Springfield Armory XDM Elite 10mm… Affordable Power

I’ve been a fan of the 10mm cartridge for some time now. Nicely, let me qualify that – I had not owned a 10mm till only in the near past, however I’ve been impressed by it for a very long time. Residing the place we do, within the woods, you by no means know what kind of critter you’re going to come back throughout… we’ve had every thing from deer to a mountain lion on our property. Even tonight, we had a fox making an attempt to get into the hen coop. Now, don’t get me improper – I perceive that 99% of the creatures we see roaming our woods are completely innocent. However, we’ve additionally had firearms-toting guests of the two-legged selection that had been sketchy, normally throughout looking seasons.

I say that to justify my wanting a 10mm to hold round throughout my rambles. A .22 would most certainly work, however why not assume large? Anyway, I’ve needed to attempt the XDM Elite 10mm because it got here out. Because of Springfield Armory (SA), now I’ve the chance to do this.

The XD Collection

We’ve earlier than us the end result of the XD sequence that SA produces. With out boring you to tears, right here’s a fast run-down of that sequence. In 2002, SA contracted with a Croatian firm, HS Produkt, to license and promote their pistols in America because the XD (eXtreme Obligation). HSP’s firearms are utilized by a protracted checklist of worldwide companies, greater than the scope of this fast look will permit to checklist. (Should you simply should know, look right here).

The originals gained awards and had been named Handgun or Pistol of the 12 months by the American Rifleman and others in 2003 and 2006. All through the years, the sequence has developed to incorporate the XD-M (match) in 2008, and the XD-S (single-stack journal) in 2012. In 2014, the introduction of the improved XD Mod. 2 elevated the variety of pistols supplied to 33. The yr 2018 noticed the introduction of the XD-E (exterior hammer).

The gun earlier than us was launched in Could of 2022. The XDM Elite OSP 4.5” was a special critter. Upgrades included the M.E.T.A. (match enhanced set off meeting), OSP (optical sight pistol) lower for a pink dot, a 4.5” match-grade barrel, ambidextrous slide and journal releases, a detachable brief prolonged magazine properly, improved slide serrations, and a Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight. Two 16-round stainless magazines are included. It’s been a great vendor since its introduction.

10mm Historical past

By now, I believe all of us just about know the place the 10mm cartridge got here from however right here’s a brief historical past in case you don’t.

In 1983, Dornhaus & Dixon produced a pistol in collaboration with Jeff Cooper primarily based on the CZ75. It was referred to as the Bren Ten. Cooper, a .45 ACP aficionado, had lengthy surmised that the optimum handgun cartridge when it comes to stopping energy was a 200-grain, .40 caliber bullet at 1200 fps. Norma Ammunition agreed to fabricate what was to change into the 10mm for D&D. They surpassed Col. Cooper’s 1200 fps and made it a really highly effective spherical.

Reducing to the chase, the F.B.I. adopted the spherical in 1989 after the disastrous “Miami Shootout” of 1986, the place two of the numerous brokers current supplied the supreme sacrifice whereas utilizing their service weapons. They had been out-gunned by the unhealthy guys. F.B.I. sidearms at the moment had been various, however included S&W Mannequin 459 9mms, .357 Magnum, and .38 Particular revolvers.

The adoption of the 10mm was seen as a optimistic technique to up-gun criminals, nevertheless it was reversed at a later time and decommissioned (apart from a few particular items). The recoil was an excessive amount of for F.B.I. brokers, so this led to the introduction of the .40 S&W. That’s the place the .40 got here from.

Reputation

The 10mm limped alongside, refusing to die. It steadily gained adherents, principally amongst handgun hunters and people intrepid souls who trek the place harmful critters resembling bears dwell. In the present day, it’s again and is obtainable in additional pistols and carbines than ever earlier than. Hallelujah!

