Springfield Armory introduced a new version of the popular XD 45 Service Pistol. This .45 ACP model adds an ambidextrous thumb safety on the frame that closely mirrors the function of thumb safeties on the 1911 handguns. The thumb safety was placed far back on the frame to make it relatively easy to manipulate.
The Springfield XD pistols have been described by some as a modern-day 1911, and in fact the Springfield XD does draw much of its inspiration from the 1911.
I have talked with numerous 1911 shooters who were never impressed by the Glock pistols, but who are enamored with the XD line. Many 1911 shooters appreciate the grip safety that is standard on XD pistols. 1911 handguns also use a grip safety.
The Springfield XD has not had a thumb safety until this model. For devotees of John Moses Browning, the addition of the thumb safety makes this a much closer pistol to the modernized 1911 concept.
So, if you like the XD pistols, and have been waiting for a thumb safety, your wait is over. Springfield is delivering these pistols now, any you should find them on your dealer’s shelf.
Springfield XD45 with Thumb Safety Specs
- caliber: .45 ACP
- barrel length: 4.04″
- overall length: 7.3″
- slide: steel
- finish: black Melonite
- frame: polymer
- trigger pull: 5.5 to 7.7 pounds
- weight with an empty mag: 30 ounces
Update: Feb 2011 – This specific model of XD is still available for purchase, but the thumb safety does not appear to have caught on across the line.
It is the only XD service model with the option.
Other handguns in the line do not have the manual safety available, leaving one to conclude that most shooters aren’t looking for a handgun with this feature.
While the external manual safety might have made sense for poorly trained military conscripts of more than 100 years ago, today’s gun owner is typically better trained, and not needing some device to keep them from pressing the trigger without cause. Of course, it can be noted that nearly the entire Smith & Wesson M&P line has a thumb safety available as an option. So, go figure.
Last update: May 30, 2021
37 replies on “Springfield XD with Thumb Safety”
It’s about time!!
SA is AOK.
Ed
Though it’s not needed, due to the XD’s excellent safety features, I still view it as a welcomed addition to this excellent pistol!
I can’t wait to see one of the XD pistols with the ambi-dextrous thumb safety. When will they REALLY be on the gun dealers’ shelves?
Will the XD also have the ambi thumb safety available on the 9mm and 40S&W models too?
With any luck they will produce the compact model with this option soon. Another solid delivery from Springfield. According to other blogs, the new Springfield will be in the stores by June.
I agree it’s not needed but still a nice addition. I can’t wait to get one. I already own an XD 40 and the XD 9mm. This will be a welcome addition. I don’t think I will ever buy another type of handgun ever again. Although the 1911 is always a favorite.
I ‘ve been looking at the XD as my first hand gun. I was originally looking at the Rueger P345. After being directed by a dealer , to these, I have been decided on them. I was looking for the side safty and he didn’t have any info. on them. When are they available and not that it matters, what is the cost. Because I’ve decided on the XD as what I am going to buy.
Please give me all tha info. you can on the options. I don’t want to buy one and say ” should of, could of would of ”
Thanks,
Pepe Garcia
The XD with the tumb safety is shipping now. More information is here.
Thusfar, Springfield has said that the thumb safety will only be available with the .45 ACP. Consumer demand, I’m sure, could sway them.
Richard
I bought an XD45 a year ago without the thumb safety. Will I be able to convert my existing XD to have the thumb safety?
They are in the stores now. I held one today. I bought an XD compact .45 acp about 6 months ago, wish I had waited, I like the thumb safety.
I too held one today. A sweet pistol and for the price, you get a lot!!!!
I am looking far and wide for three magazine accessory packs for 45 full size xd. Please help me locate retailer that stocks this item.
If anyone can help Will, post a message here. Thanks!
I just bought one today. I was very impressed. I had a Glock .40 before. The Glock wasn’t bad, but i wanted to ensure big bore stopping power. The gun has a nice smooth trigger pull, and sights line up nicely. I have huge hands and it fits to a tee. Can’t wait to hit the range with it.
