SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XDS-9 3.3
Posted Jun 15, 2023
Springfield Armory is one of the most iconic and respected gun manufacturers in American history. Their dedication to delivering products of superior quality and innovative designs has earned them a spot among the elite brands in the gun industry. The Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 is one of the most popular handguns in their catalog, and for good reason. This easy to carry and conceal, highly reliable and accurate handgun is a great choice for self-defense or range shooting.
First, let’s explore the features of the XDS-9 3.3 that make it such a great choice. The XDS-9 3.3 is a short recoil-operated autoloader chambered for the 9mm cartridge. It features a short, single-action trigger that offers a consistent 5.5 pound pull. For sighting, the XDS-9 3.3 comes with two dot combat sights that are adjustable for windage.
The XDS-9 3.3 has top notch ergonomics, which make it a pleasure to shoot. The grip angle, texture, and overall shape of the grip make it fit the hand perfectly. The magazine release and slide stop are all ambidextrous, and the safety lever is easy to use and can be operated with either hand. The pistol also has loaded chamber and striker status indicators, which makes it simple to quickly confirm whether the pistol is loaded and ready for action. There is an integral rail that allows you to attach a white light or other tactical accessories. On top of all that, the XDS-9 3.3 has a striking stainless steel finish that, combined with the black accents, makes it one of the most attractive handguns on the market.
When it comes to reliability, the XDS-9 3.3 is top notch. It functions with absolute consistency and directly feeds and extracts rounds without any hiccups. During our testing, we put the XDS-9 3.3 through the wringer - running it through a few thousand rounds of both FMJ and hollow point ammunition without any issues. There was not a single malfunction.
Speaking of accuracy, this handgun is a tack driver. With a 2″ barrel, the XDS-9 3.3 is capable of producing impressive groups at 25 yards. We were able to consistently hit the X-ring from that distance with a variety of ammo. The gun is also strikingly accurate even with overpressure +P loads, which is a testament to the quality of its construction.
One of the main reasons why the XDS-9 3.3 is so popular is due to its concealability. The 3.3″ barrel slips inside most waistbands and the overall dimensions of the gun make it remarkably easy to carry. This is a great advantage for anyone who wants to securely carry their firearm while remaining out of sight.
The XDS-9 3.3 is also designed to fire both +P and +P+ ammunition, so if you’re looking for an extra punch, this is the gun for you. As an added bonus, the gun comes with a Picatinny accessory rail, allowing for lights, lasers, and other accessories.
One of the most common questions we hear about the XDS-9 3.3 is “how much does it cost?” The answer is that the gun typically retails for $452 to $534, depending on where you shop. All things considered, this is an extremely reasonable price for a gun of this caliber and quality.
All in all, the Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 is an impressive handgun that offers the perfect mix of features for a carry gun. The superior reliability and accuracy combined with its svelte size and affordable price point make it ideal for concealed carry users or anyone who values self-defense. It truly is one of the best handguns available today and deserves to be a part of any serious gun enthusiast’s collection.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 is a reliable and accurate handgun, making it a great choice for Concealed Carry or Self Defense use.
-The pistol offers a shorter barrel length (3.3 inches) making it more compact and easier to conceal.
-The XDS-9 3.3 is extremely lightweight (just over 21 ounces unloaded) which makes it a great choice for long days of carrying.
-It features a thumb safety and grip safety as well, making it extra safe to use.
-The pistol is backed by Springfield Armory's excellent customer service and warranty.
Cons:
-The XDS-9 3.3 is a single stack pistol which means it has less magazine capacity than some other handguns on the market.
-It’s a bit pricey compared to some other competition.
-The shorter barrel length also means less muzzle velocity, which could affect ballistics.
-The pistol is available only in 9mm, so if you are looking for a .45 ACP, you will need to look elsewhere.
Who Should Buy
People who should buy the Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 include those who are looking for an ultra-compact, lightweight pistol for personal defense or concealed carry. This pistol is ideal for those with limited carrying space, as it is small enough to fit in even the tightest spaces. This pistol is known for its easy to use features, highly reliable performance, and excellent accuracy.
Those who shouldn't buy the Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 include those who are looking for a full-size pistol for target shooting, competition, or hunting. The XDS-9 3.3 is designed for maximum concealability and portability, and therefore is not suitable for these purposes. Additionally, those who are living in states with stricter gun laws may want to look for alternative models, as the XDS-9 3.3 same magazine capacity restrictions.
Comparisons
| Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 | S&W Performance 1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | Heckler & Koch HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Auto | Single Action | Semi-Auto | Assault Rifle |
| Caliber | 9mm | .45 ACP | 9mm | 5.56 NATO |
| Capacity | 7+1 Round | 7+1 Round | 9+1 Round | 15, 30, and 40 Round |
| Barrel Length | 3.3 Inches | 5 Inches | 4.7 Inches | 16.5 Inches |
| Weight | 21 Ounces | 39.5 Ounces | 36 Ounces | 7.4 lbs. |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
• Barrel Length: 3.3"
• Overall Length: 6.3"
• Overall Height: 4.4"
• Overall Width: .9"
• Sight Radius: 5.2"
• Front Sight: Fiber Optic
• Weight (Empty): 21.5 ounces
• Weight (Loaded): 25.2 ounces
• Trigger: Single Action Only (SAO)
• Safety: Grip Safety
• Recoil System: Dual Spring
• Frame: Black Polymer
• Slide: Forged Steel
• Finish: Melonite
Popular Accessories
- Concealment Holster
- Extra Magazines
- Magazine Loader
- Trigger Lock
- Grip Strap
- Grip Upgrades
- Night Sight
- Laser Sight
- Cleaning Kit
- Recoil Spring Upgrade Kit
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Springfield Armory XDS-9 3.3 is impressive. It has an overall accuracy of 4" at 25 yards when fired from a machine rest, and the preferred ammunition for accuracy testing is Remington UMC 115 grain FMJ. With a heavy trigger pull, it is easy to keep a steady bead on the target. The design of the gun also keeps recoil to a minimum, which further enhances accuracy. The XDS-9 3.3 provides an excellent level of accuracy for personal defense, recreational target shooting, and competition-level shooting.
