Last year, Springfield Armory debuted a 9mm counterpart as a follow up to their popular single stack .45, the XD-S. This year, at SHOT Show 2014, SA introduced its newest addition to the XD-S lineup: the XD-S 4.0.
The XD-S 4.0, like its predecessor, is a 9mm sub-compact pistol. Aside from the four inch barrel, from which the XD-S 4.0 gets its designation, it and the XD-S 9 are very similar. They’re both one inch wide, single stack pistols. With the flush mag, the XD-S 4.0 will hold the same 7+1 rounds. When used with the X-Tension™ mag, however, the capacity increases by two rounds, and the grip converts from sub-compact to full-size.
XD-S 4.0 Specs
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 7+1 (flush mag), 9+1 (Mag X-Tension™)
Weight: 25oz (w/ empty mag)
Frame: polymer
Slide: forged steel (Melonite or stainless finish options)
Barrel length: 4.0in
Overall length: 7.0in
Overall height: 4.4in (without extended mag)
MSRP: $599 – Melonite slide, $669 – stainless slide
I mentioned above that the XD-S 3.3 9mm and XD-S 4.0 9mm are very similar (even the magazines are interchangeable). What are the differences? Essentially, the 0.7 inches of barrel/slide length and about 2oz of weight are it. At this point, you’re likely asking yourself the same question I was: if the two pistols are so similar, why make the XD-S 4.0? Springfield’s Rob Leatham had an answer for me. Not all of the XD-S pistol’s success was from how conceal carry friendly it is; some of the feedback Springfield received was that users, namely those with smaller hands, appreciated how the slim frame gave it a great grip. Members of this crowd voiced a desire for the same grip dimensions, but with a longer barrel, not just for CCW, but for general range use as well. Adding the extra length wasn’t enough to add noticeable weight to the pistol, but it did reduce the perceived recoil a bit, and increased both sight radius and muzzle velocity. This perk has the effect of making the XD-S 4.0 even softer hitting, and more accurate, than its shorter barreled antecedent.
What are your impressions of Springfield’s newest addition to the XD-S lineup?
