Calling itself Elite is bragging rights it has earned.
The Springfield XD-M series has long been one of the many polymer frame, striker-fired pistols that have steamrolled themselves into the market. The XD-M line of pistols has recently grown by five models that make up the Elite series. Today we are looking at the big boy of the group, the XD-M Elite Precision model.
Elite Precision Breakdown
This is a big gun, and in an age of politically correct body positivity, we gotta embrace the big boys. The Elite Precision accepts its the size and downright embraces it. The 5.25-inch barrel tops off this 30-ounce plastic fantastic. The Elite Precision model is 5.875 inches tall, with a massive hand-embracing grip. The gun is 1.2 inches wide and has an overall length of 8.3 inches.
The XD-M Elite Precision is all about accuracy, and the features most certainly reflect that. The 5.25-inch barrel gives you a very long sight radius that lends itself to precision shooting. The rear sight is completely adjustable and allows for the shooter to dial in their sights for the most precision possible. The massive grip fills your hands and allows you to firmly hold the weapon, and therefore your sights on target.
The Elite Precision is topped off with the new Springfield META trigger. META stands for Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly, and it’s a refined trigger system. The META trigger is a flat facing trigger with a short and smooth trigger pull with a crisp reset.
Beyond that, the gun remains feature-filled. You have truly ambidextrous controls to include the magazine release and slide lock. The Elite Precision is outfitted with a massive magwell for quick and easy reloads. The gun comes with three 22-round magazines and a high-visibility fiber optic front sight.
Range Time
I’m a big guy, and I appreciate big guns. The grip doesn’t force my hand to squeeze and fit into a package smaller than my hands. Immediately I was impressed with the grip ergonomics. It fills the hand but doesn’t overstay its welcome and create discomfort.
The Elite Precision name is quite braggadocios, and that meant I had to test the dang thing. I started at 25 yards and fired in five-round strings. After five rounds, I started stepping back five additional yards. I got all the way to 50 yards and was scoring more hits than misses on a ten-inch steel gong. All shooting was done standing.
The Elite Precision seemingly lives up to its name. It’s honestly addicting to hear steel ring at 50 yards with a pistol, so I might’ve done it a little too much. Even at 50 yards, I could place ten rounds of 9mm contained inside the chest of a man-sized target.
Slow fire precision is great, but what about speed and accuracy? Well, you’ll be happy to know that the Elite Precision is fast and accurate at the same time. How about sub-3-second failure to stop drills from the draw at 20 yards? With a little warm-up, I was able to draw and drop targets quite easily.
Behind the Gun
The trigger is great and very solid for both precision and speed shooting. The blacked-out rear sight contrasts well with the bright red front sight making it easy to see and acquire. With a good presentation, you’ll be able to pick up that front sight easily and get it where it needs to be.
The big gun has little recoil. The top of the slide features a lightening cut to reduce rearward mass, and that, along with the long barrel and slide combo, results in a very comfortable gun. It jumps a bit, but the difference is evident when compared to your standard XD-M series. Muzzle rise and recoil are cut, and it shows well in the design.
What Don’t I Like?
Nothing’s perfect, and I always have to find something to complain about. On the Elite Precision, it’s going to be a complaint I have amongst most XD series guns. The grip safety. I’m not a fan of grip safeties on any gun. It’s another failure point, and it’s not needed. They removed it on the Hellcat, and I think the Elite series could ditch it too.
Comp Ready
The Elite Precision is a big gun, most certainly not the friendliest for concealed carry. If you are looking for an out of the box competition pistol, this might be one of the most affordable options. It’s set up out of the box and ready to go. The Elite Precision is an accurate, reliable, and easy shooting gun that is a blast to shoot.
Is the Elite Precision for you? Let us know below.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine gunner who served with 2nd Bn 2nd Marines for 5 years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. Travis has trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines, and the Afghan National Army.
He serves as an NRA certified pistol instructor and pursues a variety of firearms based hobbies.
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