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Reliability was unquestionable and accuracy was as good as you could ask for from pistol of this kind.
Springfield XD(M) .45 ACP - A Review
The "eXtreme Duty" pistol, or XD, was first introduced in the most popular L.E. / self-defense calibers; .40 S&W and 9mm. Pistols in .357 SIG, .45 ACP, and .45 GAP were soon to follow. Naturally, we've seen the obligatory upsizing and downsizing of the XD as "tactical" and compact models were introduced.
A number of factors have worked in the XD's favor. The most important of all from a consumer standpoint is price. XD pistols are priced at or below that of other comparable models. This aspect cannot be discounted as when all else is equal, the American gun buyer will favor price.
Not just another plastic gun knock-off, the XD boasted a number of attractive features including an ambidextrous magazine release, well designed grip safety, and excellent ergonomics. The pistol rides high in the hand and "points" naturally.
As with most modern duty quality pistols, the XD includes an internal, striker-driven firing mechanism combined with a positive, trigger safety. The loaded chamber and cocked striker indicators can be both seen and felt. The polymer frame includes an accessory rail, use it or don't every modern pistol has one. Also, as you would expect, the pistol disassembles easily without tools.
Following handgun evolution, the XD transformed into the XD(M) a couple of years back. The "M" stands for Modular. New pistols have interchangeable backstraps in small, medium and large. More aptly they are thin, medium, and thick. The grip design was updated to provide a more secure hold on the pistol. Sticking to the modern handgun formula, the 9mm and .40 version of the XD(M) were introduced first. American gun buyers being who they are naturally took a look at the upgraded XD pistols and said "That's nice. When are you going to come out with one in .45?"
XD(M) .45 ACP
It's not really a secret that in order to be a serious player in the American handgun business you must catalog at least one .45 ACP pistol. I have no intention of arguing the pros and cons of this, it is simply reality. The new XD(M) chambering...