FIRST LOOK: The Springfield XDM 10mm Pistol Has Arrived

Springfield XDM 10mm Pistol left — The 5.25-inch model features a large relief cut in the top of the slide.

Springfield XDM 10mm Pistol right — Forward and rear cocking serrations, along with an ambidextrous magazine release, make the XDM very user friendly.

Springfield XDM 10mm Pistol both versions — As with other XDM models, the new 10mm features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, an accessory rail and a very ergonomic grip.

The old saying, “what’s old is new again,” has never been more true that in the firearms industry.

Some 35 years ago, Dornaus & Dixon, in consultation with Jeff Cooper, set out to build the perfect combat pistol. The Bren Ten was based on the CZ-75 and introduced, to the world, the 10mm cartridge. The original load by Norma pushed a 200 gr. projectile at 1,200 fps or so, with light projectiles running even faster. This was a definite upgrade from the revered .45 ACP.

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While the Bren Ten did not last long, the cartridge was embraced by handgun hunters and, for a short period of time, was the duty round for the FBI.

In the past couple of years, the 10mm has seen a resurgence. The latest manufacturer to enter the 10mm market is Springfield Armory.

Springfield just announced two models of its popular XDM series of pistols in 10mm. We were fortunate to receive an example of both models before the formal release.

The Springfield XDM 10mm Build

Springfield based the new models on the proven XDM platform.

As with other XDM models, the new 10mm features a polymer frame with interchangeable backstraps, an accessory rail and a very ergonomic grip.

Safety features include a grip safety, a striker status indicator, and a loaded chamber indicator.

The XDM’s barrel is hammer-forged and, like the slide, is finished in Melonite.

Forward and rear cocking serrations, along with an ambidextrous magazine release, make the XDM very user friendly.

Those who have had trigger time behind any of the XDM pistols can attest to the great trigger and minimal reset.

The 10mm models are available in two configurations: A 4.5-inch and a 5.25-inch barrel length. Both models utilize the same full size XDM frame and have a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

Both versions also weigh in at 31.2 ounces with the slide cut on the top of the 5.25-inch model removing weight.

The shorter 4.5-inch version has an overall length of 7.7 inches. It features a fiber optic front sight and a low profile combat rear sight.

Meanwhile, the 5.25-inch version had an overall length of 8.3 inches. This version features a fully adjustable rear sight and a fiber optic front sight. Again, it also features a large relief cut in the top of the slide.

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Range Time With the Springfield XDM 10mm Pistols

In order to meet the editorial deadline for the launch announcement, we were limited to one range trip. I want to express my appreciation to the great folks at Vista Outdoors (Federal/Speer) for expediting the ammo request for this article.

During our brief outing, we ran Federal’s 180 gr. Hydra Shok and Speer’s 200 gr. Gold Dot through both guns.

Out of the 4.5-inch model, the Hydra Shok averaged 1,022 fps, while the Gold Dot averaged 1,020 fps.

As expected, the 5.25-inch model produced slightly higher velocities, with the Hydra Shok averaging 1,050 fps and the Gold Dot averaging 1,060 fps.

Both pistols handled the recoil well, in part, due to the specific recoil spring developed just for the 10mm. I also appreciated the ergonomics of the XDM’s full-size grip.

Muzzle rise was certainly more significant in the shorter gun, but not unpleasant and controllable using the proper grip.

The weather prevented us from formal accuracy testing, but we did wear out an IPSC vitals steel target from 15, 25, and even 50 yards.

It should be noted that Springfield tested the models with the same Hydra-Shok ammo to the tune of 10,000 rounds. The result? Zero malfunctions.

Be sure to watch our full range test of the Springfield XDM 10mm.