Last year, single-stack 9 mm ultra compacts were big news; this year, many of those were followed by .40 S&W models. It makes sense as both commonly share the same frame. However, Springfield’s single-stack .45 ACP required a complete redesign — and it has a lot of potential. The Springfield XDS holds five rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. The barrel is 3.3 inches, and the overall length is 6.3 inches. Best of all, it’s only 1 inch thick. Empty, the XDS weighs 21 ounces, and it is a striker-fired pistol in the tradition of the XD and XDM, with a polymer frame and forged-steel slide. The XDS is a breeze to shoot, even for a compact .45. Given where the market has seen success over the past year, it seems likely Springfield will introduce 9 mm and .40 S&W single-stacks in a year or so. MSRP $599.
