Comparing the Springfield XD(M) and XD Mod.2 Full-Size Pistols

Rob Pincus has two full-size 9mm pistols from Springfield Armory’s XD line: the Springfield XD Mod.2 in the five-inch Tactical model and the 4.5-inch Springfield XD(M). Whether you’re a law enforcement officer looking for a duty gun, a private citizen shopping for a home-defense gun, or a concealed-carry permit holder who wants a full-size gun for everyday carry, these two Springfield Armory pistols are great choices.

Springfield XD(M) and Mod.2: Similar Look, Different Feel

Both the Springfield XD Mod.2 in the five-inch Tactical model and the 4.5-inch Springfield XD(M) come standard from the factory with white-dot narrow-notch rear sights and fiber-optic front sights. Both handguns have slide serrations front and rear.

Other than the Mod.2’s stainless steel slide, the two pistols look very similar. But when you pick them up, you’ll notice a big difference in the grips. The Grip Zone on the Mod.2 fits a lot of people really well and is one of the most comfortable grips on the market, an important factor for full days of firearms training. It also accommodates a wide variety of hand sizes.

The XD(M)’s grip is larger and blockier, so if you have large hands, it will probably fill your hand better than the Mod.2’s grip, and aid in your ability to shoot the gun in handgun training and defensive use.

Magazine Capacity

The wider grip on the Springfield XD(M) means the magazine that fits it has a 19-round capacity. The Springfield XD Mod.2 magazine has a 16-round capacity. This is the most significant difference between these two XDs: three more rounds on board for the XD(M).

Rob also discusses the differences the extra half-inch on the XD Mod.2 5-inch Tactical brings as opposed to the 4.5 inches on the XD(M).