ALREADY HAVE ALL OF THE XD’S IN FULL SIZE—JUST BOUGHT THE NEW XD(M) IN 40 S&W. S-W-E-E-T. LOT’S OF IMPROVEMENTS
Loved the XD since I first held one at a gun show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I’ve wanted one since then, but I want one even more now that it comes with this thumb safety. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also in my favorite caliber.
Only problem is, I don’t think they’re selling them in California yet. I know that Springfield has a CA legal model (XD9661SP06), but it’s not on the CA gov’t approved gun list, or whatever it’s called.
Maybe it would just be better to get one when I go home to Tennessee for Christmas leave.
But, just in case, are there any SoCal folks here that know if it’s being sold out here yet?
I haved been looking for a while now on what gun to buy and when I saw the xd45 with the thumb safety I knew that was the one. I own a sig,clock,s&w,,and baby eagle, but the xd45 turned a head. I really wanted the xdm model, but the 45 is not out yet. That will be my next purchase. Why do we have to wait for the xdm45. Please start producing them so I can spend some more money. Thanks!!!!
I’ve been carrying a concealed 1911 since 1960.
I bought a Glock 21 in ’92 which shot like a laser but I could not live with the idea of no manual thumb safety of grip safety. Hey, I’m just an old dude, set in my ways. I recently got the XD .45 with thumb safety in a 4″ barrel and love it. I carry it and bought another one for the nightstand. Talk about dead nuts accuracy. As soon as I get night sights on it, I’ll be set. Function, Form, Fit, Finish, all as good as human hands can make it. You won’t regret buying one.
does anyone know why the open cavity on bottom of grip is not plugged on the springfield xd models?
glock makes aftermarket plugs for bottom of grips does anyone produce for xd’s?
XD . 45 with a thumb safety allows tucking pistol in waist band without holster. I use a Clipdraw to keep it in place. No profile and easy to pull. After the pistol is in place I undo the safety.
I have slowly started selling all my other pistols and I now have 5 XD’s all in .45 cal.
I was in mil spec ops from 1964 to 1980. The XP .45 is the best pistopl I have ever owned.
I would buy other calibers if they had thumb safety.
I own a XD .45 with this thumb saftey on it and like it. Just another safe feature. However I am on a Tatical team and use my XD as my backup arm and have noticed out of about 10 XD’s on the team I am the only one with the thumb saftey. Was this a test by springfield or is it going to be on them. I was told that it was a test for the military. Does anyone have any insite on it. Or could this be a rare thing seen in years to come
I was told by my Springfield dealer that the thumb safety was needed to allow the pistol to be used in inter-service pistol competitions(military & law enforcement). I’ve owned the xd-45(without thumb safety) for almost 2 yrs. 6500+ rounds, minimal cleaning and maintenance, NOT ONE jam,ftf or problem of any sort.It is simply the finest fighting handgun I’ve ever owned. I will look forward to picking up one with the thumb safety. Although I love the safety features on my current XD-45, I will not carry with a round in the chamber…..I will with my new thumb safety model!
I have an xd-45 with thumb safety and it is awsome! When will they offer it on the 9mm? I have a Ruger p-89 and I want to upgrade.
Just got my XD45 w/ thumb safety, cost $5 more than w/out. Can’t wait to shoot.
I am planning to buy a pistol ang I narrowed down to XD .45 Service 4″ model & HK usp tactical .45. However, I have just known that XD have thumb safety and it give an edge over HK. Has anybody know if it has Ambi thumb safety? If it does not have, can it be modified to have ambi thumb safety. Thanks in advance.
El Kapitan, The XD .45 4″ ACP Service model now its come with the Ambidextrous thumb safety.
Just brought a new XD-45 with thumb safety home this afternoon. Hard to decide which of 3 models the local store had in stock to buy; XD-45 5″; XD-45 compact 5″(new to me; 10 rd. vs 13) & the XD-45 5″ with thumb safety.
I commented it was priced lower than the other two, and altho mispriced, they sold it to me at the marked price.
Will take it to the range tomorrow and apply some Front Sight Institute
training received in NV last month.
