Going Elite on the Cheap?

By Dan Abraham

I was first introduced to the XD-M Elite models at Shot Show 2020. Immediately I questioned, how could a handgun with so many upgrades and features have a starting MSRP of $559? Handguns like that typically sell for over $700.

Having been a fan of the XD-M models for years, I knew Springfield Armory was on to something good with the 9mm “Elite” models. Considering competition, home defense, carry or just range time, the XD-M Elite series were the “do everything” handguns that shooters desired. 

Too Good To Be True?

Every now and again, you find a handgun that fits your shooting style perfectly. It’s the fit, feel and impact on the targets that really hits home. When I picked up the Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5″, I knew this was the pistol for me.

The ergonomic grip fit my hand like a glove. It has a flared magwell for quick and easy 20-round magazine insertions. The sight picture aligned perfectly, and the flat face trigger felt amazing. Couple that with its 4.5” Match Grade barrel, and had I found the pistol for which I was searching.

How Elite

The Springfield XD-M Elite 4.5″ is loaded with features. The forward and rear slide serrations are deeply cut and wider than on the standard XD-M models. The grip is well textured throughout and comes with three backstraps to custom fit the shooter’s hand size.

The metal U-Dot rear sight is the same as the Springfield Armory Hellcat and the front sight is fiber optic. The grip safety is a bit larger with a “bump” to ensure full engagement, and the undercut trigger guard aids in the shooter’s high grip on the gun. It has a 4.5” hammer-forged Match Grade barrel along with a Melonite-finished steel slide. To top it off, the XD-M Elite 4.5″ ships with two 20-round 9mm magazines.

Springfield Armory’s quality and craftsmanship are excellent. The machining, both internally and with the visible parts, was exceptional. It’s definitely a sharp-looking pistol. Recoil is minimal with the dual nested recoil spring and one-piece, full-length steel guide rod.

Consistent with all XD-M models, a striker indicator (silver “button”) is located on the rear of the slide. It appears when the slide has been charged. Another safety feature is the loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide. A chamber bar is slightly raised for the shooter to visually see and feel when a round is chambered.

Range Time

It was the range time that truly sold me on this model. Right out of the case, the XD-M Elite was as accurate as a finely tuned 1911. Much like the Springfield Armory Hellcat, the XD-M Elite 4.5″ was a smooth and accurate shooter. My shooting confidence grew immediately with the first couple magazines. The 5-lb. trigger felt great when firing and the short trigger reset was amazing. The fiber optic front sight brightly stood out in the center of the U-Dot rear sight for quick target acquisition (to learn more about the U-Dot, click here).

Conclusion

The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5″ is an impressive handgun. Everything from my shooting impressions to the 20-round magazine capacity was all positive. It’s fit, feel and function are first class.

For those looking for a “do it all” pistol with an attractive starting MSRP of $559, give the XD-M Elite 4.5″ a serious look. I believe you’ll be as impressed as I am. How can an “Elite” gun be so cheap, and did Springfield cut any corners to get to that price? Simply put? No. With this gun, you get more for less.

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XD-M® Elite 4.5"