runamuck
01-19-2013, 10:23 AM
I've been in the market for a hi-cap 9mm for a while now for CC in certain circumstances. After a lot of research online, handling different guns at dealers and renting them at the range, I chose to purchase a Springfield Armory XDm 3.8 bi-tone. I paid $559 for the gun and gear kit with free shipping to my ffl from Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore. First the gear box. Having smaller hands, I wanted the option to change out back straps and it comes with 3 of different contours. It also comes with one 19rd and one 13rd mag. The 19rd mag has 3 fitted extensions that slide onto it (they fit nice and tight) that match the contour of each back strap and extending your grip to full size...how slick is that? The holster is a paddle Fobus type that's adjustable and ok but I'm a southpaw so it doesn't work for me. The double mag holder is nice (also adjustable) except I wish it was also a paddle instead of having to feed it onto my belt but you can conceivably carry 52 rounds with the addition of another 19 rounder. (mags are pricey, around $35) Now that's some firepower. It also comes with a mag loader that works well and you will need it. On to the gun.
The first thing you notice about the XDm is it's aggressive looking and appears a little top heavy and boxy but I personally like a flat-top slide. The bore axis is high and it does feel a little tippy with an empty mag. but as soon as you load it up, it evens right out and feels great. This gun is grippy and won't slip in your hand. I think the safety features are well thought out and were a consideration when I made my decision to buy. The loaded chamber indicator is a small bar on top of the slide that is raised with a round in battery. The firing pin cocked also protrudes from the back of the slide and is easily seen as being ready to fire. I also happen to like the grip safety and it is placed such that your hold on the weapon is high and tight. Don't let anyone tell you that a grip safety is not a safety...it is. That being said, never trust any safety but I'm glad it's there. The ambi mag release is nice and the mags drop free although I've trained myself over the years to use my left index finger to release mags so it doesn't really matter to me. The front and back slide serrations are a nice touch and help prevent hand slippage. The slide lock is not too difficult to release as on some other guns I've handled. It has standard 3 white dot sights adjustable for windage only. The bi-tone feature is a satin nickel type finish on the slide that, to me, is quite handsome. The dust cover has a three position universal type rail for lights and lasers although with a 3.8" bbl be aware that most lights and lasers will protrude beyond the end of the barrel and may pick up some blast staining and wear...this remains to be seen as I have not fired the gun with a light in place and I don't like lasers on handguns.
So...how does it shoot? Well, the first thing I have to talk about is the trigger. A 1911, it is not, but compared to other guns I looked at (Glock, Ruger SRc9, M&P Shield) it's the best of the bunch. Aside from the Glock type safety lever, it's smooth to break, breaks clean and doesn't load much or feel gritty. The best part is reset which is about a 1/4". With less felt recoil than most other 9's and a good trigger, double taps are instinctive and quick. This gun is much more accurate than I am and is a dream to shoot all day long. I only put 200 rds through it but I could have done another 200 quite easily. I hated to put it down. It flew through my hardball ammo without a hitch or glitch but it's too early to tell on reliability and I didn't test any hp ammo but my gut tells me this gun will go bang all the time, every time. The mags are stiff and I could only get 10-12 into the 19 rounder without the mag loader...this may lessen with time.
Conceal-ability. Well, sort of. It's wide and it's heavy but I'm used to carrying a 1911 compact and the weight doesn't bother me. I picked up a Desantis Sof-tuck for #25 bucks and by golly it doesn't feel too bad at 9 O'clock (3 O'clock for you righties). I adjusted the clip for deep carry with a slight cant and it has become very comfortable after about a week of break-in. A word of caution though. Be very careful re-holstering with a soft leather holster.
The 19 round mags will be reserved for range use only as they are difficult to conceal.
Recommendation. If you want an edgy looking gun and a sweet shooter...buy one. I picked up a Pearce grip extension for the 13rd mag. Very worthwhile and made quite a difference. We'll see if it helps my accuracy.
The first thing you notice about the XDm is it's aggressive looking and appears a little top heavy and boxy but I personally like a flat-top slide. The bore axis is high and it does feel a little tippy with an empty mag. but as soon as you load it up, it evens right out and feels great. This gun is grippy and won't slip in your hand. I think the safety features are well thought out and were a consideration when I made my decision to buy. The loaded chamber indicator is a small bar on top of the slide that is raised with a round in battery. The firing pin cocked also protrudes from the back of the slide and is easily seen as being ready to fire. I also happen to like the grip safety and it is placed such that your hold on the weapon is high and tight. Don't let anyone tell you that a grip safety is not a safety...it is. That being said, never trust any safety but I'm glad it's there. The ambi mag release is nice and the mags drop free although I've trained myself over the years to use my left index finger to release mags so it doesn't really matter to me. The front and back slide serrations are a nice touch and help prevent hand slippage. The slide lock is not too difficult to release as on some other guns I've handled. It has standard 3 white dot sights adjustable for windage only. The bi-tone feature is a satin nickel type finish on the slide that, to me, is quite handsome. The dust cover has a three position universal type rail for lights and lasers although with a 3.8" bbl be aware that most lights and lasers will protrude beyond the end of the barrel and may pick up some blast staining and wear...this remains to be seen as I have not fired the gun with a light in place and I don't like lasers on handguns.
So...how does it shoot? Well, the first thing I have to talk about is the trigger. A 1911, it is not, but compared to other guns I looked at (Glock, Ruger SRc9, M&P Shield) it's the best of the bunch. Aside from the Glock type safety lever, it's smooth to break, breaks clean and doesn't load much or feel gritty. The best part is reset which is about a 1/4". With less felt recoil than most other 9's and a good trigger, double taps are instinctive and quick. This gun is much more accurate than I am and is a dream to shoot all day long. I only put 200 rds through it but I could have done another 200 quite easily. I hated to put it down. It flew through my hardball ammo without a hitch or glitch but it's too early to tell on reliability and I didn't test any hp ammo but my gut tells me this gun will go bang all the time, every time. The mags are stiff and I could only get 10-12 into the 19 rounder without the mag loader...this may lessen with time.
Conceal-ability. Well, sort of. It's wide and it's heavy but I'm used to carrying a 1911 compact and the weight doesn't bother me. I picked up a Desantis Sof-tuck for #25 bucks and by golly it doesn't feel too bad at 9 O'clock (3 O'clock for you righties). I adjusted the clip for deep carry with a slight cant and it has become very comfortable after about a week of break-in. A word of caution though. Be very careful re-holstering with a soft leather holster.
The 19 round mags will be reserved for range use only as they are difficult to conceal.
Recommendation. If you want an edgy looking gun and a sweet shooter...buy one. I picked up a Pearce grip extension for the 13rd mag. Very worthwhile and made quite a difference. We'll see if it helps my accuracy.