Springfield XDM Review: Great Mid-Range Pistol for Beginners [2023]

Looking for a new 9mm pistol and considering the Springfield Armory XDM?

You’re in the right spot, because that’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this article.

But first, why the Springfield XDM?

If you’re a beginner shooter, you might be looking to add a 9mm pistol to your personal armory.

So, you’re looking at different types of popular handguns and wondering what your next purchase should be.

Of course, this depends on what type of use you’re going to put your new pistol through. Are you going to carry concealed, or do you want something for home defense?

For concealed carry or home defense for the beginner shooter, check out the Springfield XD(M) Series. The XD(M) is available in 6 different models with different barrel lengths and some of those are chambered for 3 different calibers.

The polymer frame adds an ergonomic feel and is lightweight for daily carry. It comes with both a trigger and grip safety and a limited lifetime warranty.

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What to Think About Before Buying a Springfield XDM

As a beginner, you probably have many questions about gun ownership. First, you should consider your city, county, and state regulations for owning a firearm.

If you plan to carry concealed, you should research those regulations as well, and keep in mind that what’s okay to do in your county may not be in areas you may travel through frequently.

Safety is another issue that probably weighs on your mind, especially if you have young children at home. Make sure to learn and review the these essential rules of firearm safety before you bring a firearm into the home. If you and your family follow these rules, every time, your chances of an accident decrease.

Price is something that may or may not be important to you, depending on your financial situation. Even if money isn’t an issue, the most expensive pistol you can buy isn’t necessarily the best one for you.

And many firearms manufacturers offer a limited warranty or service plan with their products; always check to see if the gun comes with a warranty.

Springfield XDM

For a new user, this pistol has a range of excellent features. We’ll break these down for you and make them easier to understand.

Springfield XDM – Features and Benefits

Polymer Frame

This might feel like plastic the first time you pick it up, and you’re not far off. The frame and grip are made of shock-resistant molded polymer, meaning it lightens the gun and gives you excellent durability.

I carried a polymer frame for years while working in law enforcement. The XD(M)’s frame stood up to repeated drawing and holstering, a lot of moving around, and jumping in and out of a vehicle.

Polymer frames are also easier to keep clean and because they’re essentially a plastic, they won’t ever rust. You won’t have to worry about a holster marring or wearing on the finish of frame, and they’re difficult even to scratch. A polymer frame should last you a lifetime.

Safety

The Springfield pistol comes with both a trigger and grip safety.

The grip safety releases as soon as you have a good grip on the firearm; it rests on the grip where the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and trigger finger is when you grab the weapon.

The trigger safety is an integral part of the trigger itself, and it will activate whenever you pull the trigger. Both safeties must be activated before the firearm will discharge.

Of course, if you have small children in the home, never rely on mechanical gun safeties. Keep all firearms locked or unloaded well out of the reach of children, and teach your kids about gun safety when they reach the appropriate age.

It also has an internal firing pin block. By definition, a firing pin block is a mechanical block that obstructs forward travel of the firing pin, but is linked to the trigger mechanism and clears the obstruction to the pin just before the hammer or striker is released.

This prevents the firing pin from striking a chambered cartridge unless the trigger is pulled.

Firing pin blocks help prevent accidental discharge even when the firearm is dropped, since the block is in place at all times except when the trigger is pulled.

Ergonomic Feel

The Springfield XDM has an ergonomic grip design. This will make it comfortable to handle all the time, either at the range or carrying concealed.

The grip size, of course, depends on the model and caliber of the firearm you select, but should fit the average hand.

Interchangeable Backstraps

This pistol comes with three interchangeable backstraps. This is the back part of the grip from the grip safety down.

Changing the backstrap can help to adjust the firearm to your hand size. It’s also a nice feature if you have more than one person in the household who carries the pistol.

Available Calibers

All XD(M) models are available in 9mm Luger and all but 2 are available in .40 caliber. 4 models are available in .45 ACP.

This range of calibers gives you more options to choose the one right for you. All calibers are excellent for home or self-defense.

Springfield XDM – Magazine Capacity

The capacity of your pistol’s magazine depends on the caliber, from 9 to 19 rounds.

Higher magazine capacities make a difference in home or self-defense use, because you’ll get more shots without taking the time to change an empty mag for a full one.

It also enables you to carry more rounds wherever you go.

Match Grade Barrel

You might not think this is a big deal for any pistol other than for competition shooting, but a match grade barrel can increase your accuracy and will withstand frequent use, like at the range.

Molded Accessory Rail

The frame comes with a molded accessory rail, making it super easy to slide on a tactical light or laser sight.

Many holsters are available that will enable you to carry the firearm with the accessory still attached, saving you time in an emergency situation.

Springfield XDM Price

The Springfield XD(M) has been compared to the Glock 17 or 19, but is much more affordable than nearly every Glock pistol.

It’s not the cheapest pistol out there, but it’s priced competitively for the features you’ll get with this handgun.

They’re listed starting at $625, but you can sometimes find them cheaper than that. Cabela’s has it priced at $699, while Brownells has it as low as $459.

Springfield XDM – Warranty

Springfield offers a one-owner limited lifetime warranty (limited because of government restrictions) that guarantees your pistol is free from defect in materials and workmanship.

It can’t be transferred, though, but if you buy a second-hand Springfield, you may still be able to get services even if you have to pay.

Alternatives to the Springfield XDM

As already mentioned, there are some alternatives to the Springfield pistol, depending on what you’re looking for.

Glock 17

The Glock 17 is a similar polymer-framed handgun. It comes with a 17-round capacity and a trigger safety, but no grip safety.

The Glock 17 is a pistol designed for professionals and they’re widely used in police departments nationwide, though many civilians love the Glock for CCW. It’s priced on par with the Springfield, between $500 and $600.

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M.20

The M&P is priced in the same range as the others, but has a manual safety as well as a trigger safety. It’s got a 17-round magazine and is chambered in 9mm.

This handgun is designed for defense, sport, and professional use. It’s priced about $600.

CZ-USA P07

This pistol from CZ-USA features a decocker safety system, which allows the user to carry it ‘cocked and locked’ like a 1911 while safely decocking it when needed.

It also has interchangeable grip backstraps so it can be customized to your grip. This is a pistol designed for all-day carry. But, it’s only got a 15-round capacity. Priced around $525.

Springfield XDM – Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to get a handgun for personal or home protection, there are a lot of factors to consider.

First, of course, you should verify your city, county, and state handgun regulations for gun ownership and concealed carry. And stay up-to-date with these laws, as they frequently change.

The Springfield XDM might be the perfect fit for you. You’ll get a high-capacity firearm that’s lightweight and easy to handle. The grip comes with interchangeable backstraps so you can adjust it for your hands.

Its polymer frame is durable and shock-proof. This pistol has three safety mechanisms, and you get all these features at a great price with a lifetime warranty.