Springfield Armory XD 40S&W – CCW Dark Horse

Last updated March 2026 · By Nick Hall, Springfield XD 40 S&W owner who has carried concealed

Springfield Armory XD

• Caliber: 40 S&W
• Barrel: 5 inch
• Capacity:

It’s no secret that we think the Springfield Armory XD MOD.2 is the best concealed carry gun on the market right now.  We love the 9mm, but some people want a bit more stopping power.

That’s where the SW .40 version steps in. The really amazing thing is that this sub-compact handgun comes with a 12+1 capacity. It’s a small gun that packs a serious punch.

Now there are smaller guns, as the Springfield Armory measures 6.25 inches and weighs in at 1.69lb. It’s no Sig P365. But it’s a slimline weapon that has been designed to carry all day.

It is also ready to go, right away, with a grip safety that means you don’t have to click anything off when you really need your gun to work. Just use a positive grip and it will fire every time.

Razor Sharp Trigger Set

Now people have regularly hit small targets at 50 yards with the 9mm version and the trigger set is widely considered to be the best in class. It comes with a clean 6lb break and makes the opposition feel mushy. There’s a second safety in the trigger, but get the take-up with that, meet the bite  point and you’ll be amazed with this tight, sweet trigger.

It will be harder to group 40 SW ammunition at 50 yards, which is the trade-off for the massive stopping power. It has a 3-inch barrel, which is good for the concealed carry aspect and it comes with an undercut triggerguard so you can get a good, high grip under the pronounced beavertail.

It’s heavier than some, even without 13 rounds of ammunition. That is what makes this gun truly unique. The double stack magazine makes the gun just 0.2 inches wider than the average concealed carry, but capacity is everything when it comes to self-defense and Springfield Armory really got this right.

You can get 16-round mags with the integral grip extension, too, which will actually help if you have big hands.

The Best Concealed Carry Gun?

This really could be the best concealed carry gun in the world and 9mm or 40 SW comes down to your personal preference. We’d always go with a 9mm sub-compact, but then you’re here, so maybe you wouldn’t.

Both guns are absolute gems, although we think the 9mm vs 40 S&W debate is finished and 9mm has moved on to take on 45 ACP. So, if you’re thinking of upgrading your concealed carry gun, then you should seriously look at one. Also, you’re clearly left field enough to think about the Springfield XD-E with a hammer.

Springfield Armory XD MOD 2

Caliber: 40 SW/9mm/45 ACP

Capacity: 12 + 1

Length: 6.25 inch

Weight: 1.69lb

Get cheap 40 S&W ammunition online

You can stock up on ammunition and you’ll get 180 grain, boxer-primed brass bullets by the thousand at Lucky Gunner.

You can save serious money and pick up this high-grade ammo from about 23c a round, but if you’re using it as the last line of self defense then you can spend well over a dollar a round on the proper nickel-plated hollowpoints.

Check out the deals at Lucky Gunner and get truckloads of ammo delivered to your door.