The benefits of a semi-auto cartridge that may, in some loadings, exceed the facility of the .357 Magnum and strategy that of the .41 Magnum are pretty apparent. Assuming equal reliability between the 2, the principle benefit of the semi-auto over the revolver is its capability. This XDM Elite journal holds 16+1, and also you get two magazines. That’s a whole lot of bear drugs. Many deer, hogs, and different recreation have fallen to the large 10. I’d additionally surmise that various of our intrepid wilderness trekkers are nonetheless vertical at this time as a result of the 10mm defended them in opposition to a bear or different toothy critter. I’ve additionally learn that a whole lot of people fishing in Alaska carry some kind of 10mm, normally in a chest holster, since bears share the fisherman’s liking and consumption of fish… and generally have a style for fishermen. It’s good to understand it’s again.

The XDM Elite OSP

The primary impression I had after I picked this pistol up was that it was large. If you get used to compacts or sub-compacts, a full-size, 30+ounce pistol will get your consideration. My fingers appeared like slightly child’s fingers, curled across the grip. Nicely, perhaps not fairly, however you get the purpose… that is one massive handgun. It must be, for what it’s.

Let’s get this out of the way in which now. It makes use of a grip security. I’m not a fan, however this one is unobtrusive and also you don’t understand it’s there whenever you’re taking pictures it.

The grip texturing is blocky and jogs my memory of one other sort of texturing:

Right here’s a close-up…

This pistol is probably the top of the XDM line. When the M fashions had been launched in 2008, they had been fairly well-received. The match barrel and set off aided accuracy. This Elite mannequin goes additional. It makes use of the M.E.T.A. set off – match-enhanced set off meeting — which offers a crisp break with out a whole lot of take-up. The slide serrations are wider and lower deeply to help in greedy the slide. The Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight is made for fast sight acquisition however is ok sufficient to shoot respectable teams with.

Some of the apparent additions to the Elite is the OSP lower. That stands for Optical Sight Pistol. You may get the gun from the manufacturing facility with a Hex Dragonfly pink dot – I’ve a Hellcat with the Hex Wasp sight and it really works nice. Or, you may set up certainly one of many sights through plates. I caught a Holosun HS 407C on it, utilizing the included adapter plate. One factor… you may’t co-witness the iron sights with a pink dot, because it’s mounted increased due to the adapter plate. However that’s a small trade-off… I had no hassle getting the Holosun on the gun.

There’s a brief prolonged journal properly to help in fast reloads. It’s detachable when you don’t prefer it. Plus, as I discussed above, you get two 16-round stainless magazines with the gun. That’s a whole lot of 10mm at hand. Additionally included are a loaded chamber indicator flag and a cocked gun indicator… a pin that stands out of the rear of the slide when the gun is cocked.

The ultimate function I’ll point out is one which I take pleasure in, being a lefty. Each the slide and journal releases are duplicated on the suitable facet of the pistol. I want all people did this.

Right here’s a great spot to stay the specs in…

Caliber: 10mm

Coloration: Black

Barrel: 4.5″ Hammer Solid Metal, Melonite® End, 1:16

Slide: Solid Metal, Melonite® End, Optics Prepared

Body: Black Polymer

Sights: Fiber Optic Entrance, Tactical Rack U-Dot™ Rear

Recoil System: Captive

Grip Width: 1.2″

Magazines: (2) 16-Spherical

Weight: 31 oz (34 oz. w/empty magazine & Holosun pink dot)

Size: 7.6″

Peak: 5.75″

Set off Pull (measured): 4 lbs, 2 oz.

MSRP: $653

The body rails are prolonged… they need to provide you with a bit extra assist with the slide.

A fast phrase in regards to the slide… the serrations are deep and permit grabbing whereas carrying gloves, or moist fingers.

Additionally, the beneath of the slide is completed higher than some pistols’ exteriors that I’ve seen. No stray marks – very clear.

Holsters

There are various holsters on the market for a SA XDM Elite, however I discovered a pair which might be fascinating.

I purchased a Mission First Tactical holster that enables IWB or OWB carry (with the additional paddle that it’s a must to purchase). It really works very well and is ambidextrous.

