SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD 3" SUB COMPACT
Posted Jun 16, 2023
9MM
The Springfield Armory XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is an outstanding pistol that has an amazing balance of features and design that can be summarized best with one word: versatility. This gun is very reliable and provides an incredibly wide range of functions and capabilities. It is an incredibly accurate firearm which, combined with its lightweight, makes it ideal for both concealed carry and home defense. The XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable compact pistol.
To start, the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is an incredibly well built firearm. It feels very solid in the hand, thanks to how Springfield utilizes a heavy-duty polymer for the frame. With an overall weight of just 21 ounces (including the loaded magazine), the gun is extremely light-weight, making it a great choice for concealed carry and comfortable home defense. The ergonomic design of the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is great, with an adjustable backstrap, interchangeable palm and finger swells, extended beavertail, and textured grips that all combine to create an incredibly comfortable fit. The frame also features an integral Picatinny rail, giving you the flexibility to add any type of light, laser, or optics that you may need for your situation.
The XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm also offers an incredibly smooth and reliable action. The trigger pull is crisp and consistent throughout its shot cycle – from the first round to the last – and has minimal travel. The pistol also features a striker-fire system, which is a simple but very reliable mechanism for firing rounds with minimal effort. The XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm also features an incredibly fast reset, allowing for accurate follow-up shots. The slide of the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is also incredibly easy to manipulate. It is light-weight and easy to rack, and features serrations that make it easy to grip and manipulate.
From an accuracy standpoint, the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is more than capable of keeping its rounds on target. The barrel is 3" in length and features 6 groove rifling, perfect for consistent accuracy at ranges from close-quarters to up to 75 feet. Additionally, the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is highly customizable through 9mm accessories – including increased-power loading springs, adjustable sights, and other performance upgrades. This lets you tailor the pistol to your individual specification and abilities, making it much more user-friendly and allowing for better performance.
The final point of consideration is the price. At around $500 before any upgrades or accessories, the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is one of the most cost-effective firearms on the market. For this price you get a quality firearm that is reliable, rugged, and accurate, and can be tailored to your individual needs through various upgrades and accessories.
In conclusion, the Springfield Armory XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, compact pistol suitable for concealed carry and home defense. Its lightweight design, comfortable ergonomics, and versatile features make it an ideal choice for concealed carry, while its accuracy and dependability also make it a great option for home defense. Additionally, the XD 3" Sub Compact 9mm is highly customizable and offers a great balance of features and quality for a reasonable price.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Lightweight and easy to handle for smaller shooters.
• Smooth and crisp trigger pull.
• Short and compact for easy concealment.
• Low bore axis for reduced felt recoil.
• Easy to disassemble and maintain.
• Enhanced grip makes it easier to maintain secure shooting hand posture.
• Minimal external controls.
• Polymer frame and stainless steel slides increase durability.
Cons
• Low magazine capacity (9mm only holds 8 rounds)
• Felt recoil may be a bit much for some shooters.
• Limited aftermarket customization options.
• Lack of features like a built-in light, laser, night sights, etc.
• Not very affordable for casual shooters.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the Springfield Armory XD 3" Sub Compact should be experienced firearm users and those who intend to carry a concealed weapon. Those new to firearms and inexperienced users of guns should not buy the Springfield Armory XD 3" Sub Compact. This gun is relatively small and lightweight, making it ideal for concealed carry but its small size and weight can make it difficult to handle for those unfamiliar with firearms.
Comparisons
| SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XD 3" SUB COMPACT | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 9/40 | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Magazine Capacity | 10/13/16 rounds | 7/8/9 rounds | 8 rounds | 30 rounds |
| Slide Material | Melonite Coated Forged Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Barrel Length | 3 in | 4.25 in | 5 in | 10.4 in |
| Trigger Pull | 5.5 lbs | 4.5 lbs | 4.5 lbs | 8.0-12.0 lbs |
Features / Specs
• Barrel length: 3 inch
• Capacity: 10+1 Rounds of 9mm
• Magazine included: Two 9-round magazines
• Overall length: 6.25 inches
• Weight (unloaded): 21.5 ounces
• Height: 4.75 inches
• Action: Striker Fired
• Sights: 3-dot Fixed Sights
• Grips: Polymer
• Finish: Matte Black or Olive Drab Green
Popular Accessories
9MM?
- Extra Magazines
- Magazine Loader/Unloader
- IWB (Inside the Waist Band) Holster
- OWB (Outside the Waist Band) Holster
- Laser Sights
- Flashlights
- Foregrips
- Extended Grip Safety
- Trigger Lock/Locking Device
- Cleaning/Maintenance Kit
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory XD 3" Sub-Compact is a reliable firearm well-known for its shootability and accuracy. With its unique loaded chamber indicator, grip safety, and fiber optic front sight, the XD 3" Sub-Compact provides excellent accuracy. The 3” barrel yields a light, easily managed firearm with low muzzle flip which allows for fast target acquisition and repeat hits on target. The ergonomically designed grip allows for a comfortable and stable grip, while the striker status indicator allows shooters to determine whether the striker is cocked or not. Overall, the XD 3" Sub-Compact is an excellent choice for concealed carry and home defense, delivering pinpoint accuracy and good reliability in a small package.
