based on this, I trust the gun and recommend you take a look for yourself to see if it offers the features you are seeking.<\/p>\n

Overview of the New XD-M<\/span> Elite<\/h2>\n

In my opinion, the new gun is a premier pistol in Springfield Armory\u2019s XD-M<\/span> Elite line. It has many of the advanced features common to this pistol family while adding a subdued finish and one of the more powerful handgun cartridges available in a semi-auto. Its OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) configuration allows for easy optics attachment. All these features combine to make this an exceedingly capable handgun.<\/p>\n

\"shooting\n<\/picture>
The author tested this gun on the range using a HEX Dragonfly and Nosler premium ammunition. The gun performed\u00a0admirably.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at some of this gun\u2019s defining features.<\/p>\n

Chambering<\/h3>\n

The 10mm cartridge is known as being powerful<\/a> \u2014 suitable for defense, bowling pin competitions and hunting. Nevertheless, I have always found it to be relatively easy to control in a well-built pistol.<\/p>\n

\"10mm\n<\/picture>
Springfield Armory uses match-grade barrels in its XD-M<\/span> Elite line. This pistol is fitted with a 4.5\u2033 barrel with a Melonite\u00a0finish.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The power makes it a versatile round, capable of being loaded to levels well beyond the .45 ACP<\/a>. It\u2019s ideal for maximizing stopping power out of a handgun. While many people think of this in terms of personal or home defense, the same power is useful for humane harvesting of deer and other game animals.<\/p>\n

Barrel<\/h3>\n

Standard is a match-grade barrel. It is made of hammer-forged steel with a Melonite finish. At 4.5\u201d, the barrel makes for an overall length of the pistol a size that can still be concealed. Yet, it is long enough for the rounds to achieve effective velocity.<\/p>\n

Sights and Optics<\/h3>\n

You have two choices with this pistol: the factory sights or a red dot sight. For my money, the sights Springfield Armory includes on the gun are some of the best factory sights available. The front sight is a red fiber optic rod that is very visible.<\/p>\n

\"hex\n<\/picture>
A wide range of pistol optics are compatible with the XD-M<\/span> Elite. Springfield Armory offers a variety of mounting plates that adapt to many red\u00a0dots.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When the sights are aligned, the front fiber optic drops neatly into the wide U-notch rear sight. Called the Tactical Rack U-Dot<\/span>, the rear sight allows the eye to quickly pick out the front sight for rapid, accurate shot placement.<\/p>\n

While the standard sights are excellent, the pistol is an Optic Sight Pistol (OSP) model that allows for the mounting of red dot sights. A range of different optics will work on the XD-M<\/span> Elite with available adapter plates, and I tested the gun with the HEX Dragonfly red dot<\/a>. With the mounting plate, it took just a couple of minutes to install.<\/p>\n

\"springfield\n<\/picture>
Two 16-round magazines come with the new XD-M<\/span> Elite OSP. Optics and weaponlights are\u00a0optional.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Grip Frame<\/h3>\n

Springfield did a good job with the XD-M<\/span> Elite frame. The grip fills my hand well with the standard backstrap. Additional backstraps are included to optimize the gun-to-hand fit.<\/p>\n

Along both sides of the pistol are recessed cuts for the trigger finger. These cuts help place my finger pad perfectly on the META trigger. I\u2019ve found this improves my consistency with accuracy from the draw.<\/p>\n

Aggressive block-type checking on the frame works well to give my hands good purchase on the gun. I live in Florida where even the winters can be warm and humid. Hands sweat easily \u2014 especially when you are out on the range running some training drills. That grenade-like grip helps me keep a firm hold on the gun.<\/p>\n

\"meta\n<\/picture>
The META trigger is one of the best available on a striker-fired pistol. It is light, crisp and consistent in its pull and\u00a0break.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Magwell<\/h3>\n

The XD-M<\/span> Elite line uses a removable magwell<\/a>. As it ships, this gun is fitted with a \u201cshort\u201d magwell that helps funnel a magazine into the gun during a reload. If you\u2019ve never been under severe stress while shooting, you may not realize how much your fine motor skills are degraded. The simple act of sliding a magazine home can be tough when your body has adrenaline coursing through it. A flared magwell like this helps ensure you maximize reload efficiency. Matching up with the extended magwell is an extended-capacity 16-round magazine. Two are included with the pistol.<\/p>\n

\"magwell\n<\/picture>
Removable magwells are standard on the XD-M<\/span> Elite line. This one uses a short, flared magwell that helps to funnel magazines when under\u00a0pressure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ambidextrous Controls<\/h3>\n

It doesn\u2019t matter which half of your brain is dominant: the XD-E<\/span> Elite is set up for you to run. All of the controls on the Elite pistols are ambidextrous. Not \u201cswappable\u201d but truly ambidextrous. The slide stop and the magazine release work on both sides right out of the box.<\/p>\n

Perfect Bear Gun?<\/h2>\n

Brown and black bear threats are real for many hunters and outdoorsmen \u2014 especially in the remote areas of Alaska and the Northwest. I\u2019ve spent a lot of time outside, and I\u2019ve always known the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. That includes threats from large predators.<\/p>\n

