Categories
Handguns

Springfield Armory XD-S in .40 S&W

Springfield Armory XDS 40

After several years of only 9mm and .45 ACP, Springfield Armory finally introduced .40 S&W to the XD-S line of pistols. The new gun comes in the 3.3″ version, though I would expect a 4.0″ version to also be introduced later.

Like the original models, the new XD-S is a single stack pistol designed to be a good balance between concealability and shootability. The gun is small enough to carry on an ankle, yet is not abusing to shoot.

These guns are thin: 0.9″ to be exact. This is the same size as the original .45 ACP and 9mm guns.

XDS-40

Springfield Armory includes a normal sized fiber optic front sight on the gun. That is a lot better than some of the subcompact pistols hitting the market, and it helps you get on target fast.

The pistols have a grip safety, but do not have a thumb safety. In my prior experiences with the XD and XD-S lines, I have never encountered any problems with the grip safety.

Springfield Armory ships the guns with a flush fitting 6-round magazine and an extended 7-round magazine. According to the company, 8-round magazines will also be available.

XDS-40 review

The external dimensions are the same and the original calibers: 4.4″ tall, 0.9″ wide and 6.3″ long. Since both the .45 and 9mm fit the same holsters, I expect the new .40 to be able to fit all of the existing carry rigs as well.

Springfield Armory advised the guns should be available by mid-February 2016.

.40 S&W XD-S Specifications

Caliber.40 S&W
Capacity6+1, 7+1 with extended magazine
Weight22 oz
Barrel Length3.3″
Overall Length6.3″
Grip Width0.9″
Trigger Pull Weight5.5-7.7 lbs
Sightsfiber optic front, two white dots rear
Finishblack or stainless slide, black polymer frame
MSRPnot given, ~$599 black and ~$669 two-tone

I’ve had the chance to shoot all of the XD-S variants thus far, and I have been impressed by them. I think they make an excellent CCW and backup gun depending on your needs. The 4.0 version (reviewed here) is particularly good for inside-the-waistband concealed carry as the handle is chopped for less obvious printing while still retaining the longer sight radius and increased velocity that a 4″ barrel provides.

Springfield XDS 40 review

The XD-S series pistols go head-to-head with guns like the Smith & Wesson Shield, Walther PPS and Glock 43. While I like the XD-S quite a bit, of the thin, subcompact pistols, I settled on the G43 for my own needs. My wife chose the Shield. Frankly, I think any of the four are amazing weapons and would serve you well.

So, what do you think? Has the lack of .40 kept you from buying an XD-S? Or, is this really not of any interest to you at all? Sound off in the comments below.

Last Update: October 17, 2022

Categories
Handguns

Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory Pistol

SW22 Victory

Days ahead of the 2016 SHOT Show, Smith & Wesson announced the return of an affordably-priced, dedicated .22 LR handgun to its line-up: the SW22 Victory. The new gun represents the first sub-$1k .22 LR platform pistol from the company since the Model 22A was discontinued.

As regular shooters will note, Smith & Wesson does make other .22 LR pistols and rifles. With the exception of the Model 41, these guns are essentially centerfire designs that have been reworked for the rimfire cartridge. The new SW22 Victory is truly a dedicated platform.

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Categories
Rifles

Expanse M4: Colt’s Cheap AR

Colt Expanse M4 new AR15 featured

With major manufacturers like Ruger and Smith & Wesson driving the price of entry-level AR rifles down, Colt responded in 2016 with a new rifle called the Expanse M4. The new rifle is a (very) basic AR-15 that comes in with a suggested retail price of $699.

Colt CE1000

The new rifle is a direct impingement gun with the basic M4-style features. It has a collapsing buttstock, pistol grip and A2-type front sight assembly. A polymer two-piece handguard is standard.

Colt Expanse M4

As is typical for AR-15 rifles, this gun is chambered in 5.56 NATO. It can safely fire both 5.56 and .223 Rem ammunition.

Colt Expanse CE1000 Review

The 16.1″ barrel has a 1:7″ twist that should allow it to stabilize most of the bullet weights commercially loaded for the calibers.

Colt CE1000 Expanse

Colt uses a flattop upper and does not ship with a rear sight. However, the Picatinny rail makes adding one a quick process. Many people will opt to add a red dot like the Trijicon MRO instead of, or in addition to, a rear sight.

