A few years back, Springfield Armory came out with a single stack 9mm to much fanfare and then as quickly as 
Springfield Armory apparently learned the lessons of Remington and as soon as this unsafe condition was brought to their attention, they leaned into getting back every XD-S 3.3″ barrel pistol that they sold. They then repaired the pistols and returned them to the customers. They also changed the manufacturing process on all future pistols from the factory. Now every XD-S 3.3″ off the line has the new improvements.
Related: The Katrina Pistol
If you are looking to buy a used XD-S 9mm 3.3″ pistol, you can tell very quickly if the pistol has been upgraded by looking at the outside grip safety without disassembling the pistol. XD-S 9mm 3.3″ that have been upgraded have a visible roll pin on the left and right side of the grip safety. See below.
With the new upgrades and the bugs worked out, we loved the XD-S 9mm. As promised, it shot great. The stock fiber optic sights were better than average and the slim profile of the pistol is very appealing to concealed carry customers and under cover police. The downside of the single stack is a magazine that carries 7 rounds in the flush fitting mag and 8 rounds in the extended magazine. Like I always say, I have never heard someone say “I wish I had less rounds in a gun fight.”
SKIP AHEAD
Specs
Caliber: 9mm
Recoil System: Dual Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod
Sights: Fiber Optic Front & Dovetail Rear (Steel)
Weight: (with Empty Magazine) 23 ozs. Height: 4.4″ w/ Compact Mag, 5″ w/ Mid-Mag X-Tension™
Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite Finish
Barrel: 3.3″ Hammer Forged, Steel, Melonite® / 1:10 Twist
Length: 6.3″
Grip Width: .9″
Frame: Black Polymer
Magazines: 1 – 7 Round Flush Fitting, 1 – 8 Round With Mid-Mag X-Tension™, Stainless Steel
Field Test
