This Updated, Full-Sized 9mm Is Fully Modernized & Ultra Affordable
It’s hard to believe that the Springfield XD pistol platform is almost 25 years old already, but here we are. A quarter century after its debut in 2001, Springfield released an updated expansion to the XD line: the XD Mod.3 OSP 9mm pistol.Â
This new version of Springfield Armory’s flagship pistol represents a new take and a modernization of the handgun to bring it more in line with today’s cutting-edge offerings. After all, a lot has happened in handgun design over the past 25 years. The new XD Mod.3 offers enhancements and upgrades designed to take this proven design to the next level. The best part, the MSRP is under $350. Heck, it’s under $330.Â
Out of the box, the new full-sized, striker-fired XD Mod.3 OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) has a hammer-forged, Melonite-finished slide that holds the handgun’s biggest update from previous versions. On top is a factory-milled optics footprint designed to accept a wide range of popular red-dot pistol sights using Springfield OSP plates (purchased separately from Springfield).Â
The slide can be customized to fit RMD, DeltaPoint, and Docter footprints. This will let you use most sights produced by Burris, Vortex, HEX, Shield, Crimson Trace, Redfield, and Holosun.
“The new XD Mod.3 offers shooters a modern and enhanced take on this proven 9mm pistol platform,” said Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “With optics capability, improved ergonomics, and a very impressive price point, this 9mm deserves a very close look.”
The slide comes with a set of rugged steel fixed sights that include a red fiber optic front sight and white dots in the rear. This model features redesigned slide serrations at the front and back that are wider and deeper, designed to improve grip in adverse conditions. A new flared cut at the rear of the slide provides another leverage point for slide manipulation.
Adding to the visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide, there is also a striker-status indication on the back facing the shooter to add an additional layer of security.
The XD Mod.3 OSP’s 4-inch barrel also has a Melonite finish and the pistol’s polymer frame has been updated with aggressive texturing strategically placed on the most important contact points. It also includes an undercut trigger guard and an extended beavertail so you can get that important high-hand grip for better control.
The grip also features what Springfield is calling a “memory bump,” which allows the user to form a consistent and reliable grip that’s positioned the same every time, ensuring that the grip safety will be disengaged. It has a reshaped thumb rest on both sides for a better natural angle with a high grip, and the forward edge of the trigger guard is rounded off, while still being large enough to easily use with gloves.
The underbarrel accessory rail is still there, but Springfield has added an additional slot to make it easier to achieve a precise fit with a variety of accessories, like being able to easily activate a weapon light without shifting your grip.
The trigger has also been upgraded from a traditional curved trigger to a flat-faced model for a better feel and performance that’s similar to the XD-M’s META trigger. It includes a stop to prevent overtravel.  Â
The new XD Mod.3 OSP ships with a 16-round stainless magazine — a 10-round version is available for restricted states. The new pistol will also work with older XD magazines, which is a big plus for fans of the platform. The XD Mod.3 has also retained a number of features from previous models, like the ambidextrous magazine release. Â
Springfield XD Mod.3 OSP Specifications
Chambering: | 9mm |
Barrel Length: | 4 inches |
Weight: | 27 ounces |
Overall Length: | 7.3 inches |
Sights: | Fiber optic front, white dot rear |
Frame: | Polymer |
Action: | Striker-fired |
Finish: | Melonite |
Capacity: | 16 +1 or 10+1 (one magazine included) |
MSRP: | $325 |