Springfield XD-E

P

Pep in CA

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Springfield introduced their model XD-E this year. It's a single-stack 9 mm that is hammer fired rather than striker fired. That alone is way cool with me.

But that is not what I'm most impressed with. It has a combo safety/decocker lever. Push it up and it's in safe mode. Push it down and it puts the gun in decocked DA mode.

Most hammer fired guns I've seen either have a safety or a decocker. This design allows you the choice in the same gun. How cool is that?

Also, it seems an excellent 9 mm concealed carry gun. I'm impressed.

Here is a full review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Teuqu8KPxH0
 
It's a pretty nice gun. I ran about 100 rounds through one at the range. Nothing remarkable, just a solid (and thin) DA/SA gun. It's surprisingly large and heavy, though, so I can't really see any reason why someone would choose it unless they specifically want a single-stack DA/SA, in which case it's just about the only option out there. A good option, though. The Grip Zone works very well on it, and is vastly better than the "all terrain" grip on the XD-s. I hope to see the grip zone make its way to that model. If it already had, I'd probably own an XD-s.
 
OhioGuy, thanks for the reply. I think there are better options for single-stack 9mm carry guns, but what struck me most about the XD-E is the combo safety/decocker lever.

I've been eyeballing a CZ 75 for some time but I've refrained so far. One reason is I can't decide whether I prefer the safety or decocker models. I hope CZ and other brands see the wisdom of a combo lever like the XD-E. Then I don't have to make a choice, and moreover, if I change my mind I can do so.

That is the feature that I am most impressed with.
 
My new Grand Power Compact has that 2-in-1 function also. The safety lever will go down enough to decock the hammer.

And it stays down in the decocked position while allowing DA shooting. That is a bit different.

Bart Noir
Who also likes his new XDe.
 
I wanted one until I got mine hands on one.
I wont buy one until someone comes out with a decent trigger kit.
Double action trigger on the one I handled was off the chart heavy, and the single was only so so. Maybe Im a trigger snob But Ive never even shot a revolver with that heavy a
of a trigger.
 
I looked at one briefly and thought the DA trigger reach was unusually long, also. I guess, depending on hand size, that could contribute to a heavy feeling DA trigger.
 
I picked one up last week. I like it a lot so far, but haven't gotten to the range with it yet. My SIG SP2022 is too large for me to carry but I wanted something similar to that in that it's DA/SA with decocker. Then I stumbled onto the XDe. FO front sight is a bonus.
 
Actually, I just noticed on the CZ website, they make a 75 model that has both a safety and decocker, but it's not quite the same. It's the 75 Omega Convertible model. There are 2 interchangable levers instead of one combo lever, which seems fine.

However, they can't sell them here in CA because it is not on the CA approved handgun list. (Yes, there is such a thing).
 
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I bought the XDE mostly because I was also impressed by the amount of thought that went into the single selector switch for decock and safety allowing for cocked or locked or both or neither carry. however the DA trigger pull on that thing is heavier than any other DA trigger I've tried in recent memory. the SA is nice, much better than the SA on my XD-s. it's quite a bit bigger than the XD-s however and is much more difficult to conceal despite the only modest increase in ammo capacity(1 round). I still haven't decided what I think of the XD-e but in my opinion it may have been better to release a doublestack version to compete with the cheaper sigs and beretta lines of DA/SA guns rather than this strange niche gun that they released. I think if the XD-e were to be a bit wider and hold 15+ rounds instead of 9 with about 3 pounds taken off the DA trigger pull then I would be ecstatic with the outcome, instead I'm kindof Meh about it.
 
The convertible CZs kind of have that option to switch back and forth, but you don't get both at the same time. With the safety installed there is no decock function other than riding the hammer home. Also, with safety installed it is inadvisable to put it in safe at half cock or hammer home (I don't think the safety flips on at hammer home). If you do, and pull the trigger, you risk damaging the pistol. Because of this mine keeps the decocker in. Its kind of a nifty idea, and I got it for this reason. But in practice I believe its an imperfect solution.

And yes, numerous firearms have a combo safety/decocker. Beretta 92s comes to mind. Jericho's and H&Ks as well.
 
As the OP, I appreciate the feedback from my fellow members here.

It seems the XD-E is a pretty good gun but its size and weight do not mesh well with the concept of a single stack 9. Also, the CZ idea of interchangeable safety/decocking levers is clever but not ideal.

Either way, I think the idea of a lever that allows the user to choose between safety and decocker is a very good idea, and I hope it sees its way into handgun models in the future.

And the comments informing me that other guns have this feature has me looking at options. Bravo. That is part of what this forum is for.
 
I bought one a month ago and I agree with tahunua001 if they had made it a double stack the size of the XDsubcomact I would like it better. Its a big gun for what it is.
 
The XDe is one-round taller than the XDs in the grip. That means that the smallest magazine which will fit in the XDe is the middle size (8-round) magazine from the XDs. The 7-round XDs magazine will not fit in the XDe.

Also, the XDe is a bit taller than the XDs in the slide, due to the barrel being a bit higher above the hand.

But, other than the height of the guns, they are very much the same in size.

Bart Noir
 
Handled one today. Didn't lile the ergos (too thin) trigger wasn't great, safety is silly for a da/sa (IMO) and kinda awkward to use as a bonus.

Too large, heavy, not enough rounds for the size/weight.

For my money I'd take a Sig P225 or P239 instead.
 
[Too large, heavy, not enough rounds for the size/weight.
Click to expand...

I think you nailed it. It's just as easy to conceal an XD subcompact and pack 14 rounds. If DA is something sought, I'd pick one of your options or maybe the CZ RAMI or HK P30sk

Only a bit fatter and almost double the rounds.
 
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