One Year with Springfield XD-S: In Sickness and in Health

Published on December 11, 2013
Duration: 19:06

This video provides a comprehensive one-year review of the Springfield Armory XD-S .45 ACP, focusing on its performance after a factory recall and trigger upgrade. The reviewer, an experienced firearm owner, details the changes to the trigger mechanism, including a crisper break and more tactile reset, and assesses its impact on shooting accuracy. The review concludes that the XD-S excels as a slim, .45 ACP concealed carry pistol, despite its lower capacity, and offers a positive assessment of Springfield Armory's handling of the recall.

Quick Summary

The Springfield Armory XD-S .45 ACP received significant trigger upgrades post-recall, including changes to the sear, sear spring, and connector. This resulted in a crisper break and a more tactile reset, leading to improved shooting accuracy and tighter groups for the reviewer.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction
  2. 00:28Receiving XD-S Back from Springfield
  3. 01:08Post-Recall Review Opportunity
  4. 01:35First Shots Post-Recall
  5. 02:03One Year with the Springfield XD-S
  6. 02:27Visible Changes: Roll Pin
  7. 02:33Internal Component Changes (Sear, Spring, Connector)
  8. 03:08Sophisticated Trigger Job
  9. 03:38Hundreds of Rounds Post-Recall
  10. 04:04Observed Trigger Differences
  11. 04:07Trigger Feel: Crisp Break
  12. 04:34Trigger Reset: Tactile and Pronounced
  13. 04:55Trigger Demonstration
  14. 05:26Trigger Pull Measurement
  15. 05:53Impact on Shooting Performance
  16. 06:13Shooting Tighter Groups
  17. 06:49Target Analysis
  18. 07:15Group 1: Handloads (230gr FMJ)
  19. 08:09Group 2: PMC Bronze (185gr JHP)
  20. 08:45Group 3: Blazer Brass
  21. 09:25Second Group: Blazer Brass
  22. 09:42Conclusions After One Year
  23. 10:02Rating as a Carry Gun
  24. 10:12Ideal for Concealed Carry
  25. 10:16Slim Profile in .45 ACP
  26. 10:38Short Grip Handle
  27. 10:48Capacity Trade-off
  28. 11:01Magazine Capacity (5+1, 7+1)
  29. 11:21Excels in .45 ACP
  30. 11:25Competition in 9mm and .40 Caliber
  31. 12:14Thrives in .45 ACP
  32. 12:28Recommendation for Everyday Carry
  33. 13:00The Recall: Elephant in the Room
  34. 13:24Springfield Did the Right Thing
  35. 13:44Criticism of Recall Logistics
  36. 14:13Criticism of Recall Information Handling
  37. 14:30Recall's Effect on Opinion
  38. 14:38No Owner's Remorse
  39. 14:50Shoots Better Post-Recall
  40. 15:04Effect on View of Springfield Guns
  41. 15:24Issues Should Have Been Discovered Earlier
  42. 16:04Previous Experience: Broken Striker Guide
  43. 16:12Customer Service for Striker Guide
  44. 16:34Summary of Year: Two Strikes
  45. 16:44Continuing to Carry
  46. 16:48Double-Secret Probation

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main changes made to the Springfield XD-S .45 ACP after the recall?

After the recall, Springfield Armory updated the sear, sear spring, and connector in the XD-S .45 ACP. This effectively served as a trigger job, resulting in a crisper break and a more tactile reset, improving the overall shooting experience.

How did the trigger upgrade affect the shooting performance of the Springfield XD-S?

The improved trigger, with its crisp break and tactile reset, led the reviewer to shoot tighter groups and perceive better overall shooting performance. The lack of grittiness and the smooth, firm pull combined with the crisp break contribute to improved accuracy.

Is the Springfield XD-S .45 ACP a good concealed carry pistol?

Yes, the XD-S .45 ACP is considered an excellent concealed carry pistol due to its extremely slim profile, especially for a .45 caliber, and its short grip. These features make it easy to conceal, though capacity is sacrificed.

What are the pros and cons of the Springfield XD-S .45 ACP for concealed carry?

The primary pro is its slimness and short grip, making it ideal for concealment in .45 ACP. The main con is its limited capacity (5+1 or 7+1 with extended magazines), a trade-off for its compact design.

What is the reviewer's overall opinion of Springfield Armory after the XD-S recall experience?

While the reviewer believes Springfield Armory handled the recall itself correctly by prioritizing safety, the logistics and communication were criticized. A prior issue with a broken striker guide also slightly impacted the reviewer's perception, moving Springfield guns down their personal 'want list'.

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