SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XDS -9 3.3
Posted Jun 15, 2023
In an age of rapidly evolving firearms technology, the Springfield Armory XDS .9 3.3 stands out as an impressive example of a modern handgun. While many handguns may claim to be “top of the line,” the XDS has staying power and dependability that are backed up by a well-earned reputation for quality and value.
The XDS is a polymer-framed, striker-fired, single stack semi-automatic handgun chambered in 9mm. It has a 3.3-inch barrel, with a weight of approximately 22 ounces when unloaded, and a capacity of 7+1 rounds of 9mm FMJ. Its sights are fixed, with a three-dot system, and there is a small red dot laser located on the frame just beneath the barrel. The XDS features a trigger safety, and its trigger pull weight is approximately 6.5 pounds.
The XDS is an attractive handgun, with a sleek and functional design. It has a reputation for being particularly reliable in a range of environments, from humid jungles to the freezing tundra. Constructed from a corrosion-resistant polymer material, the XDS is designed to stand up to the elements and the wear and tear of daily use.
The XDS is a serviceable handgun for personal defense and concealed carry, as well as for range and competition use. It is a comfortable size for concealed carry, with its small frame and light weight making it easy to carry and conceal with minimal bulk. Its slim design and short barrel enable it to be easily concealed beneath clothing, and the fixed sights offer a reasonable accuracy for defensive purposes.
The XDS’s trigger is another advantage. The trigger pull is relatively light, as mentioned above, and its pull is smooth and consistent throughout its travel. This makes the XDS well-suited for target shooting and everyday range use, as well as for personal defense and concealed carry applications.
The XDS has a few drawbacks, but its advantages likely outweigh them. One potential setback is the location of the laser, which can be difficult to activate quickly in an emergency situation. Additionally, the trigger has slightly less travel than many competitors, making it difficult to achieve a light, crisp break needed for precision target shooting.
Overall, the Springfield Armory XDS .9 3.3 is an excellent all-around handgun, well worthy of consideration for personal defense and concealed carry use. It is easy to maintain and carries a reputation for reliable performance in a range of environments. The XDS is also aesthetically pleasing and its light weight and slim profile make it particularly useful for concealed carry. Its ability to offer reasonable accuracy for a polymer-frame self-defense handgun, as well as its trigger pull, give it a superiority over its similarly priced competitors. For these reasons, the Springfield Armory XDS .9 3.3 is a handgun that will consistently serve its buyer well.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Reliable and accurate
• Lightweight
• Good ergonomics
• Semi-automatic operation
• Modular design
• Variety of accessory options
• High capacity magazine
Cons:
• Trigger pull is heavy
• High recoil
• Not optimal for concealed carry
• Limited aftermarket support
• Relatively expensive
Who Should Buy
The Springfield Armory XDS -9 3.3 is a single-stack compact 9mm handgun designed for self-defense. As such, it is likely to be a good choice for those looking for a reliable and concealable self-defense firearm.
Individuals looking for a sporting or target pistol should look elsewhere. Also, anyone who has physically smaller hands may find it difficult to reach the controls or get a comfortable grip on the XDS -9 3.3. Those with larger hands, however, may find the XDS -9 3.3 more comfortable than similarly sized pistols.
Comparisons
| Model | Type | Caliber | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC1911 | Pistol | .45ACP | 8-10 |
| CQB Tactical LE | Pistol | 9mm | 10-14 |
| HK 416 | Rifle | 22LR | 10-20 |
Features / Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Capacity: 7+1 or 8+1
- Magazine: 1 Seven- or Eight-Round
- Barrel Length: 3.3"
- Overall Length: 6.3" Height: 4.4""
- Encountering Length: 1"
- Weight: 21.5 ounces
- Sights: Ameriglo Pro-Glo Tritium/Luminescent Front, Tactical Rack U-Notch Rear
- Grips: Polymer
- Slide: Forged Steel
- Frame: Compact, Polymer
- Finish: Black or Bi-Tone
- MSRP: $530.00
Popular Accessories
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- Holsters
- Extended Magazines
- Laser Sights
- Magazine Pouches
- Magazine Extensions
- Trigger Upgrades
- Weapon Lights
- Grip Extensions
- Trigger Enhancement Kits
- Magazine Well Inserts
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 is an impressive gun when it comes to accuracy. With its lightweight polymer frame, this semi-automatic handgun is a breeze to maneuver and helps keep recoil to a minimum, making it surprisingly accurate at even long ranges. This is helped in part by the 3-dot sights that come standard on most XDS variations, giving shooters an additional degree of accuracy when it comes to aiming. Additionally, the XDS-9 3.3 is equipped with a 4-inch barrel that can fire rounds up to 1200 feet per second, meaning shots can reach up to their intended target even faster. Thanks to its stellar ergonomics and tremendous accuracy, the XDS-9 3.3 is an ideal choice for personal defense and recreational shooting.