Colt CE1000 Review

A single 30-round aluminum magazine ships with the Expanse M4.

Colt states on its web site that these rifles do not ship with a forward assist or dust cover. That’s unfortunate as these items are pretty standard with even budget AR rifles. (Thanks to reader TechnoTriticale for pointing this out.)

Colt Expanse Specifications

Here are the specs for the Colt Expanse:

Model #CE1000
Caliber5.56 NATO/.223 Rem
Magazine Capacity30
# of Included Magazines1
Barrel Length16.1″
Overall Length32.0″-35.5″
Actionsemi-automatic, direct impingement
Stock6-position, adjustable length
MSRP$699

In the wake of the Sandy Hook buying frenzy, there was a glut of AR rifles on the market. In economic terms, supply exceeded demand and prices dropped. 

Colt Expanse Price

While there have been a number of smaller manufacturers that have targeted the budget-priced AR market, additional pressure was applied by the introduction of lower-priced models from more prominent gun makers adjusting to consumer expectations of less expensive rifles.

Colt Expanse M4PSA FDE AR-15Ruger AR-556S&W Sport II
Caliber5.56 NATO5.56 NATO5.56 NATO5.56 NATO
Magazine30 round aluminum30 round Magpul PMAG30 round Magpul PMAG30 round Magpul PMAG
# of Included Magazines1111
Barrel Length16.1″16.0″16.1″16.0″
Twist Rate1:7″1:7″1:8″1:9″
Chrome Platingnonobolt carrier, gas keyfiring pin
Finishunknownhardcoat anodized FDEMilspec Type IIIArmornite
Handguard2-piece2-piece Magpul MOE M-Lokeasy removing 2-piece2-piece
Pistol GripA2-styleMagpul MOERuger gripA2-style
Front SightA2-styleA2-stylemilled A2 Style with QD-socketA2-style
Rear Sightnonefolding Magpul MBUSfolding Rugerfolding Magpul MBUS
Price$699$749$799$739

On a price-to-features comparison, the PSA AR-15 makes the most sense for a budget rifle. You can see my PSA AR-15 review here.

Smith & Wesson seemed to be doing well with it’s budget friendly M&P15 Sport rifles that were selling for less than $700 in many shops. Then Ruger introduced the AR-556 – another entry level rifle that came very well equipped with an MSRP of $749. Both of these rifles allowed a novice AR shooter to buy a rifle from a readily recognizable name.

Colt Expanse Upper

With the Expanse M4, it seems Colt is trying to capitalize on its name to reach new shooters buying their first AR rifle and more experienced hands who prefer the Colt name as a basic platform to build a more custom gun.

Watch for additional information on the Colt Expanse M4 and other new guns at the special 2016 SHOT Show page I have set up.

Last Update: June 26, 2022

Categories
Handguns

Ruger American Pistol

Ruger American Pistol

As rumored, Ruger announced its new line of handguns called the American Pistol. The new handguns are an impressive addition to the Ruger catalog, and I expect the guns will be extremely hot sellers. I also expect the guns will be a contender for the upcoming US military trials.

Table Of Contents
  1. Of Recoil and Cams
  2. Trigger Pulls and the Striker-Fired System
  3. Rugged Testing
  4. Accessories & Holsters
  5. What's Included
  6. Patent Information
  7. What's Next?

In general terms, the American Pistol is a line of duty-sized handguns that use a polymer frame and striker system. Initially, the guns will be available in both 9mm and .45 ACP, though the company hinted that these pistols are just the start of a vast line.

Let’s take a look at the highlights…

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Categories
Handguns

Dan Wesson Bruin – Long Slide 10mm, .45 ACP

Dan Wesson Bruin featured

Just ahead of the new year, CZ-USA released a sneak peek at the new Bruin being manufactured under the Dan Wesson brand. The new pistol is a 1911-style gun in a long slide configuration that will be available in a variety of finishes and two powerful cartridges.

Sporting a 6.3″ match-grade barrel, the new Dan Wesson Bruin will be available in both 10mm and .45 ACP. The gun is quite a looker in both the black and black and bronze two-tone finish. Both versions are fitted with some sharp looking VZ Grips. The black-only gun will be available in both calibers, while its 10mm only for the black & bronze model.

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