Is the Springfield Armory XDM 5.25 good for survivalists?

Let's talk about the Springfield Armory XDM 5.25 in 45 ACP.

First of all, if you are looking for a Guns & Ammo type of review on this piece, you aren't going to get it here.....sorry.

If you are looking to learn whether or not this Springer is suitable for survivalists needing a handgun, keep reading; I will provide my opinion on this.

What makes a pistol good for survivalists?  Are there any special characteristics that one looks for for a survival pistol?  What types of pistols are good to choose?

Let me first provide a public service message in advance for everyone reading: Your chances of survival in an armed encounter grow exponentially better if you are holding a combat shotgun or AR15 carbine in your hands compared to any handgun.  We all need to recognize that a handgun is simply a back-up weapon used to cover your ass when your rifle or shotgun runs out of ammo or breaks on you.  Handguns should never be your first choice for a weapon, unless of course, it is your only choice.  All things being equal, the man with the handgun loses to the man with the rifle.

In my opinion, the following traits are desirable in a survival handgun:

• Should be a pistol instead of a revolver
• Should be chambered in 9mm, 40 S&W or 45 ACP
• Should be a full size, duty sized gun
• Should have a double stack magazine
• Should have a polymer lower receiver
• Should have a simple manual of arms
• Should be a dark color

Addressing my points one by one: 

A pistol is capable of being reloaded faster and has greater ammunition capacity than a revolver.  While I like and respect wheelguns, a pistol with two or three magazines gives you a better chance of making it out alive in a situation where rioting and mob activity arises due to a breakdown in the rule of law.

The calibers mentioned are all popular defensive calibers that, to a greater or lesser degree, perform adequately as man-stoppers without excessive recoil.  More importantly, ammunition for them is commonly available and inexpensive, which means that you can stockpile it in large quantities or scrounge it up easily after a breakdown in society.

Pick a full size fighting pistol, not some little bitty gun.  There is no good reason for carrying a sub-compact concealment pistol after the SHTF.  In these three calibers they are more difficult to shoot well, they hold less ammo, they generate lower ballistic performance (stubby little barrels), have smaller sights that are harder to see, make more muzzle blast/noise, have more recoil (which make follow-up shots slower) and produce large fireballs from the muzzle that ruin your night vision compared to a full sized pistol.  Make sure to choose a full size pistol that has at least a 4.5" barrel, and 5" is better yet.

The double stack magazine gives you greater ammunition capacity.  Remember, we will not be exposed to the same kinds of armed defensive scenarios that we have now.  Most shootings involve three rounds or less, on average, in our current society.  If the rule of law falls, you will see rioters, mobs and looters massed together in large numbers.  Make sure you pick a delivery system that holds enough ammo to fend them off, as well as several loaded magazines in reserve.

A pistol with a polymer lower receiver will be lighter than a standard pistol, as well as more rust resistant.  You will be carrying this pistol on your person, 24/7, if a breakdown in society occurs.  Ounces turn into pounds, and pounds turn into pain.  Keep it light, and your body will be much happier at the end of the day.  You will have enough on your plate trying to take care of the basic necessities of life after SHTF, so less worries about rust and firearms maintenance is a good thing.

A simple manual of arms means that you can hand your pistol to anyone willing to help you out in a firefight, who may or may not be a gun expert, and still get positive results.  An active gun fight is not the time to have to explain how condition one is different from condition three.  Your basic point and shoot polymer gun is perfect for this situation.

Pick a dark colored pistol.  That high-polished stainless steel finish looks really groovy sitting in the case at the gunshop, and your friends will really like the bling factor, but it will also totally give away your position to the enemy at night.  Choose dark colors instead to blend into the night.  If you already have a stainless gun and can't trade it off before disaster strikes, remember that Krylon is your friend.

The XDM 5.25 meets all of the criteria I have listed for a survival handgun.  There are a number of other pistols on the market that also will work fine, such as the Glock, and the S&W M&P, but some of the features of the XDM in 45 ACP that appeal to me are:

• 5.25" barrel for better ballistic performance and a longer sight radius.
• 13+1 ammunition capacity.
• Fiber optic front sight for outstanding visibility.
• Low profile adjustable rear sight.  Snag free & zero any load.
• Fully supported feed ramp makes for a safer pistol if an over-pressure round is encountered.
• Interchangeable back straps allow custom fit for your hand.
• Lanyard ready for better weapon retention.
• Loaded chamber indicator and cocking indicator can be verified by feel even in total darkness.
• Minimal reset trigger allows for faster,more accurate shots on target during double taps.
• Rail system allows for weapon light.
• Match grade barrel for outstanding accuracy.
• Lightening cut on top of slide lowers weight & helps balance.

While there isn't a right or wrong choice in full sized, polymer framed, double-stack pistols, I believe that the Springfield Armory XDM 5.25 is one of the very best pistols you can pick for this application.  The features built into the gun, the workmanship and quality are all first rate.  If you ever need it to save your bacon, it won't let you down.

LWM out..................