\"xd-m\n<\/picture>
When venturing outdoors, it is smart to have gear ready for any reasonable emergency. A firearm like the XD-M<\/span> Elite 10mm FDE can be important for defense against\u00a0predators.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A bear attack can happen in the blink of an eye, and you need a reliable firearm that can stop a charging bear in its tracks. You also need a proven caliber that can deliver enough thump to hit with authority. I believe this pistol offers both.<\/p>\n

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Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

As discussed on the site previously, the 10mm is an adequate defensive round against bears. I say \u201cadequate\u201d as all handgun cartridges are suboptimal against North America\u2019s largest predators when compared to rifle loads. But with the gun\u2019s excellent reliability, you have fast access to 16+1 rounds of bear repellant.<\/p>\n

Range Testing<\/h2>\n

When I finally got the Springfield Armory XD-M<\/span> Elite 4.5\u201d OSP 10mm Desert FDE in my hands, I was eager to take it out for some range testing. Here are three things I learned during this process:<\/p>\n

\"nosler\n<\/picture>
The author tested the pistol using a variety of ammo, including these high-performance loads from Nosler. The accuracy was\u00a0exceptional.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First, the gun proved reliable. With more than 500 rounds downrange, I experienced no malfunctions with any of the loads. That included 100 rounds of self-defense hollowpoints.<\/p>\n

Secondly, accuracy was impressive. While the XD-M<\/span> Elite pistols often deliver great accuracy, this pistol proved exceptional. At all ranges \u2014 from 3 to 25 yards \u2014 the accuracy and precision were great. With all ammo, 1\u201d groupings were pretty common.<\/p>\n

\"shooting\n<\/picture>
Shooting more than 500 rounds, the author experienced 100% reliability with this gun. That is in line with the performance he\u2019s seen from the entire XD-M<\/span> Elite\u00a0line.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally, the recoil and muzzle flip were completely controllable. For me, the 10mm is strong, but not overwhelming. It feels on par with a .45 ACP, not the \u201c90mm Magnum\u201d that some internet trolls would have you believe.<\/p>\n

\"nosler\n<\/picture>
With a Nosler 200-grain JHP load, the author managed a five-shot group a little over 0.5\u2033. The best three-round group was even smaller than\u00a0that.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bottom line is that it offers dependable performance. Based on my testing of this and other XD-M<\/span> Elite pistols<\/a>, this handgun is one of the best values in defensive pistols available today. And when it came time for me to put down the pistol after testing it, I knew that, if need be, I could count on it for any reasonable defensive use I might have.<\/p>\n

Ammunition Data<\/h2>\n

While at the range, I measured the following shooting data:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0Ammunition<\/strong><\/td>\nVelocity<\/strong><\/td>\nEnergy<\/strong><\/td>\nBest 3-Shot Group<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blazer Brass 180-grain<\/td>\n1,201 fps<\/td>\n576 ft-lbs<\/td>\n1.0\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nosler 180-grain JHP ASP<\/td>\n1,155 fps<\/td>\n533 ft-lbs<\/td>\n0.7\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nosler 200-grain JHP Defense<\/td>\n1,012 fps<\/td>\n455 ft-lbs<\/td>\n0.5\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>
Group size is measured in inches and is best of three-shot groups and fired from a bag rest at 15 yards. Velocity is shown in feet per second and is the average of five rounds at 10 ft. fired across a Competition Electronics ProChrono\u00a0chronograph.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

The Springfield Armory XD-M<\/span> Elite 4.5\u201d OSP 10mm Desert FDE Pistol is an impressive handgun that lived up to all my expectations. In terms of performance, the accuracy was exceptional. Additionally, I found the trigger was crisp and smooth. Reliability was bulletproof.<\/p>\n

\"xd-m\n<\/picture>
The Springfield XD-M<\/span> Elite 4.5\u2033 OSP 10mm in Desert FDE is ready for any adventure you have\u00a0planned.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Overall, my impression of the Springfield Armory XD-M<\/span> Elite 4.5\u201d OSP 10mm Desert FDE Pistol is favorable; from construction quality to handling characteristics, this gun really excels in all areas. With such solid performance and customizability at an affordable price point, it\u2019s easy to see why so many people have chosen this pistol as their go-to choice for home defense or concealed carry purposes.<\/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!<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n

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

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\n\t\t\t\t\t10mm<\/sup><\/span><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"XD-M\u00ae\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

XD-M\u00ae Elite 4.5″ OSP\u2122<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Blazer <\/p>\n

Blazer Brass 10mm<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Nosler\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Nosler 10mm 180gr JHP ASP<\/span><\/h3>\n


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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\"Nosler\n<\/picture>\n <\/p>\n

Nosler 10mm 200gr JHP DEFENSE<\/span><\/h3>\n


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By Richard Johnson Few things are as personal as finding the right handgun for your needs. From personal defense to hunting, finding the perfect pistol is a deeply individual pursuit. Let me introduce you to one of the newest options on the market that is worthy of your time for consideration. The new Springfield Armory […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-886","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\/886","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=886"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/886\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=886"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=886"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=886"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}