Springfield Armory extends its XD-E pistol line with a version chambered for the .45 ACP caliber. Many shooters around the world have a soft spot for the powerful and venerable “Forty-Five”, and like its 9mm sibling the new .45 model is a compact, sleek external hammer-fired, polymer-framed handgun. The frame is just 1” (25 mm) wide. Total length is 6.75", for a weight of 23 oz / 652 g (with empty magazine). The pistol is equipped with the Low Effort Slide (L.E.S.) that, according to manufacturer, requires 27% less effort to manipulate compared to striker-fired handguns in the same class thanks to the patent-pending hammer design, for an easier and quicker round chambering.
Technical spefification of the Springfield XDE in .45 ACP
In times of striker-fired pistols, the XD-E range offers traditional external hammer-fired guns. And the new Springfield Armory .45 XD-E – which is produced in Croatia – includes a set of safety features that should inspire confidence for those who are not comfortable carrying a striker-fired pistol with no external safety lever. The external hammer and loaded chamber indicator give a visual and tactile indication when the pistol is loaded. The XD-E also features an ambidextrous thumb safety that can be used as a decocker to safely lower the hammer on a loaded chamber. The double action trigger has a smooth, yet long and deliberate trigger to avoid unwanted shots. The magazine release is ambidextrous too. For a better grip purchase and control, anti-slip texturing has been applied to strategic areas.
The hammer-forged barrel is 3.3” / 84 mm long with a 1:16 twist. The gun features a dual recoil spring system, managed by a full-length guide rod, which should offer improved reliability and a soft-shooting feel. Barrel and slide have a hard-wearing black Melonite finish.
Out of the box the XD-E is equipped with a fiber optic front sight paired with a low-profile white-dot rear, providing a positive sight picture that's easily picked up in low light conditions. From January 2018 the XD-E will also be available with a Viridian E-Series laser.
The XD-E .45 ships with a 6-round magazine with pinky extension and a 7-round magazine with the grip extension. It also ships with an interchangeable flush base plate, allowing users to fully personalize concealability and capacity.
As for the price tag, the XD-E in .45 ACP sells for 568.00 USD / 483 euro (598 USD, or some 509 euro, for the .45 ACP with Viridian Laser).
For more information please visit Springfield Armory website.
