There is a need in today’s world for duality of purpose, finding single items that can serve multiple purposes, and Springfield Armory is meeting this demand through new additions to its XD(M) and XD-S series. When it comes to handguns, this duality of purpose is essential as most will serve more than one need, from personal protection and concealed carry use to home defense. Springfield Armory has two handguns in particular that are ideally suited for multiple uses, and each is a variation of the now familiar (and growing) XD family of semi-autos. Both the models in question offer certain advantages that can give one model an edge over the other, depending upon the needs of the individual. The .45 ACP XD(M) 3.8 Compact has an impressive standard capacity of 9+1 rounds, while the narrower and lighter-weight .45 ACP XD-S 4.0 offers greater concealment and a slightly longer barrel, but at the sacrifice of nearly half the capacity (5+1).

Both Springfield models have short grip frames for better concealment, but in order to get 10 rounds of .45 ACP into a compact, the XD(M) requires a double-stack magazine, thus it has a wider grip frame and a slightly wider slide. The two Springfield Armory models have identical components, including a dual safety system combining a 1911-type grip safety with a blade-style trigger safety. These striker-fired designs also have polymer frames, energy-absorbing dual recoil spring and plunger designs to reduce muzzle lift with heavy-hitting .45 ACP rounds, interchangeable dovetailed front and rear sights, and optional extended-capacity magazines—12 rounds for the XD(M) and seven rounds for the XD-S. But there’s still more to these guns than meets the eye. Watch as Dennis Adler pits the XD(M) 3.8 Compact and XD-S 4.0 against one another on the range, and then vote for your favorite Springfield model at Springfield-Armory.com!