Springfield’s XD line of pistols may not be the flagship line anymore – it’s been supplanted by the awesome Echelon – but it still has a place.
The new Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 is the latest version of the manufacturer’s most affordable pistol. While most of the spec sheet looks the same as it did for the third-generation pistol, there’s one critical ergonomic upgrade.
Is this the budget blaster you’ve been waiting for? Let’s see!

Springfield XD Mod.4 OSP Specs & Features
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Action: Semi-automatic, striker
- Capacity: 16+1
- Optic Ready: Yes (adapter plates)
- Barrel Length: 4”
- Overall Length: 7.3”
- Weight: 27 oz
- Country of Origin: Croatia
- MSRP: $399
Features
- Improved slide serrations
- Grip and trigger safeties
- Loaded-chamber and striker-status indicator
- Fiber-optic front sight
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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So, what’s changed compared to the outgoing Springfield XD Mod.3?
The big change is improved front and rear slide serrations. It sounds mundane, but a little extra machining offers much better grip when you’re running a pistol fast, with gloves, or in bad weather.
These new cuts look more similar to those on the Echelon than the Hellcat series of pistols. Since I have extensive time on both, I can vouch for this upgrade’s merit.

Other third-gen updates remain. You can choose to use the factory iron rear sight and fiber-optic front sight, or use an adapter plate to mount the red dot of your choice. It still has a flat-faced trigger, grip safety, and updated grip texture.
You still get one 16-round magazine (or a state-compliant 10-round mag), and more are available for $30.99 from the Springfield store.

“The original XD established a new standard for striker-fired pistols at its launch 25 years ago,” Steve Kramer, vice president of marketing for Springfield Armory, said in a company release. “With this new XD Mod.4 OSP, you have a thoroughly modern and capable update of this proven platform that offers an outstanding level of value for the shooter.”
Springfield lists an MSRP of $399 for the XD Mod.4.
In addition to the budget-friendly XD Mod.4, Springfield is recently launched the Echelon x Aimpoint COA collaboration. That’s big news, because this enclosed-emitter red dot was initially only available on select Glock pistols.
Aimpoint uses a proprietary mounting footprint for this optic, so owning a COA is kind of joining an exclusive club.
At launch time, the Aimpoint COA is available on three pistols: the compact Echelon 4.0C, full-size Echelon 4.5F, and crossover Echelon 4.0FC.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Springfield lists an MSRP of $1,119 for the Echelon x Aimpoint COA. That means you’re essentially getting a premium enclosed-emitter optic for $409. Not too shabby!
What do you think of the new Springfield Echelon Alpha and Echelon COA? Let us know below. Curious about how these pistols shoot? Check out our original Springfield Echelon Review!
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