Iโve been circling the 10mm wagon for a while now. Not in a โLet me drop everything and go buy oneโ way, but more of a โThis might be a good idea if I ever get around to itโ way. Living out here in the woods, you never know what youโll run into. It could be a deer, a fox raiding the chicken coop, or, on rare occasions, a mountain lion that looks at you like youโre on the menu. And letโs not forget the two-legged intruders with firearms who suddenly remember private property laws exist when confronted.
So, with that in mind, I figured it was time to step up my sidearm game. Sure, a .22 would do the trick for most situations, but why go small when you can go big? Enter the Springfield Armory XDM Elite 10mmโa gun Iโd been eyeing since it came out. Thanks to Springfield Armory (SA), I finally got my hands on one. Letโs dive in.
Springfield Armoryโs XD series has been around since 2002 when they partnered with HS Produkt, a Croatian company, to bring their pistols to the U.S. market. The original XD (Extreme Duty) pistols gained traction fast, winning awards like โHandgun of the Yearโ in 2003 and 2006. Over the years, SA expanded the lineup:
- XD-M (Match): Introduced in 2008 for more precision shooting.
- XD-S (Single-Stack): A compact version introduced in 2012.
- XD Mod. 2: An updated line with improved ergonomics (2014).
- XD-E (External Hammer): A nod to traditionalists (2018).
The XDM Elite 10mm OSP 4.5โ arrived in May 2022, and Springfield didnโt skimp on upgrades. It boasts the M.E.T.A. trigger system, an optics-ready slide cut, a match-grade 4.5โ barrel, ambidextrous controls, improved slide serrations, a removable extended mag well, and a Tactical Rack U-Dot rear sight. It also comes with two 16-round stainless steel magazinesโbecause if youโre going to carry a bear-stopping gun, you might as well have plenty of ammo.
If you donโt know the 10mmโs backstory, hereโs a condensed version. Back in 1983, gun legend Jeff Cooper helped develop the Bren Ten pistol based on the CZ-75. He envisioned a .40-caliber, 200-grain bullet moving at 1200 fps, and Norma Ammunition made it happen. The result? The 10mm Autoโa round that packs more punch than a .357 Magnum and flirts with .41 Magnum territory.
The FBI adopted it in 1989 after the infamous Miami Shootout of 1986, where agents were outgunned. Unfortunately, the 10mmโs recoil proved too much for the bureauโs agents, leading to the watered-down .40 S&W round. While law enforcement largely moved on, hardcore shooters, hunters, and those venturing into bear country kept the 10mm alive. And now, itโs enjoying a renaissance with more firearms chambered for it than ever before.
Picking up the XDM Elite 10mm for the first time, my immediate thought was: This thing is a beast. If youโre used to compact pistols, this full-size, 30+ ounce gun will make you pause. The grip is chunky, but it fits well in the hand, even if you donโt have meat-hook-sized mitts.
One thing that might split opinions is the grip safety. Iโm not a huge fan, but on this gun, itโs unobtrusive. You donโt notice it when shooting. The texturing on the grip is aggressiveโreminiscent of those old-school LEGO bricks youโd step on as a kid. If youโre planning on carrying this in an IWB holster, be ready for some extra friction against your skin.
Before hitting the range, I slapped a Holosun HS 407C on the optics cut slide. Springfield offers the pistol with a Hex Dragonfly red dot, but I already had the Holosun, and it mounted up easily. One thing to note: you canโt co-witness the iron sights with most red dots since the adapter plate raises them too high. Not a deal-breaker, but worth mentioning.
For testing, I set up targets at 25 yards. The XDM Elite shot impressively tight groups right out of the box, thanks to the match-grade barrel and crisp trigger. Recoil? Manageable. The weight of the gun, combined with the recoil system, tames the 10mmโs notorious kick. Itโs nowhere near as snappy as a lightweight 10mm 1911, and I didnโt walk away feeling like Iโd just spent an afternoon boxing.
I tested three different factory loads, and all performed well. If you want to get really spicy, brands like Buffalo Bore and Underwood offer loads that push the 10mm to its max potential. Just be ready for some real recoil if you go that route.
- Optics-Ready Slide: A must-have for modern pistols.
- M.E.T.A. Trigger: Smooth, crisp, and predictable.
- Ambidextrous Controls: Lefties rejoice! Both the slide release and mag release are fully ambidextrous.
- Tactical Rack U-Dot Sights: Quick target acquisition, solid for defensive use.
- 16+1 Capacity: More ammo is always a good thing.
Iโll admit, I wasnโt sold on the extended magazine well at first, but after using it, I see the appeal. It makes reloading smoother and faster, especially under stress. If you donโt like it, you can remove it.
Finding a good holster for a full-size 10mm can be tricky, but I found a few solid options:
- Mission First Tactical: Works for IWB or OWB carry.
- Falco Leather Paddle Holster: Top-notch leather, great retention.
For backcountry carry, a chest holster might be the best option. If youโre using this as a woods gun (which you should be), get something comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Disassembly is straightforward: lock the slide back, rotate the takedown lever, and remove the slideโno trigger pull required. The internals are well-machined, and the barrelโs feed ramp is polished to a mirror finish. The recoil spring assembly is all metal, which is a nice touch considering some manufacturers still insist on using plastic.
The Springfield Armory XDM Elite 10mm is one of the best 10mm pistols on the market today. Itโs reliable, accurate, and packed with features that make it a solid choice for self-defense, hunting, or outdoor carry. If youโre looking for a high-capacity 10mm that can handle anything from hogs to home invaders, this one deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Would I carry it every day? Probably notโitโs a bit large for that. But for a dedicated woods gun? Absolutely. If youโve been debating getting into the 10mm game, this is a hell of a way to start.
