Springfield Armory’s XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP model offers up very similar features in addition to filling a similar footprint. The XD-M Elite series of pistols includes a variety of improvements and upgrades including the company’s new flat-faced META trigger that offers a very clean take-up and an improved break at around 5.5 pounds of pressure. The break isn’t exceptionally crisp but the pull is very smooth and consistent.
Other improvements to the XD-M Elite series are the more aggressive front and rear cocking serrations, enhanced grip texturing and a more prominent memory bump on the grip safety. The Elite offers a fully ambidextrous magazine release and it includes an ambi slide stop as well. The tall grip frame includes interchangeable backstraps for a more custom fit and a low-profile magazine well to assist with quicker reloads.
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Other appointments for the XD-M Elite 4.5 OSP include a U-Dot sight package with a white “U” outline at the rear and a fiber-optic pipe up front for precision aiming. The OSP model also sports a slide cut for mounting various optics and it can be had with or without the company’s Hex Dragonfly red-dot, which shipped with our review pistol. Additionally, each 10mm XD-M 4.5 Elite ships with two magazines that boast an impressive 16+1 capacity.
Since the Smith and Springfield Armory were the only 10mm pistols in the bunch, we did a more direct comparison between the two up front before we scored them in the general mix of the full-size pistols. I found that my ideal full-size 10mm pistol would actually be a blend of the XD-M Elite and the M&P 2.0, and I wasn’t alone in that regard.
The M&P M2.0 had a lighter and crisper break than the XD-M Elite, and while neither pistol’s reset was exceedingly short, the M&P’s reset was definitely more assertive with a tactile and audible click. The XD-M’s reset barely registered as it came forward. Additionally, the grip texturing on the M&P was fantastic, offering superb traction, while the XD-M’s grip felt a little slick by comparison.
On the flip side, for absolutely everyone who tried the two pistols, the XD-M Elite seemed to soak up the felt recoil much better than the M&P 2.0. The M&P’s recoil felt sharper and more abrupt. And, despite the XD-M Elite’s slightly greater capacity and slightly thicker width, the grip felt more comfortable in the hand. It was more rounded, while the M&P 2.0 had a more oblong, front-to-back feel to it. Finally, most preferred the U-Dot sight arrangement on the XD-M for running with no red-dot, but the Smith’s suppressor-height sights had the advantage of co-witnessing with an optic.
