Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact 10 mm OSP

While Springfield Armory has expanded its handgun line-up in many ways in recent years, notably with the SA-35, Hellcat Pro and Echelon, the company still retains a number of capable models in its XD line, and one of the best balances of power, size and features is its XD-M Elite 10 mm OSP. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above for a detailed look at the compact, powerhouse pistol.

"Well, Springfield continues to leverage its immensely popular XD line of handguns, and one of the latest in that line is actually in the XD-M Elite line," said Brian Sheetz, American Rifleman editor in chief. "This model is an XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP in 10 mm."

Produced by HS Produkt in Croatia, Springfield's longtime production partner, the XD-M Elite Compact 10 mm OSP is a polymer-frame, semi-automatic, optics-ready handgun that, in our review, is topped by Springfield's Hex Dragonfly red-dot optic. Despite the compact frame size, the pistol is equipped with 11-round, flush-fit magazines.

"With the 10 mm cartridge, it's really something that is in the same class as, in some cases, .357 Magnum," Sheetz said. "So what we have here is a gun that offers a really good combination of size, power, optic capability and concealability. And that's unusual to find."

Speedy reloads are possible, thanks to the enlarged magazine well funnel included on the pistol, but for those looking for a more svelte profile for easier concealment, the funnel can be removed. Additionally, Springfield offers 15-round extended magazines that are equipped with a sleeve that matches the texture and profile of the XD-M Elite's grip frame.

"As is true with many Springfield pistols, there's a lot of quality built into the XDs," Sheetz said. "The barrel is machined from a forging, the slide also is machined from a forging, and it's Melonited afterward to provide a weather-resistant, wear-resistant finish."

Controls consist of a bilateral slide-stop lever, as well as a bilateral magazine-release button. This XD-M Elite, like other XDs, does not come equipped with a manual safety. Rather, external safeties consist of a trigger-blade safety as well as a grip safety.

"The XDM has always been a well-respected, well-received line of pistols," Sheetz said. "The Elites with match enhancements, such as the META Trigger, Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly, and a match-grade barrel and cosmetic treatments such as the chevron-shaped, wide-spaced cocking serrations have just made a good platform even better. So the XD-M 3.8 compact OSP 10 mm is really, in my opinion, one of the best balances of size, features, power and aiming options that Springfield offers."

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Compact 10 mm OSP Specifications
Importer: Springfield Armory
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 10 mm Auto
Slide: forged steel
Frame: black polymer
Barrel: 3.8", 1:10" RH twist
Magazine: 11-round detachable box
Sights: fiber-optic, tactical rack U-dot rear, Hex Dragonfly red-dot sight
Trigger: striker-fired; 4-lb., 9-oz. pull
Overall Length: 6.75"
Height: 4.58"
Weight: 27 ozs.
Accessories: owner's manual, padded case, lock, extra magazine
MSRP: $837