Gun Review - Springfield XD-9 Mod.2

In the world we live in today, there are MANY options for small compact handguns for around $500.  Competition is high, but this did not stop Springfield Armory from trying to take that number one slot.  If you have spent any time around Springfield’s website or social media sites, then you are quite aware that they have been promoting the XD-9 Mod.2 very hard.  Recently, thanks to Southern Guns LLC, I got my hands on one to review.

Let me start out by saying that I have never been a fan of the XD line.  Needless to say, I went into testing this with that in mind, but I was opened minded.  The first thing I noticed about it was the way it looked.  In the past, I have found XDs to be, well, ugly.  This one is not too much better.  The second thing was when I picked it up.

I have big hands.  The 13 round flush magazine allows my pinky to wiggle freely.  It leaves nothing for me to grip onto.  Granted, this is a subcompact gun, but a small pinky extension would have done wonders for me.  Now, they do have an extended magazine that holds 16 rounds, but I personally think that sticks out too far.  That may be great for the range or as a backup magazine, but if you are going to carry a compact gun, you don’t want to turn it into a full sized firearm.  Regardless, out of the box, both magazines fed just fine.

One of the first things you’ll see and feel (besides lack of pinky support) is the textured grip.  Oh, my, gosh does Springfield promote this.  They are so proud of this texturing.  They have named it “Grip Zone” and everything!  After all that, the extended magazine that they send has the old texture on it.  Normally I wouldn’t think twice about that little inconsistency, but if 50% of your promo video is focused on the texture, don’t skimp out and forget the magazine.  Regardless, it does feel very good.  You get a very good grip purchase, and it’s easy to keep a hold of during firing.  The only downside I would see it that if you drop this in the dirt or have dirty hands, it may be tough to clean, but since it’s made of polymer, perhaps water will do the trick.

The slide is thinner then the outgoing model, and they have a nice fiber optic front sight.  I do really like the sights.  They are very easy to see, and they line up well.  I should also say that I enjoy the trigger.  There is a little bit of play, but when you pull it back far enough, it’s light, clean, and consistent.  I am not picky about triggers for the most part.  For me, if I know it will go bang, I’m fine with it, but it is nice to be able to know confidently when the trigger will break.  With this, I know.

With all of that out of the way, how does it perform?  Well, I did do some testing at a practical and expected distance of five yards, and the grouping was pretty good.  Could I hit the same hole over and over again?  Maybe if I tried hard enough, but I was content with the four inch rushed shooting that I did with it.  (Rushed because one would not use this gun for target shooting, but adrenaline pumping self defense.)

The one thing I do really like about Springfield is the extra goodies you get.  While it comes with two magazines (which is now pretty much standard), you also get a small holster, double magazine pouch, a loader, replacement fiber optic sights, and the other typical stuff (like the manual).  While you may not use that stuff, it’s nice to have.

All in all, I was surprised by this little gun.  It’s a good little shooter, but still ugly.  Even more so with the words “Grip Zone” on the side.  They might as well write, “Hold Here” on the side.  However, it does what it is supposed to do, and pretty well.  Am I going to rush out and get one?  No, but I know someone will.

What do you think about this gun?  Let me know in the comments below, or let me know on Facebook or Twitter.  Thank you again to Southern Guns LLC for the hookup.

Posted in: 9mm, Accessories, Compact, Handgun, Quick and Dirty, Review