Almost a year ago Springfield Armory introduced its newest XD-M Elite with the 4.5-inch OSP 10mm powerhouse (original story below). Originally offered in black only, the popularity of the handgun quickly inspired an exclusive variant in Magpul OD green. And now, as its popularity continues to grow, so do the options as Springfield adds Desert FDE to the line.
Springfield Armory Adds Desert FDE Option to the XD-M Elite 4.5” OSP 10mm
Other than the new colorway, the XD-M elite remains the same and features the same solid foundation. However, the polymer frame now features the new Desert FDE color option. Likewise, the forged steel, Melonite finished slide features the new Desert FDE color as well.
Adding a nice two-tone aesthetic, the ambidextrous controls all still feature a black finish. Likewise, the Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly with flat face trigger, 4.5-inch match grade Melonite finished barrel, and removable extended and flared “short” magwell offer black accents.
“The XD-M Elite 10mm in Desert FDE provides shooters with a powerful pistol that will definitely stand out from the crowd,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “The popular Desert FDE color, combined with all the enhanced features of the XD-M Elite line, makes this newest variant an appealing option for fans of the powerful 10mm cartridge.”
For more information, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.
On May 25, 2022, TL reported:
It’s a well-known fact that 10mm is the best mm, and it looks like Springfield Armory agrees. Today the new XD-M Elite 10mm lands, and it’s packed with features.
The XD-M Elite 10mm is Optics Ready
The first feature on the new XD-M Elite 10mm that you should be aware of is that it’s ready for a mini-red dot sight right out of the box. In fact, Springfield Armory is offering the new 10mm pistol in two SKUs. One is optics ready but no included optic. However, SA’s other model comes complete with a Hex Dragonfly red dot sight. That’s a nice touch for the consumer if they don’t have a red dot sitting around to drop on the gun right away. For shooters that have an optic, the handgun comes with a code to redeem and Springfield will ship you the matching optic mounting plate of your choice.
But Why Make a 10mm XD Anyway?
First off, because they can. 10mm is awesome, and interestingly it’s enjoying a bit of a renesaiance. Either that, or someone at Springfield really likes 10mm. Either way, it doesn’t matter, because the XD-M Elite 10mm will certainly have a market. The 10mm cartridge enjoys a small but extremely dedicated cult of followers. Its aficionados appreciate that if offers magnum level performance in a platform designed for semi-autos, and that it can be downloaded so it’s extremely pleasant to shoot.
The price point on the new 10mm XD-M is pretty attractive as well. With the included Hex Dragonfly optic, the MSRP is right around $800. Minus the optic, you’re looking at about $650. That’s not a bad deal for a gun that comes with two 16 round magazines and decent sights. Plus, the XD-M series have pretty good triggers, and the Elite models also have a magazine well for even faster reloads.
XD-M Elite 10mm Competitors
Like we said, the 10mm is enjoying another cycle through the sun. Earlier this year, the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10mm came out. Plus, the Glock 10mm lineup is always popular. The XD-M Elite 10mm runs about the same price-point as the M&P 10mm from S&W. Both of those pistols also enjoy superior ergonomics to the Glock pistols, which are hampered by the fact that they’re approximately the same size as the Space Shuttle. In all seriousness though, even with the SF and Gen4 frames, the 10mm Glocks can be quite a handful.
Editor’s Thoughts
Any day there’s a new 10mm is a good day as far as I’m concerned. The new XD-M Elite 10mm ticks all the right boxes too. It fits existing XD holsters, it has good sights, it will have a good trigger, and it’s optics ready. What’s not to like? – Caleb
XD-M Elite 10mm Specifications
- Capacity: 16+1
- Red Dot Ready: Yes
- Iron Sights: Fiber optic front, fixed rear
- Finish: Black
