Recently, I got my hands on the Springfield XDM and took it for a spin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a solid firearm with many strengths, but nothing’s perfect.
I’ve experienced Springfield XDM Problems ranging from the trigger to grip safety, not to mention the annoying roll pin and cycling problems. And let’s not forget the pesky “failure to extract” issue. I’ll detail these problems, exploring each one and offering practical solutions.
This article aims to bring these issues to light and provide easy fixes for each one, helping to
optimize your shooting experience. Remember, even though the issues may seem daunting, it’s all part of the journey. After all, what’s a good day at the range without a little challenge, right?
Overview of the Problems & their Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Problems with the Trigger | Primarily a dry firing issue. Ensure the trigger bar has room to pass the disconnector. Regular maintenance can help. |
| Not Returning to Battery | Try different HP ammunition and check the round’s OAL. Polish breech face, area under the extractor, ramp, and chamber. |
| Grip Safety Issue | Most likely due to a broken or misaligned backstrap safety. Return the piece to the seller or Springfield. |
| Roll Pin Issues | Roll pin breakage requires immediate contact with Springfield Armory for a striker pin change. |
| Cycling Issue | Switch to 200gr shots. Be patient, as the magazine release tends to loosen over time. |
| Failure To Extract (FTE) | Install a 22-pound recoil spring to cut down the slide’s velocity and mitigate the brass smear. |
Top 6 Springfield XDM Problems & Solutions
1. Problems with the Trigger
Alright, let’s talk about the trigger. I noticed something unusual with the trigger reset. Although long, audible, and tactile, the reset felt oddly extended.
In my opinion, this lengthiness seems exaggerated due to the somewhat long trigger pull and overtravel.
A peculiar issue I encountered was the frequent failure of the trigger reset.my observation made me realize that the raised boss on the disconnector safety release allowed the trigger bar to slide by.
Curiously enough, the trigger would work perfectly if you racked the slide and rode it forward. However, if you pulled the slide back and let it advance on its own, it just wouldn’t work. A unique issue indeed!
Solution
Moving onto solutions, my experience points to this as primarily a dry firing issue, which only pops up when you rack the slide in a specific way.
The trigger bar needs a smidge more room to pass the disconnector. Interestingly, when you let the slide slam forward, it rattles the system enough to function.
Over time, this action might polish things up a bit, mitigating the problem.
Keep in mind, these parts are tricky to maintain, but with consistent care and the right approach, I believe the longevity of these parts can be significantly extended.
2. Not Returning to Battery
Next up, I want to address an issue that can be a bit of a downer at the range – the last round in the magazine often failing to return to battery.
It’s a real pain when this happens, trust me. You might think, “Why not just rack the slide?” Well, I’ve been there, done that. But the reality is, it often just gets stuck, adding to the frustration.
Solution
Let’s talk about fixes. First off, experimenting with different Hollow Point (HP) ammunition might be a good place to start.
I tried swapping out bullets like the Hornady Tap to see if it could resolve the issue. Gold Dots, and PXD – both solid ammo choices. But remember, each XDM is a unique beast. Also, don’t forget to check the round’s overall length. Some firearms have a preference for shorter OAL.
Finally, a touch of Simichrome Polish can work wonders.
I found lightly polishing the breech face and the area under the extractor was particularly helpful. And hey, while you’re at it, why not give the ramp and the chamber a good polish with a tight patch and a q-tip? It’s all about those small tweaks that can make a big difference.
3. Grip Safety Issue
Now, onto a potentially serious matter I encountered – grip safety failures, particularly noticeable in the XDM 10mm models.
When acting up, the trigger bar and grip safety can cause quite the headache. During my tests, I found that pulling the trigger without disengaging the grip safety would still cause the firing pin to drop.
The slide was still locked even when the safety didn’t release as it should. But alas, the grip safety gave up the ghost. A worrisome situation, wouldn’t you agree?
Solution
Alright, let’s tackle this one head-on. The issue seems to arise due to a broken or misaligned backstrap safety.
With the XDM’s construction, the sear is designed to move up only when the grip safety is fully depressed.
The fix? Simple. If you come across this issue, your best bet is to return the piece to where you bought it or send it back to Springfield.
4. Roll Pin Issues
Let’s switch gears a bit and discuss the roll pin. During my rounds of testing, I hit an unexpected road bump – the roll pin gave way and broke.
A real bummer in the middle of an otherwise smooth test run. It’s one thing that reminds you, no matter how sturdy your gear, there’s always a chance something might give.
Solution:
Okay, so what did I do when the roll pin broke? Simple. I got in touch with Springfield Armory (SA) right away.
They’re the experts, after all. They advised me to get the striker pin changed.
5. Cycling Issue
Next on the list is a cycling issue that’s quite a bother. To put it bluntly, the magazine release is a bit of a nightmare.
It demands a switch in grip and a good deal of thumb pressure, usually needing the other hand’s intervention. It’s not fun.
I found this issue persistent with both fully loaded and empty magazines. Releasing a magazine from a standard firing position?
Good luck with that. It’s not just a pain, it also leaves a distinct imprint on your thumb. Additionally, when a loaded magazine is inserted, the rattle isn’t music tomy ears.
Solution
Here’s how I tackled this. First off, I tried sticking to 200gr shots.
The Underwood 200 gr, for example, was a good bet. I noticed that the 220s were the culprits for most of the cycling issues.
A longer button could be a potential fix, but the real bane is the force needed to press it. The effort to eject a magazine with rounds in it without altering the gun’s grip is pretty high, thanks to any downward pressure making release harder. The short magazine release button only adds to this.
6. Failure To Extract (FTE)
My experience with the Springfield XDM was a mixed bag. One thing that caught my eye was a recurring brass smear at the ejection port’s edge, right where the slide’s side meets the ejection port.
It doesn’t seem to hamper the gun’s functionality, but it’s an oddity I couldn’t ignore. It’s almost like a dog leaving its paw prints on a clean floor; it doesn’t harm anyone but is unsightly.
Solution
Before you jump to any conclusions, let’s clarify something – the extractor is a tad aggressive, but that’s nothing to lose sleep over.
My solution? I installed a 22-pound recoil spring. That seemed to help by cutting down the slide’s velocity. So if you spot the infamous brass smear, don’t fret. Try the recoil spring switch; it’s worked for me!
Conclusion
My rendezvous with the Springfield XDM was like reading an enthralling book with a few tough chapters.
A sturdy firearm, it’s got strengths aplenty. Sure, I’ve come across a handful of problems in my tests – from the overzealous extractor to the roll pin taking an unplanned vacation.
I’ve wrestled with the unyielding magazine release and shaken my head at the trigger troubles. Yet, each problem offered an opportunity for a solution, an inviting challenge, and I rose to it repeatedly.
For every fault it had, it offered a solution that added to my shooting experience.
FAQs
Is the Springfield XDM reliable?
Yes, the Springfield XD-M Elite is a reliable, enjoyable striker-fired pistol, making it a top pick for competition or concealed carry use.
Did Springfield discontinue the XDM?
Indeed, the Springfield XD-M series has been discontinued.
Is Springfield XD-M a good gun?
Absolutely, the XD-M Elite is a high-quality, durable, and impressive striker pistol that should be on your radar if you’re eyeing a new gun.
Which is better, XDM or Glock?
Both have their merits and drawbacks. It ultimately depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
