Springfield Armory was previously known for its basic 1911A1 .45 ACP pistols and M1A .308 semi-automatic rifles. With XD, Springfield dipped into the modern polymer-framed, high-capacity pistol format.
And now the XD pistol series has been around for 22 years and is a fairly extensive lineup. Most recently, Springfield introduced the XD-M and XD-S variants.
What Is a “Tactical” Handgun
“Tactical” handguns can be any firearm that was made to be more effective and efficient for defensive use. The upgrades aren’t restricted to just carry guns, though.
A competition gun, duty gun or home-defense firearm can also be considered tactical. But the features that define a tactical handgun often change over time.
For example, at one time, the 1873 Colt .45 single-action revolver could have been considered a tactical handgun because its sights were much improved over the earlier Colt cap-and-ball revolvers and the reloading process much faster.
About the Springfield Armory XD 5-Inch
The Springfield Armory XD 5-inch tactical pistols are available in 9mm, .40 S&W and.45 ACP. I selected the .40 caliber.
It is interesting that Springfield Armory lists these three handguns — and all but two of the XDs — as being low-capacity. They are shipped with two 10-round magazines, which makes them legally compliant in all states with 10-round magazine limits.
Not to worry, standard-capacity magazines are available for these guns where legal and may be purchased separately. By the way, the stainless-steel magazines eject much more slickly in comparison to the polymer magazines used by some other makers.
Cartridge Performance
Contrary to popular opinion, the .40 S&W is certainly not short and weak. While the .40 isn’t a .45, it is a powerful, high-intensity cartridge.
The SIG Sauer Elite Ball .40 S&W 180-grain practice ammo that I used to test the XD zips along at 985 feet per second and generates 388 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
This makes it a standout choice among the best .40 pistols for concealed carry when you need serious stopping power.
Key Features
In addition to the 5-inch barrel length, the XDs feature a molded-in accessory rail for mounting lights, lasers or combinations of the two. It also has ambidextrous identical magazine releases.
The trigger guard is lightly undercut for optimal grip.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Weight | 31 ounces |
| Barrel length | 5 inches |
| Overall length | 8.3 inches |
| Height | 5.5 inches |
| Grip width | 1.2 inches |
| MSRP | $590 |
Sights and Trigger
The XD’s slide is not optics-ready. It comes equipped with fixed-steel, three white-dot style sights.
They are passable, but a nice set of XS R3D or F8 Tritium Sights would be a significant improvement.
The trigger pull of the XD Tactical weighed in at 5 pounds, 3.8 ounces with a short amount of take-up. Some key additional features include a forged steel slide with melonite finish, a 5-inch hammer-forged barrel with melonite finish and one-piece recoil spring with a full-length guide rod.
Ready to Protect Your Home Like a Pro?
Choosing the right home-defense firearm is just the first step. With proper training, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to use it effectively as a self-defense tool — empowering you to better protect your home and loved ones.
The USCCA’s expert-led classes cover everything from firearms fundamentals and home-security planning to legal considerations and conflict avoidance — giving you the skills to respond responsibly and decisively.
Over 1 million students have been trained nationwide. Find a USCCA Certified Instructor in your area and take the next step in your protector journey.
Find Home-Defense Classes Near You →
At the Range
With its 5-inch barrel, the Springfield XD 5-inch Tactical .40 has a slightly muzzle-heavy feel to it. This comes in handy when firing the powerful semi-auto pistol round.
That bit of extra weight up front helps control muzzle rise.
Range Testing Results
I tested the XD Tactical outdoors with a friend at his backyard range We fired from 30 feet, unsupported, using the SIG Sauer Elite Ball ammo and Springfield Armory 12-inch bullseye targets. It had been a while since I had fired a .40, and the first shot reminded us both that the difference between it and the 9mm was significant.
The XD’s sights were well-regulated to the point of aim. We were both firing groups in the 4 ½ to 5-inch range at that distance, which is to be expected from a striker-fired pistol.
There were no malfunctions.
Who Should Buy the Springfield Armory XD?
With an MSRP of $590, the Springfield Armory XD 5-inch Tactical .40 is a pistol that will provide a lifetime of service. Its barrel length puts it in the size range of a 1911 .45 ACP pistol and wrings a full level of power out of the hot .40 S&W cartridge.
It could be carried in a shoulder rig as an outdoor defense gun. In Ohio, the .40 S&W is a legal deer hunting cartridge when used in a handgun with a 5-inch or longer barrel.
It certainly is self- and home-defense capable. Were I keeping this pistol, I would upgrade the sights and purchase a number of standard capacity magazines.
I found the XD Tactical .40 for sale online for $499.
For those considering home defense guns or seeking the best concealed carry handgun, the XD 5-inch Tactical offers excellent versatility across multiple applications.
Sources
Springfield Armory: Springfield-Armory.com
SIG Sauer: SIGSauer.com
XS Sights: XSSights.com