I’ve two Falco leather-based paddle holsters coming, for this gun and my SA Echelon compact. I simply acquired one other one for my Bersa Thunder Plus and I’m really impressed.

The leather-based work is top-notch and the paddle seems to be very substantial. I’ll in all probability put collectively a fast have a look at these holsters for you after they’re all right here.

Discipline-Stripping

This gun comes aside like most of SA’s striker-fired weapons. Clear the chamber and drop the magazine. Lock the slide again and rotate the takedown lever upwards 90 levels. (My Echelon compact lever goes down, not up, so listen).

Launch the slide and it’ll come off, sans set off pull. Separate barrel and spring and clear. Reverse the method to place it again collectively.

Talking of barrel and recoil spring…

… we see a feed ramp polished to a mirror-like end. My mild field LEDs are mirrored in it. And, the match barrel supplied loads of accuracy. The spring is all metallic – no plastic right here.

Vary Time

I had added a pair extra bins of 10mm ammo to my stash after I discovered that this pistol was headed my means. So, we grabbed it and headed to the yard.

We set targets up at 25 yards to verify we captured the photographs on paper – you by no means know the way the sights shall be regulated. After all, later I’d like to mount a pink dot and transfer again to 50 yards, particularly if I exploit the pistol for looking. However, right here we used the sights on the gun.

I used to be a bit apprehensive in regards to the recoil, since I’ve had some, however not a whole lot of 10mm expertise. I discovered that I didn’t should be apprehensive. The gun was very controllable and nice to shoot. I believe that, as soon as I get into reloading for it, this pistol will change into my new favourite. It definitely preferred the middle of those BCA targets.

Listed here are three consultant targets. I shot 10-round teams as a result of the pistol was enjoyable to shoot!

CCI Blazer Brass 180-gr JFP: 1168 fps, 539 ft./lbs. vitality

MagTech 180-gr JFP: 1180 fps, 564 ft/.lbs. vitality

HSM Onerous Solid 200-gr Bear Load: 1180 fps, 518 ft./lbs. vitality

The accuracy potential of this pistol jumped out even earlier than I bought the Holosun pink dot zeroed. I used to be impressed. Any of those three manufacturing facility hundreds would suffice for “woods-walking”. If you need extra oomph, there are Buffalo Bore and Underwood hundreds that ought to make you smile. The normal rifling of the match barrel permits the usage of solid bullets, a plus. They only should be exhausting to keep away from main. So, bullet casters on the market, fireplace up your furnaces or ovens and “bake” your bullets! I believe that someplace round 22-25 Brinnel hardness ought to work.

Remaining Ideas

I’ve shot a couple of 10mms over time. Some of the belligerent when it comes to recoil was a Colt Delta Elite 1911, nevertheless it was nonetheless manageable. The proprietor had changed the recoil spring with one from a 105-mm howitzer, or so it appeared… it was actually stiff, nevertheless it nonetheless bit the hand that fed it.

One other 10mm that usually flies underneath the radar is the Taurus TH10. This pistol is one technique to get into the 10mm recreation when you’re on a funds. It matches my hand OK. The Glock 20 simply doesn’t match my hand, so it’s not too comfy to shoot.

This XDM, with its grip security, match my hand higher. The grip was comfy. I’ve been identified to seize a soldering iron and stipple the floor of all these little “knobs” to make it grippier. I could try this later. As is, the gun matches and is simple to shoot.

If you’re trying so as to add a 10mm to your assortment, you might need to give this gun a glance. Different choices on the market embody the aforementioned Taurus TH10 and Glock 20, the S&W M&P 2.0, the breed of 1911 10s, [insert link here, wherever you want], and some others.

However, the mix of options, shootability, and lack of felt recoil make me respect this XDM. With the aptitude so as to add a pink dot, its good set off and sights, ergonomics, and its match barrel, this gun is difficult to beat. Let’s hear from you 10mm followers beneath!