(Ed. note: Springfield Armory finally announced the new XDS 40. The details on the new gun are here.)
Rumors of the Springfield XDS 40 have been floating around since the introduction of the original XDS 45 at the 2012 SHOT Show. At the time of this writing, there has not been any official word from Springfield Armory, but people believe an announcement is close. I would expect the .40 caliber version to be rolled out in January at SHOT Show 2014. But, I would not be surprised to see the gun at the 2013 National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) show this fall.
The XDS 40, whenever it is introduced, will likely have dimensions identical to those of the 9mm and .45 ACP version. Both of the current versions share the same height, width and length. They both fit the same holsters. There is a slight weight difference (the .45 ACP is lighter) because of the diameter of the bore in the barrel. With a flush fitting magazine, the 9mm holds 7+1 rounds while the .45 ACP holds 5+1.
The XDS 40 would likely be the same size and would have a weight between the two existing handguns. Magazine capacity would probably also fall between the two with a 6+1 capacity. The pistol would fit the same holsters the other two XDS handguns fit.
Some people suggest the higher pressure of the .40 S&W would make this a difficult and uncomfortable pistol to shoot. I do not doubt that the recoil would be more than that of the 9mm. However, I do not think the recoil and muzzle flip would be so significant as to render the gun useless. I would expect the recoil to be about that of a Glock 27, which is generally regarded as a good carry gun.
I’ve had the chance to shoot both versions of the current XDS pistols and neither struck me as being heavy recoiling. I expect the .40 to be a little heavier, but not much. If you prefer a a gun chambered in .40 S&W, the XDS when released will likely fit the bill.
Reporting staff from GunsHolstersAndGear.com will be at the SHOT Show and the NASGW expo. When the announcement is made, we will bring you all of the details and photos of the new Springfield XDS 40.
12 replies on “Springfield XDS 40 – When Will It Hit The Market?”
Damn, I’m excited! I have been tracking down an XDs in 9mm but I think I will wait now or maybe get all three. 😀
I agree. Although tempting to go early at NASGW, I think Springfield will wait for the grander audience at next year’s SHOT. It will keep in line with their previous announcements in the XDs series.
I don’t recall where I read it, but I do remember a rep from Springfield being quoted as saying there won’t be a .40 XDS, because they don’t feel it’s necessary. The biggest complaint with the .45 is recoil, which is why they went 9mm. They feel the .40 provides no relief to the recoil issue, if not making it worse. They do not want to make a gun that will be a major disappointment to market.
It was someone pretty senior in the company, a VP or something, and it was a few months ago. I was disappointed reading it, but it also made sense.
Hi Jon,
SA has made other statements that indicate they will be making the gun, so I guess we will have to wait and see what (if anything) they roll out. I do know there are a lot of shooters who want the XDS 40. In my opinion, it would be a foolish move for the company not to make a product people were willing to buy in large numbers. The .40 is extremely popular with shooters, and not making it would seem to be a bad decision from the profit standpoint. Of course, I’ve seen companies make mistakes in the past.
Richard
I shot 1 magazine 2 weeks ago at my local excellent indoor range in Easton,PA. The XDS45 is a MUST HAVE for me. Saving my $$ hope to purchase in Setp.
Big thanks to GH & G for another great product review.
Comments to the contrary ignored… I WANT a .40 caliber XDS! The XDS doesn’t generate more recoil than the .45, yet offers more capacity and better stopping power than the 9mm. Count me in!!
Ditto. I’d love to have one of these right now.
Make it three! I’m in for one.
I was going to purchase a 9mm when they came out but due to an upcoming wedding I think I am going to wait for the release of the .40. I have always loved the round and I for one agree that if it works in .45 then why not in .40. I for one thought that .45 was to large a round for the XDS but a buddy of mine purchased one and said he loved it. Being a .40 fan though I can’t wait for the release of the XDS .40
I bet if they make it in 40, someone will make a .357 SIG barrel for it. Just sayin’.
[…] Armory XD-S 40 – Several months ago, I believed the introduction of an XD-S pistol in .40 S&W was a sure thing. Â Now I’m not so sure. Â Springfield Armory hit a major snag with the […]
The rudimentary OWB holster that came in the factory case with my XD-S 9mm 3.3″ in early 2014 has molded markings “XDS-PH1 / .45Acp .40 9mm / Made in Israel”.