After Personal Defense World’s Dennis Adler got an exclusive first look at Springfield Armory’s all new XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP, the gun made its official debut at the 2014 NRA Show.

Springfield’s XD-S Series combines industry-leading features such as a short grip frame for better concealment (even in a pocket holster), dual safeguards with blade trigger and grip safety systems, lightweight polymer frame construction and an energy-absorbing dual-recoil system spring and plunger to reduce muzzle lift.

Described as a “crossover gun” by Springfield Armory when compared to its 3.3 predecessor that was introduced in 2012, the all new XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP has the same small frame with a little more “heft.” By extending the slide length to just a fraction under 6.75 inches and the barrel from 3.3 inches to 4 inches, the new semi-auto XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP offers a longer sight radius and a 0.7-inch-longer barrel.

The Springfield XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP comes with two magazines: the flush fit and the extended sleeve. The flush fit is great for concealed carry purposes, but the extended sleeve serves the same purpose while converting the pistol to a full-size frame, allowing for a better grip. The thin nature of the XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP provides easy concealment for both magazine options.

As far as concealing the XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP, Adler says: “While the 4.0 is harder to conceal in a pocket holster because the longer slide and barrel push the pistol higher up in the pocket, when worn in a belt rig or the included XD Gear retention-adjustable, injection-molded paddle holster, the 4.0 is very easy to carry with modest cover such as shirt or open jacket.”

The Springfield Armory XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP is currently shipping.

For more information on XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP and other products from Springfield Armory, please visit http://www.springfield-armory.com.

Click here to see Dennis Adler’s firing test of the Springfield XD-S 4.0 .45 ACP!