Several years go there was a considerable surge in demand for concealable semi-automatic firearms. And while there were plenty of options available chambered in .380 ACP, many who were seeking a personal-defense handgun would have preferred a more powerful chambering or additional rounds. For that reason, many firearm manufacturers reprised their earlier success with small, single-stacks chambered in 9 mm Luger. 
But in 2012, Springfield Armory introduced the XD-S, a subcompact, polymer-frame single-stack that measures 1"x4.4"x6.3" and weighs 21.5 ozs. Those numbers alone would not be particularly impressive were it not for the fact that the XD-S is chambered in one of America’s most respected defensive handgun cartridges: the .45 ACP. That places the newest XD nearly in a class by itself, and was American Rifleman's 2013 Golden Bullseye winner for Handgun of the Year. Watch more in this American Rifleman TV segment on the Springfield XD-S.
Video: Springfield's XD-S in .45 ACP
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
More Firearm Enthusiasts Shopping Online This Holiday Season, Retailers Say
The trend has been growing for years, but accelerated dramatically with pandemic-enforced social-distancing protocols. For those of us who still prefer to walk the aisles of an FFL and hold a conversation with knowledgeable staff, the extra room to breathe in a store during the holiday season is a welcome change.
Preview: Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator
Anyone who cleans brass knows how much of a mess it can be to separate brass from walnut shells or stainless-steel pins.
Review: Tikka T3x RoughTech Superlite
Tikka released the RoughTech Superlite model at nearly a pound lighter at 5.88 lbs versus the 6.6 lbs. of the standard T3x Lite model.
New For 2025: KRISS Vector Gen 3
New for 2025, KRISS USA has updated its unique pistol-caliber Vector design with a few Gen 3 enhancements.
Gun Of The Week: Ruger LC Carbine In .45 ACP
Join American Rifleman staff here on the range in this week's video to learn about Ruger's pistol-caliber carbine chambered for America's cartridge, .45 ACP.
The Armed Citizen® Dec. 20, 2024
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
