Geneseo, Illinois-based Springfield Armory has a new addition to its XD-M line of striker-fired handguns, which have been popular options on the handgun market. For those who favored the XD-M Elite full-size model but were looking for a compact everyday carry (EDC) pistol, the XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact has arrived. Chambered in 10mm, the pistol is small and light enough for comfortable concealed carry.
The polymer-framed pistol has a height of 4.58-inches, a length of 6.75-inches and a grip width of comfortable 1.2-inches. Its unloaded weight is just 27 ounces. Yet, it is proof that big things can come in small packages. The XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP 10mm combines potent ballistics with cutting-edge performance to provide concealed carry users with an extraordinary defensive pistol option. It comes standard with two flush-fitting 11-round magazines, but is also compatible with full-size 15-round magazines when with backstrap-compatible grip sleeves.
It features fully ambidextrous controls, including an ambidextrous slide stop for both left- and right-handed shooters. Its extended and flared ‘short’ magwell was designed to combine compact dimensions with ultra-fast reloads for the shooter’s CCW needs.
Heavy Hitter
As the pistol is chambered for 10mm, it offers magnum-level performance in a compact semi-auto package. Delivering flat trajectories and impressive velocity, the 10mm makes for an extremely capable CCW pistol with remarkable ballistic capabilities. The cartridge was developed back in the 1980s and adopted for use by the FBI over the more common 9mm round.
While the cartridge has its detractors, who say it is too powerful for a polymer-framed compact pistol, the XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact could be the handgun to prove them wrong.
“The new XD-M Elite 3.8inch Compact OSP 10mm stands apart in the CCW world with its combination of impressive power, compact size and optics-mounting capability,” said Steve Kramer, vice president of marketing for Springfield Armory.
“Additionally, with its 11+1 capacity and the ability to accept full-size 15-round magazines available as an accessory, this is an outstanding choice for EDC and self-defense use,” Kramer added.
OSP Variant
The new pistol is also an OSP variant – or “Optical Sight Pistol” – which essentially means that it can accept the red dot optic of the operator’s choice using available interchangeable optics mounting plates. Additionally, the XD-M Elite 3.8inch Compact is available from the factory packaged with a HEX Dragonfly 3.5 MOA red dot optic.
This new EDC handgun is available now at select retailers. The MSRP on the pistol alone is $633, while the pistol packed with the HEX Dragonfly red dot optic has an MSRP of $818.
XD-M Elite 3.8inch Compact OSP 10mm Specs:
Chambering: 10mm
Overall Length: 6.75 inches
Barrel: 3.8-inches
Weight: 27 ounces
Sights: Fiber optic front, Tactical Rack U-Dot rear
Grips: Integral
Action: Stiker-fired
Finish: Black polymer
Capacity: 11+1 (two magazines included)
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.
