The Springfield Armory XD-S 40 Sub-Compact Mod.2 has quickly become a favorite among concealed carry enthusiasts. Its blend of manageable size, potent .40 S&W caliber, and upgraded features makes it a strong contender in the competitive sub-compact market. This in-depth review will explore the pistol's strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for self-defense.
What Makes the XD-S 40 Mod.2 Stand Out?
The Mod.2 represents a significant improvement over the original XD-S. Springfield Armory listened to user feedback and incorporated several key enhancements:
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Improved Grip Texture: The Mod.2 boasts a significantly more aggressive grip texture, providing enhanced control and a secure hold, even in stressful situations. This is a critical upgrade for a concealed carry pistol where maintaining a firm grip is paramount.
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Reversible Magazine Release: This feature caters to both right-handed and left-handed shooters, increasing the pistol's accessibility and versatility. This simple addition dramatically improves the user experience for a wider range of individuals.
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Enhanced Trigger: While subjective, many users report a smoother and more predictable trigger pull on the Mod.2 compared to its predecessor. This contributes to improved accuracy and overall shootability.
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Reduced Grip Size: Despite the upgraded grip texture, Springfield Armory managed to reduce the overall grip size slightly, making it even more comfortable for concealed carry. This improvement makes a noticeable difference in daily carry.
Performance and Reliability: On the Range
The XD-S 40 Mod.2’s .40 S&W caliber delivers substantial stopping power, crucial for self-defense. While the recoil is noticeable in a sub-compact frame, it remains manageable for most shooters with proper technique. Its reliability is generally praised, with few reported malfunctions under normal operating conditions.
However, the shorter barrel length inherent in sub-compact designs can slightly impact accuracy at longer ranges. For concealed carry applications, where engagements are typically at close range, this is less of a concern. Accuracy at typical self-defense distances remains excellent for most users.
Concealability and Everyday Carry
The XD-S 40 Mod.2’s design excels in concealability. Its compact size allows for comfortable concealment under a variety of clothing styles, making it a practical choice for everyday carry. Its lightweight construction further contributes to comfortable all-day wear.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While the XD-S 40 Mod.2 offers many advantages, it's essential to acknowledge potential drawbacks:
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Recoil: The .40 S&W round in a sub-compact pistol will produce noticeable recoil. Shooters unfamiliar with this caliber may find it initially challenging to manage.
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Magazine Capacity: Sub-compact pistols inherently have limited magazine capacity. While the XD-S 40 Mod.2 offers a reasonable capacity, it's still less than larger handguns.
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Potential for Snags: The aggressive grip texture, while beneficial for control, could potentially snag on clothing during a draw.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Concealed Carry
The Springfield Armory XD-S 40 Sub-Compact Mod.2 is a well-designed and reliable sub-compact pistol suitable for concealed carry. Its enhanced features, potent caliber, and manageable size make it a strong contender in its class. While the recoil and limited magazine capacity should be considered, the improvements in the Mod.2 address many shortcomings of its predecessor. Ultimately, whether this pistol is the right choice depends on individual needs and preferences, but it deserves serious consideration for anyone seeking a robust concealed carry option.
