Springfield Armory XD

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The Springfield Armory XD ("X-treme Duty") pistol is based on the Croatian HS 2000, the military sidearm of the Croatian army. It is a polymer-framed pistol, an amalgam of GLOCK (striker-fire concept), Sig-Sauer (slide visual design and takedown), and generic 1911 .45 model (grip safety) design features. It comes in a variety of calibers, from standard 9 mm (16+1 rounds capacity), .40 S&W, .357SIG, .45 GAP (Glock Automatic Pistol), and now .45 ACP. It is produced in three sizes: "subcompact" (3-inch barrel, shorter grip), "service" (4-inch barrel) and "tactical" (5-inch barrel) versions (analogous to Glock's models). "Ported" versions are also produced. All models featuring a MIL-STD-1913 ("Picatinny") accessory rail along the underside of the frame, ambidextrious magazine release (vice Glock's left side-only release), standard three-dot white sights and optional tritium night sights.

The HS 2000 and it's American version, the XD-9, are semi-automatic pistols. They have been repeatedly praised by various gun critics and magazines. The sidearm features three safeties: trigger safety, grip safety, and a "drop safety" (prevents striker from firing gun if dropped). One safety on the trigger (made of metal, whereas GLOCK's trigger is of plastic) like that on the GLOCK, and a second that is depressed when holding the sidearm in the hand, which additionally locks the slide in forward position when not depressed. The design also incorporates ambidextrous magazine release button, loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide, firing pin indicator on the back of the slide, accessory rail, and (the US version) has front slide grooves. This military-grade sidearm features white dot changeable sights and a blued finish (new series have also green slide and/or grip version). It is sold with dual magazines. Internally, it differs from GLOCK in firing pin mechanism. In HS/XD the firing pin is fully retracted when the gun is loaded, but in GLOCK the firing pin spring is only partially compressed until pulling the trigger fully compresses the spring prior to firing pin release. To disassemble it, retract the slide and stop it with slide-stopping lever, then rotate the assemble lever on the left side upwards, and then the slide comes off. The whole gun is, like the GLOCK, also highly wear-resistant.

Contents

1 Available Models
2 Market Response
3 Appearance in games
4 Synonyms
5 External links

Available Models

3" Sub-compact model:
*9x19mm
*.40 S&W
4" Service model:
*9x19mm
*.40 S&W
*.357 SIG
*.45 GAP
*.45 ACP
4" Ported model:
*9x19mm
*.40 S&W
*.357 SIG
5" Tactical model:
*9x19mm
*.40 S&W
*.357 SIG
*.45 GAP
*.45 ACP

Available in Black, OD Green, and Bi-tone finishes.

Market Response

Many licensed gun dealers are reporting high sales of the XD series pistols due to word of mouth and lower price tag compared to SIGARMS or Heckler and Koch pistols.

Because of their lower price tag, XD pistols are competing alongside GLOCK pistols in the $400 to $500 segment of the US market.

As of September 25, 2005 it has been announced that XD has been chosen to become an official FBI armament.

Appearance in games

The Springfield Armory XD Service model, with a black finish, is featured in the game Resident Evil 4 as the Blacktail pistol, chambered in 9 mm. This is one of the most powerful 9 mm pistols in the game, once upgraded.

Synonyms

"Croat Copy" - Considered derogatory. Often used to compare the similarites between itself and the Glock.

External links

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