Though similar in size and construction to the company's standard lineup of XD-M handguns, there are several enhancements that make the XD-M Elite options stand out among the rest. At the heart of the enhanced models is Springfield Armory's META system, which stands for Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly. The trigger is designed with a flat face and an integrated overtravel stop, along with other improvements that are aimed at producing one of the best production triggers available in a polymer-frame handgun.
Each model in the XD-M Elite collection comes with removable magazine wells, available in standard and short configurations. In addition to facilitating fast, trouble-free reloads, the enhanced magazine wells also accommodate the expanded-capacity magazines that ship with the Elite lineup. Standard-capacity magazines included with the Precision and Tactical OSP models of the XD-M Elite hold 22 rounds of 9 mm, while the short magazines that ship with the 3.8" and 4.5" Elite models hold 19 rounds.
On the exterior of the Springfield XD-M Elite, consumers will also notice a few enhancements designed to improve handling. The slides are outfitted with improved serrations, featuring enlarged grasping grooves at the front and rear that allow for a solid grip for easy racking and malfunction clearance, if needed. The Elite lineup also features an ambidextrous slide stop, so the platform is truly accessible to both left- and right-handed shooters.
Other features found in the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite handgun lineup include a U-Dot tactical-rack rear sight, loaded-chamber indicator, striker-status indicator, Picatinny accessory rail and interchangeable backstraps. Four models are available in the XD-M Elite handgun lineup: XD-M Elite 3.8", XD-M Elite 4.5", XD-M Elite Tactical OSP Desert FDE and the XD-M Elite Precision. Suggested retail pricing on the models starts at $559 for the 3.8" and 4.5" Elite models and tops out at $709 for the Elite Tactical OSP. For more details on these new handguns, visit springfield-armory.com. Check out specifications on individual models below:
XD-M Elite 3.8"
XD-M Elite 4.5"
XD-M Elite Precision
XD-M Elite Tactical OSP