(GunReports.com) — Gun Tests’ Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine found Springfield’s brand-new XDS .45 at the Media Range Day at the SHOT Show a couple of weeks ago. The micro-sized XDS was secret, and no one knew that the gun, smaller than a Glock 36, existed until media members showed up and saw the 4-inch-tall .45.
Roger learned from world-class shooter Rob Leatham how easy it was to shoot this tiny gun with control and accuracy. With the iPhone 4S camera rolling, Roger knocked down steel plates with the tiny XDS.
The gun has a slide less than an inch wide. With a 5-round mag inserted, the gun weighed 30 ounces. With a barrel length of 3.3 inches, it’s half an inch shorter than the Glock 36. In Gun Tests evaluations, the 36 hasn’t done so well because it’s hard to shoot, but Roger said the XDS is smooth and controllable.
Springfield representatives couldn’t quote a price for the .45, which if it does well in future testing, might truly be suitable for carry in a pocket holster, in place of a .380.As noted, the stainless steel magazines have 5-round capacities, and the 3.3-inch barrel is Melonite coated and fully ramped. The trigger-pull range is said to be from 5.5 to 7.7 pounds. OAL is 6.3 inches and the height is a scant 4.4 inches.
