The Springfield XD series has a history that started in Croatia in 1991. At that time, a private production firm in Croatia, called I.M. Metal produced a pistol called known as the PHP, which stood for Prvi Hrvatski Pištolj in Croatian and translated to First Croatian Pistol. The PHP was sold in Croatia and had a reputation for being solid, but also had a number of quality issues. In 1995, I.M. Metal released the HS95, which was considered an upgrade over the PHP. In 1999, they produced the HS2000, which was the most advanced and well designed handgun they had produced yet. The HS2000 was adopted for use by the Croatian armed forces in 2000, and was exported/imported into the US by a company called HSAmerica.

The HS2000 found popularity in the US based on it's low price point, enhanced features, and performance. In 2002, Springfield Armory purchased the line and renamed it to the Springfield XD-9. The "XD" name was short for X-treme Duty as Springfield's plan was to focus the line on the law enforcement market as a viable competitor to the Glock polymer line.

The XD series is a polymer frame striker fired handgun with a short recoil for operation. One big selling point with the XD pistols centers around the safety mechanisms. The XD features the following safety features:

• Loaded chamber indicator - A button pops up when the chamber is loaded, offering both a visual and tactile warning (the button can be felt in the event of low light or dark operation).
• Cocked indicator - The rear of the slide features a cocked warning button letting the user know if the weapon is cocked.
• Grip safety - In addition the trigger safety, the XD features a grip safety that must be depressed before the weapon will fire. A favorite among 1911 users, the XD is one of the few modern handguns (aside from the 1911's), that offers this type of safety.
• Recoil guide rod - Although not really considered a true "safety" device, the XD features a recoil guide rod that also keeps the breech in battery if the weapon has to be used during contact to a target. Some less advanced handguns won't fire if the slide is depressed and the breech comes out of battery. The XD recoil guide is designed to prevent this and allow the weapon to function, even if place against a target point blank.
• Drop safety - This prevents the striker from firing in the event of a drop or sudden impact.
• Optional safety - As of 2008, the XD-45 series are available with an optional ambi manual safety.

The XD series are finished in a proprietary finish called Tenifer Plus (a similar Tenifer finish is also used on the Glock weapons), which penetrates into the metal to a certain depth. This finish creates a hardness rating of 64 on the Rockwell C hardness scale. In comparison, a diamond, which has a reputation for being one of the hardest materials on earth, has a Rockwell rating of 70.

Currently, the XD is offered in 5 different calibers:

• 9mm
• .40 cal.
• .357 Sig
• .45 ACP
• .45 GAP

Since the original XD-9 model was introduced, Springfield has released a number of other variations in different caliber/barrel length configurations including:

• XD SubCompact - Smallest model currently offered. It's available in 9mm and .40 cal.

• XD Compact - The smallest .45 caliber XD produced, with a 4" barrel and a reduced grip that holds 10 rounds.

• XD Service - The "standard" XD configuration with a 4" barrel. Offered in all 5 calibers (9mm, .40, .45 ACP, .357 Sig, and .45 GAP)

• XD Tactical - This model was developed after customer requests for a more full-size handgun. It features a 5" barrel and is chambered for all 5 calibers (9mm, .40, .45 ACP, .357 Sig, and .45 GAP)

• XDM - This model is the newest variation in the XD line with the M standing for "Match". The XDM comes is only available in 9mm, .40, or .45 ACP with a 4.5" or 3.8" barrel.

From a holster perspective, each variation has it's own dimensions. In the Service version, the XD-9 and XD-40 have extremely close dimensions so they will usually fit the same holster. The XD-45 Service requires it's own individual holster in most cases. The Tactical XD-9 and XD-40 will also typically fit the same holster, with the XD-45 Tactical requiring it's own fit.  The XDM series is significantly different from the Service series that most all the XDM series will not crossfit with a holster for the Service or Tactical.

Here are some various holsters for the Springfield XD series that are ready to ship now.