What Is the “Mod.2” XD-S?

By Michelle Cerino

It’s here! The next generation of the most popular pistol ever produced by Springfield Armory is now available in the most popular caliber. Meet the XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm.

I’ve been using Springfield’s XD-S in 9mm as my concealed handgun for quite a few years now. It feels comfortable in my hands and I really like how well it shoots. The funny thing is — I won it at an event and shot it “lights out” the next day at a class. Since I have no complaints on the original model XD-S, I was quite excited to see the improvements and changes Springfield made. Would I like the XD-S Mod.2 better?

The press release for the Mod.2 states, “Built on a time-tested platform, the XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm was designed to achieve maximum concealability while maintaining life-saving reliability when you need it most. The XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm survived a grueling 25,000 round torture test without a failure. This is an amazing testament to the quality of the pistol, especially when considering its small size.”

I couldn’t wait to get out to the range and test it.

XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm Upgrades

An AmeriPro-Glo tritium front sight in LumiGreen makes target acquisition quick and accurate. The blacked out tactical-rack serrated rear sight provides the added benefit of being able to rack the slide against available surfaces should it become necessary to cycle the gun one-handed.

Enhanced grip texturing on the XD-S Mod.2 allows for a secure, yet comfortable, grip with wet or dry hands. New, longer Posi-Wedge slide serrations make the slide easier to grab and operate, which is something I find extremely helpful, especially when shooting out in the elements. A loaded chamber indicator allows shooters not only to see the condition of the gun, but also to feel the condition of the gun when it’s placed in a holster or in darkness and low-light.

XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm Design Changes

For better recoil control and accuracy, Springfield Armory designed the frame of the XD-S Mod.2 to position a shooter’s grip higher on the gun, closer to the bore axis. A newly designed grip safety immediately readies the gun to fire when gripped, but keeps the gun safe from firing while carrying. It also enhanced the trigger with a shorter reset for faster, controllable follow up shots.

On the Range

For accuracy testing, I shot slow, aimed fire with the XD-S Mod.2 standing off-hand at 7 yards. I shot five rounds, five times each using three different ammunitions: Aguila, Blazer and American Eagle, all 9mm, 115 gr. FMJ.

Aguila groups averaged 1.06″

Blazer groups averaged 1.4″

American Eagle averaged 1.38″

At 50-feet, standing and shooting off-hand, all three brands of ammunition’s group size averaged 3.4″.

I also tested the XD-S Mod.2 out to 50 yards using each of the three magazines. Once again, standing, off-hand, I averaged three out of five shots on a steel target.

I have to admit, having shot the original XD-S for quite a few years now, I wasn’t sure I liked how the new grip felt in my hands. However, once I put a few rounds through it, I knew I loved it and it would be a comfortable gun for carry purposes.

Kippi Leatham’s Take

Kippi Leatham, pro shooter for Springfield Armory, recently took the XD-S Mod. 2 out to the range. Here’s what she had to say…

“I’ve really been looking forward to getting the…XD-S 9mm Mod.2 in my big mitts. Over the last few years, due to elbow problems, I’ve had to quit practicing with any caliber larger than 9mm. And since I’m a firm believer in regular practice with my carry guns, too, I typically only carry 9mm or .380 caliber pistols.

“By adding the new XD-S Mod.2 9mm to my collection, I have another option that’s in between my 911 and the XD-E. I feel like my carry ‘inventory’ is finally complete. I have pistols to fit any and all of my carry configurations.

“When the XD-S Mod.2 arrived, I headed to the range, checked bullet impact at 5, 10 and 15 yards and then proceeded to play!

“I shot 75 more rounds (also a believer in a quality vs. quantity practice session) on IDPA targets and was surprised at how easily I picked up the new Pro-Glo sights. I actually preferred the feel of the extended magazine, because I have very large hands. If your hands are more petite, you will love the fit (and low profile) of the flush-fitting 7-round magazine.”

In the Box

The XD-S Mod.2 ships with 2 stainless steel magazines: a 7-round mag with a pinkie rest and additional flush floor plate for carry and one 9-round extended magazine — perfect for home defense. An 8-round extended magazine is also available for purchase.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Michelle Cerino and shared with us by Women’s Outdoor News. Also, be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!

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