In a firearms market that’s saturated with new releases and flashy designs, the Springfield Armory XD Tactical Model .45 ACP has stood the test of time for quality and reliability. This review explains why this model, available for nearly two decades, keeps winning over so many shooters.
Historically, American law enforcement and armed citizens preferred handguns with 5″ and 6″ barrels. Through time, this evolved to 4″ barrels, although the classic 1911 was typically fitted with a 5″ barrel. The Springfield XD Tactical .45 retains the classic 5″ barrel length of handguns of old; this does bring the advantages of reduced muzzle rise, higher bullet velocity, and greater precision due to a longer sight radius.
The XD Tactical .45 is part of Springfield’s legendary XD series—relentless, dependable, and serviceable. It maintains the same great ergonomic fit as the 4″ model, even though it has a longer barrel. Otherwise, the polymer frame, striker firing system, and smooth trigger are all consistent with the XD series line, including the much-liked grip safety. Other design features include an ambidextrous magazine release, steel three-dot sights, a large trigger guard for gloved use, and an accessory rail for lights or lasers.
Noticeably, among their features is the 5″ hammer-forged steel barrel with a Melonite finish that boosts its wear and corrosion resistance. For this length, the gun stays quite well-balanced and feels comfortable in the hand, as it does inside an IWB holster. One of the biggest surprises is that the XD Tactical .45 has a similar width to its 9mm and .40 caliber cousins, which makes it a very comfortable fit for most hands.
Now, performance is the final exam any firearm is going to have to ace, and it does so in spades with this XD Tactical .45. The author ran more than ten different loads through the pistol, including FMJ and defensive rounds from 78 grains to 230 grains. The gun performed flawlessly, and every round went off without a hitch.
Recoil and muzzle rise were very mild, even with the potent .45 ACP cartridge. A longer barrel will help to give a softer recoil and less muzzle rise; this gives way to quicker and more accurate follow-up shots. In particular, he mentioned the Hornady Custom load, which was driving a 230-grain XTP hollow point at +P pressures that broke the 900 fps barrier with very few muzzle flash registrations.
Ammunition Performance
- Fiocchi 200 JHP: 904 fps, 363 ft-lbs, 1.25″ accuracy
- Hornady Custom 230 gr XTP +P: 910 fps, 423 ft-lbs, 1.32″ accuracy
- Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense 78 gr JHP +P: 1,980 fps, 679 ft-lbs, 1.38″ accuracy
These results show how accurate and reliable the XD Tactical .45 truly is, making it a very formidably accurate self-defense option.
The Springfield XD Tactical Model .45 ACP is a rugged, accurate, and well-balanced firearm that has withstood the test of its years. In accuracy and recoil management, a couple of benefits are brought in by the 5″ barrel, making it fit for home defense and recreational shooting. Those looking for an already proven .45-caliber pistol will want to put the XD Tactical .45 high on their list; this pistol gives classic design merged with modern performance.
In the final analysis, the Springfield XD Tactical .45 ACP is second to none, representing an ideal pinnacle of firearm perfection that marries historical reverence with modern functionality few other pistols can rival.