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Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 OSP Review: The Definition of Bang For Your Buck
Springfield Armory is not one of the first manufacturers to come to mind when you think of budget firearms, which is not a bad thing. So it catches your attention when it releases a pistol with an MSRP of only $325 and still features things like an optics-ready slide, a flat-face trigger, and a 16+1 capacity.
A simple yet attractive aesthetic.
The XD Mod.3 checks many of the boxes you’d likely have on a concealed carry or home defense pistol without breaking the bank. And given Springfield’s track record of reliability, I wouldn’t expect this one to be any different. But that’s why we test guns and validate for ourselves, hence this review.
We’ll examine the features more closely and provide hands-on feedback from our trips to the range to help you decide if the XD Mod.3 is a hidden budget gem or is nothing more than an expensive paperweight.
Features
Safety was at the forefront of the design process for this pistol. Right off the bat, you’ll notice some additional safety features, such as grip safety and striker-status indicator. There is also a loaded chamber indicator up top that’s a bit less noticeable.
Notice the striker status indicator at the rear of the slide for enhanced safety.
The optics-ready slide features front and rear serrations for easy manipulation and includes a fiber optic front sight for quick target acquisition. You can mount most of the popular optics as long as you have the correct plate. I chose to run it without an optic for my testing, but I’ll probably throw my Swampfox Liberty II on it to stick with the budget theme.
The fiber optic front sight is a nice touch.
While the grip texture isn’t as lovely as the Adaptive Grip Texture that you find on some of Springfield’s other pistols, it still gets the job done, and the gun feels nice in hand. The undercut trigger guard helps you achieve solid purchase, and the flat-face trigger allows for consistent follow-up shots.
16 rounds is nothing to turn your nose up at.
Lastly, there is a good-sized accessory rail to mount your favorite lights, and it comes with a 16-round magazine; only one though, so make sure to grab a few extras.
Range Time
I’ve put an even 300 rounds through it, consisting of 124-grain Blazer Brass FMJs, 115-grain Fiocchi Range Dynamics FMJs, and 115-grain Hornady Zombie Max FTXs. I’m happy to report that the Mod.3 had no issues with any of it.
A nice mix of range and defensive ammo.
I kept my shooting between 7 and 20 yards, and the pistol was more than accurate enough to be considered for a defensive role, even without an optic. The fiber optic front sight was easy to spot between the white dot rear sights, and while the trigger reset is a bit long, the break is crisp. It’s a very repeatable pull, which kept my follow-up shots tight.
The XD Mod.3 fits great in hand.
From an ergonomic perspective, the grip feels very nice, and the texturing is not overly aggressive. Whether you have medium, large, or extra-large hands, you should be shooting comfortably with the Mod.3.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Barrel Length | 4 Inches |
| Capacity | 16+1 Rounds |
| Length | 7.3 Inches |
| Width | 1.2 Inches |
| Height | 5.5 Inches |
| Weight | 27 Ounces |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable without lacking features
- Not picky with ammo
- Optics-ready slide with fiber optic front sight
- Flat-face trigger provides a consistent pull
- Accessory rail and ambidextrous mag release are nice touches
- Accurate
Cons
- It only comes with one magazine
- Not a fan of the grip safety (personal preference)
Final Thoughts
If you’re strapped for cash but want to ensure you’re not settling for an unreliable or low-capacity tool to defend yourself with, I strongly recommend you consider the XD Mod.3 from Springfield.
At this price, you can afford to pick up a new range bag too!
Boasting a 16+1 capacity, an optics-ready slide, and its given reliability, this pistol is positioned to make plenty of the “best bang for your buck” type lists in 2025.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
