Springfield Introduces 3" Subcompact XD Mod.2

by
posted on November 14, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
xdsubcompact_3.jpg

For as long as man has been using tools, he has also been inventing ways to keep them, quite literally, within his grasp. To ensure the most secure grip possible, athletes such as tennis pros and hockey players wrap racquets and sticks with friction tape, and baseball sluggers apply pine tar to their bat handles. And surfers, who especially know the need to remain “stuck” to their boards, apply generous coats of wax to lessen the chance of a catastrophic wipeout.

Maintaining a secure handgun grip, too, falls into this same category, as a prime factor in holding a safe and accurate shot. Size, shape and materials from which a grip is made are all key, thus manufacturers are endlessly on the hunt for solutions.

The newest response to this evolving challenge comes from Springfield Armory in the form of the XD Mod.2  Just when you thought it wasn’t possible for the gunmaker to add anymore models to its popular XD line of pistols, its 3” Sub-compact XD semi-automatic pistol is now presented with some dramatic changes to it ergonomics and concealability factors.

XD_Mod2_Sub_3_GripZoneXD_Mod2_Sub3_GripZone

Most of the pistol’s specifications remain identical to the original sub-compact XD, including safety features such as a grip safety and trigger safety, a striker-status indicator and loaded-chamber indicator. It is also offered in either 9 mm or .40 cal. The major modifications occur externally on the grip panel and elsewhere where ergonomics play the biggest role. In short, Springfield has labeled the areas of the gun that makes contact with a shooter’s hand, the “GripZone,” which is defined as “every surface on the frame that makes contact with your hand.”

With the Mod.2, the frame’s circumference has been reduced and re-contoured to enhance the shooter’s grip and better fit the hand. It also targets three distinct areas of contact for increased friction. The frame features three specifically molded textures, each placed exactly where a shooter’s hand most requires it in order to keep the pistol from shifting.

The stickier grip characteristics provided in the GripZone means a shooter’s hand will be less prone to torque, wrench and flip when shooting due increased traction provided by the textures.

For more on the XD Mod.2, please visit Springfield-Armory.com.

XD Mod.2 3” Sub-Compact with GripZone
Caliber: 9x19 mm; .40
Capacity: 9 mm: 13+1 Rounds; 16+1 Rounds w/x-Tension;
40 Cal: 9+1 Rounds; 12+1 Rounds w/x-Tension
Grip Width: 1.19” 
Weight: 26 ozs. w/empty mag; 27 ozs. w/X-Tension
Length: 6.25” 
Height: 4.75”; 5.5” w/X-Tension
Barrel: 3” hammer forged 
Slide: Forged steel
Frame: Polymer 
Finish: Melonite
Sights: Fiber-Optic Front & Low-Profile Combat Rear
Magazines: 1 Stainless Steel Flush Fitting & 1 Full-Size with XD Gear Mag. X-Tension
MSRP: $565 (black) $599 (bi-tone) 

Latest

Winchester Model 54
Winchester Model 54

Favorite Firearms: A Winchester Model 54 Turns 100

Serving during World War I in 1918, my father completed two years in the Engineer Corps. In addition to his engineering duties, he and all the other soldiers had to carry and qualify with the Model 1903 Springfield rifle, since they were often on the front lines.

Winchester Ammunition Opens New Office In Missouri

Winchester Ammunition opened a new office in Clayton, Mo., which will accommodate much of the company's full-time administrative staff and is located several hours away from the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

Searching For The Perfect Single-Action Revolver

Bitten by the cowboy handgun bug early on—and influenced by no less an innovator than Elmer Keith—the author finds that, in the search for the ultimate single-action revolver, perfection is an elusive target.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Auto-Ordnance Remembers Iwo Jima Fallen With Special M1 Carbine

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Auto-Ordnance teamed up with Altered Arsenal to create a specially crafted version of the M1 carbine.

Preview: The Ruger 10/22 Complete Owner’s And Assembly Guide

Scott Duff Publications is renowned for its authoritative titles containing detailed information on iconic military and commercial firearms.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.