Brian, I think your the first to one to know. That when it comes to handguns I dont know my head from my arse, but I found this good read on them. God Bless Google searches

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Springfield XD Pistols

Originally designed and produced as a compact pistol, the Springfield XD series has evolved into everything from a subcompact to a full-blown target model. In between is perhaps the most exciting version of all. Called the XD LE Tactical, this pistol with its longer-than-standard slide, may be one of the finest duty pistols ever. Let's take a closer look at what makes this and other XD pistols tick.



Incorporating a number of proven features, the XD has blended some of the best pistol design ingredients there are. With a computer numerically controlled (CNC)-machined
slide of high-grade steel, this and other steel components are Bruniral Coated to a matte black during heat treatment, for a lifetime of hard use and rust protection. Housed in dovetail cuts in the slide are the XD's steel front and rear sights. At the rear of the slide are cocking serrations that are just right for proper purchase, and it also has three such grooves at the front of the slide. Near the left front of the slide is a vertically angled cutout to allow the takedown lever to swing upward for disassembly.



On the top of the slide at the rear of the ejection port is a pivoting loaded-chamber indicator. Best verified by feel, the indicator can also be viewed to let the operator know there is a cartridge in the chamber. In the rear of the slide is a cocking indicator, which also protrudes so it may be checked in the same way.



Springfield XD : The Skinny



Name:
Springfield XD Pistols



Killer Features:

* Computer numerically controlled (CNC)-machined
slide of high-grade steel
* Frame incorporates an M1913 style rail for fast-attachable tactical lights
* Uses .45 GAP cartridges



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Video of XD Pistol (3 in. model) in action
Springfield XD Pistols
More Weapons
Equipment Guide


Inside the steel slide is a conventional barrel similar to that pioneered by SIG and used by Glock, S&W, FN and many others. The XD's matte black polymer frame has a heavy-duty dust cover portion that incorporates an M1913 style rail. Insite Technology and SureFire produce fast-attachable tactical lights for use on such rails. The modular insert that houses the mechanism also contains full-length steel rails to guide the slide. At the rear of the frame is a steel gripsafety that also locks the slide unless depressed, and the conventional-looking magazine release can be activated from either side. Unlike some polymer frame pistols, the XD also points naturally in the hand, so the sights are aligned when the pistol is brought to eye level.



Made of heavy-duty, nickel-plated steel, the high-capacity magazine not only has great lubricity and rust protection, but also falls free every time the magazine release is depressed. About 50% of the release is protected from accidental depression by the frame. Beretta magazines will also work in the XD. Initially offered in black, the polymer frame is also available on OD green.



Unusual Trigger



With its own trigger-unlocking device, the XD's trigger feels like one of the best double-action triggers I've ever used on an autopistol, but it's technically not a double action. The sear holds the linear striker out of battery with a firing pin safety block as a backup safety. As with most double-action autopistols, the XD's mechanism must be reset by the movement of the slide.



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Pressing the trigger results in a significant amount of spring-loaded take-up before the firing pin safety is depressed and then the sear. This feels exactly like a true double action, and it is just as safe. The XD also has an out-of-battery safety engineered so that the disconnector is closely timed to prevent the gun from firing if the barrel is only slightly unlocked due to the slide not being fully forward. Until this year the XD was available only in 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. That has now changed in a big way.



The XD in .45 GAP



Following Glock's success with its new .45 Glock Automatic Pistol (GAP) cartridge, Springfield quickly saw the advantage of this new cartridge and began a program to test it in the XD pistol. Incidentally, the cartridge first emerged as the .45 GLOCK, but after experiencing pressure trouble relating to its large pistol primer, the round was redesigned with a small pistol primer as the .45 GAP.



Conceived and designed by Springfield's own world-champion shooter, Rob Latham, one of the first XD pistols was a XD Match version. Beginning life as a long slide, this gun
was refitted with a BAR-STO Match Grade Stainless Steel barrel in .45 GAP and a new recoil spring system. In the wake of the success of the competition XD in .45 GAP, Springfield went into production of not only this gun, but also the .45 GAP in the XD LE Tactical model. The balance of the XD 45 LE Tactical is truly superb, making it a professional-grade pistol.



.45 GAP compairson chart

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SMITH & WESSON KNIVES
Many law enforcement agencies use Smith & Wesson high-performance tactical tools -- an impressive legacy for the S&W Black Ops Folding Knives.



U.S. ARMY RESERVE
Feel that sense of pride again. Your prior service brings experience, knowledge and the ability to teach new Soldiers about the military -- all valuable qualities the Army Reserve needs.


Tactical Weapon Lights



Upon receiving one of the first XD 45LE Tactical Pistols in .45 GAP, I found it to be identical in feel and function to any other XD Tactical. It should be, as it's exactly the same size. It also accepts tactical pistol lights from both Insight Technology and SureFire, and I even tried it with the new SureFire X200. With either light mounted I found that the Dual Retention Holster, from Michael's of Oregon, would accommodate the XD Tactical. Springfield reportedly also has a holster for the XD and others are sure to follow.



Takedown Safety



Except for being longer, the XD Tactical .45 GAP performed without surprises. It proved smooth in operation and in field-stripping, and here there is yet another safety feature.



In order to disassemble the slide group, the slide must first be locked to the rear. In doing so, any chambered cartridge is ejected. With the slide locked to the rear, the disassembly
lever is then rotated upward. Releasing the slide stop then allows the slide to move forward and off the frame.



Springfield XD, field stripped


(Field stripping the custom Springfield XD is still simple, but its tighter match fit is obvious.

Trigger Time



Shooting the XD Tactical .45 GAP proved quite pleasurable. Because of its longer slide, the pistol seems to soak up more of the recoil. Feeding and ejecting all .45 GAP rounds tested proved flawless, and the double-action style trigger was excellent. Accuracy was also excellent and is illustrated in the accompanying chart. Oh, yes, and the .45 GAP offers every bit of the performance as the .45 ACP with only slightly higher pressure.



What about ammo? Speer led the pack in making 185-grain FMJ and JHP.45 GAP ammunition in its Lawman and Gold Dot series, and Winchester followed with four loads. These include a 175 gr. Ranger frangible, 185 gr. JHP, a 230 gr. JHP Ranger and a 230 gr. STHP. Federal is now also on board with a 200 gr. TMJ American Eagle load and a 185 gr. JHP in its Personal Defense line. With the popularity of the XD Pistol you can expect to see other ammunition makers get on the .45 GAP bandwagon soon.



If you thought that the Springfield XD was "aimed" at the American Law Enforcement and personal protection market, you were right, and it's at a price you can afford. Whether you're looking for a simple, safe and reliable pistol of the highest quality for personal protection or duty, of for serious competition, check out Springfield's new XD pistols in .45 GAP. For more information, contact:



Springfield Armory
420 West Main St., Geneseo, IL
61254
Phone: 800-680-6866

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