When will the good folks at Springfield make EXACTLY what I want? I want the new XD “M” 3.8 in .45 ACP with a “Decocking” configuration! Somebody HELPM’E!!!!!!!
when will the good folks at Springfield make something I REALLY want? I want an XD “M” 3.8 in .45 ACP with a kool “Decocker” configuration. Somebody HELPM’E!!!!!!!!!!
Ived just bought new XD servise model in .45 cal. with thumb safety….im so exited to recieved this weapon since im waiting for the approval of its licence coz ived never own a plastic weapon ever since….i think i can change my safety attitude in carrying this weapon as my service firearms…
I own an XD-45 I find it shoots very accurate and feels good in my hand. I purchased this pistol to replace a 945 Taurus. I’m not sure on the dependibility yet. I was out shooting last week and we had shot about 100 rounds. When one of the shells didn’t eject out all the way. I ejected the shell and rechambered. I pulled the trigger heard the firing pin drop but the pistol didn’t go off. I rechambered again and checked the round that I had just ejected it didn’t have a mark on the primer. About the third time I rechambered during one of these incidents the pistol would fire. This happened 2 over about 400 rounds. My Glock fires everytime I pull the trigger. I will leave another comment after I contact Springfield.
I HAVE BEEN PROMISED BY SPRINGFIELD APPROX. 1.5 YEARS AGO THAT I WOULD BE ABLE TO PURCHASE THE NEW XD 45 CAL. WITH THE THUMB SAFETY AND TO DATE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO AQUIRE A SINGLE ONE OF THE FOUR I HAVE ORDERDED. i HAVE BEEN PROMISED BY THE SPRINGFIELD PEOPLE THAT THE BLACK VERSION IS IN THE STORES EVEN THOUGH I PREFERRED THE OD GREEN THAT MOST OF THE GUN WRITERS HAVE BRAGGED ABOUT BEING OUT THERE. ONE QUESTION, CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHERE I CAN AQUIRE THE AFORE MENTIONED PISTOL? I LIVE IN WA. STATE SO WE HAVE PLENTY OF SPORTING GOOD STORES,I have called more than one every week for all this time and am beginning to wonder if they exist. CAN SOME HELP ME??????
Ive had the xd 45 service, and had NOOOO problems…shoots amazingly straight at 25 yards easy, comfortable grip, i carried it while riding my chopper, and again, no problems…for the price, its more than worth the money…
Sold my xd45 service and purchased the xd45 tactical w/thumb safety. I also would never carry the service with a round in the chamber. Probably a throwback to my 1911 days but I like to have ultimate control of the safety and not rely on “automatic” safety features.
Couple the xd45 tac with a Safariland 6365 holster with the SLS and the ALS and you have an arguably perfect match. With this holster the thumb is set at exactly the right place to sweep the safety off when drawing. You don’t loose any time whatsoever messing with the safety, none at all. I’m using the 6365-149-131 and it’s simply a great match.
Also sold my PX4 because the thumb safety operates opposite of what the XD does. When drawing from a holster extra time is need to disengage the thumb safety, (flipping it up), in contrast the more natural downward movement to disengage the safety on the XD.
I just ordered a Service Model 45 acp with ambi safety. I just like the way it looks with the safety and to see a red dot on the side sort of makes it complete. I have an XDM without an external safety and carry that with one in the pipe and it’s never been a problem. Then again I carry my 1911’s cocked & locked too. Once you get used to that sort of carry it’s no big deal. I owned a few Glocks that I carried one in the chamer with and always did wonder about if for some reason I had to stick the gun in my waistband if I would shoot my nuts off ? With the XD, having the grip safety alone makes it safer let alone a manual safety. Im now a fan of Springfield XD/XDM and I’ll never buy another glock again. The XD/XDM is made much better. Beefier slide and frame, steel trigger and sights, nicer slide and mag releases, stainless magazines and so on. The quality is there !
I bought a 5″ XD45 with the thumb safety in 2010. Two years later, I’m still waiting for the company to bring out an XD9 with the thumb safety, or perhaps a .22 LR conversion kit.
Recoil was a bit snappy with the stock 18 pound recoil spring, but putting in a 20 pounder calmed it right down. I am thinking of getting a trigger job done on it.