Author’s Note: In the nearly two years since I wrote this post, I have realized that I should never have compared these two weapons because one is a service model with 4″ barrel and one is a sub-compact with 3″ barrel. I will, in the near future, write a new entry comparing both models in a service revolver.
I wrote an entry a while back wondering whether people had any positive or negative experiences with the Springfield Armory XD Sub compact .40 S&W pistol. I got lots and lots of positive feedback and nothing negative. I wrote to Springfield Armory asking for some literature on the pistol, but never received a reply. Perhaps the marketing department isn’t interested in pro-gun bloggers…
Anyhow, I’ve just stumbled across the Smith & Wesson M&P .40. The two weapons appear very similar, and I’m wondering which weapon would be better for my primary carry pistol.
Let’s start with images of both:
And here’s a handy chart of specs I care about:
| Springfield Armory XD Sub Compact .40 | Smith & Wesson M&P .40 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Capacity |
9+1
|
15+1
|
| Barrel Length |
3.1″
|
4.25″
|
| Trigger Pull |
5.5-7.7 lbs
|
6.5 lbs
|
| Retail Price |
$536
|
$624
|
I would like to know my readers’ experiences with these two weapons. How do they stack up against each other, aside from the fact that they are both made of modern polymers and both manufactured by reputable companies? The SA XD 40 is smaller but has less magazine capacity. The M&P 40 weighs more and holds more ammo.
Which one is more accurate? Which one feels better in your hands? Which one would you rather stake your life on if your life depended on a single trigger pull?