Few firearm manufacturers have garnered a reputation like that of Springfield Armory. For decades, they’ve been a staple brand of the industry, providing enthusiasts with a plethora of handguns and rifles for both civilians and professionals alike.
Although they were known for producing only a few rifles and handgun options in their early years, they’ve gone on to take their classic options to new heights, while also venturing into producing more modern firearms as well.
With such a massive presence, it’s easy to see why Springfield Armory is one of the most well-known brands in the industry. And with such a vast array of options to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the sauce when checking out their lineup. Below, we’re looking into the history of Springfield Armory and highlighting some of their most notable firearms.
Springfield Armory: A Historical Perspective
Many enthusiasts often mistakenly believe that the Springfield Armory we know today is the same as the historic Springfield Armory founded in 1777 that produced weapons for the U.S. Military for nearly two centuries. However, that armory closed its doors in 1968.
Following its closing, Elmer C. Ballance of LH Manufacturing reused the name to produce M14 rifles redesignated as the M1A for the civilian market. As the popularity of these rifles grew, Ballance sold the company to Bob Reese, who would expand the company’s lineup to include 1911s. The company’s success skyrocketed soon after, and they began producing newer versions of the M1A and 1911. Later, in 2001, Springfield Armory partnered with the Croatian firearm manufacturer, HS Produkt, and they later began developing their XD line of pistols, one of the most popular they offer.
Today, they’re one of the most successful firearm manufacturers around, and their lineup has expanded to include a plethora of unique rifles and pistols. As we mentioned above, with such a diverse lineup of firearms, it can be daunting when you’re faced with exploring their options. Below are some of their most popular rifles and pistols to help you get an idea of what they’re all known for.
Springfield 1911: A Timeless Classic
Springfield Armory has been making 1911 pistols for several decades. Their lineup consists of several models, but among them, the Mil-Spec, Operator, and TRP series are some of their most popular.
Their Mil-Spec 1911s pay homage to the classic M1911A1 design, albeit with some modern refinements. It’s equipped with a 5-inch, match grade stainless steel barrel, and has a retro-style arched mainspring housing, curved hammer, and a short military-style trigger. In addition to its match-grade barrel, they also come with combat style 3-dot iron sights and cocobolo wooden grips, to add to its capabilities and overall aesthetics.
Operator pistols are an upgraded version of the 1911, made to be more suitable as a defensive pistol. They come standard with an ambidextrous safety, forward serrations for easier racking, a rounded skeletonized hammer, VZ Grips® G10 grip panels, tritium sights, and they have an accessory rail for weapon lights. Depending on your preference, they’re available with either a 4.25- or a 5-inch forged barrel, and they can also come in an optic-ready configuration as well.
Lastly, their Tactical Response Pistol (TRP) is an updated version of their earlier Professional series 1911s. They share many features in common with the Operator series but are better equipped for more demanding professional applications as they come with Springfield’s Gen 2 Speed Trigger, a two-piece mag well for easier reloads, and Hydra G10 grips from VZ Grips. Additionally, they’re available with either a carry contour, or a standard 1911 frame, and like with the Operator, you have the choice of going with either a 4.25- or a 5-inch barrel.
Springfield Armory’s Modern Pistol Lineup
Springfield Echelon
The Springfield Echelon is their current flagship pistol offering with a unique frame design that comes with interchangeable backstraps, a new adaptive grip texture, textured indexing points, and it has an oversized trigger guard for easier control when wearing gloves. However, one of the most unique aspects of the Echelon is its Central Operating Group. Much like SIG’s P320 and P365 FCU, the COG is the serialized part of the firearm, meaning you can freely swap out the frame for another to better suit your preferences without having to register the frame like you would with other handgun models.
Another cool feature of the Echelon is its use of Springfield’s new Variable Interface System for mounting optics. The slide is cut to accommodate a set of self-locking pins, which can be configured to fit different optic mounting footprints without needing to use an adapter, giving your optics a low mount height. Plus, you’ll be able to cowitness with your stock iron sights with no issues.
Right now, the Echelon is available in either a full-size or compact version—full-size models come with a 4.5-inch barrel and both a 17- and 20-round magazine, while compact ones have a shorter 4-inch barrel as well as 15- and 18-round magazines. Aside from this both compact and full-size pistols come with the same features, and they’re both available in several configurations with some coming with threaded barrels, or built-in compensators.
Springfield Hellcat
The Springfield Hellcat is a micro-compact 9mm pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. Standard Hellcat pistols are equipped with a 3-inch barrel and are available in an OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) optic-ready configuration. By using a specialized double-stack magazine, it has an 11-round capacity that can be further increased to 13 when using the included extended magazine. Considering the Hellcat has a width of just 1 inch, its capacity is impressive. Moreover, the Hellcat RDP (Rapid Defense Package) has the same design, but comes pre-equipped with a longer 3.8-inch threaded barrel, a proprietary compensator, and a Shield SMSc mini-reflex sight.
The Hellcat Pro expands the dimensions of the pistol to increase its magazine capacity and grip size. It still maintains a 1-inch width, but it has a longer slide and barrel, and a taller frame, giving it a standard capacity of 15-rounds, though it also comes with an extended 17-round magazine. Additionally, just like the Echelon, these pistols are available in multiple configurations like the Hellcat Pro Comp, which has a built-in compensator, with other models coming pre-equipped with optics, weapon lights, and threaded barrels, depending on the package.
Springfield XD
Of the many semi-automatic pistols offered by Springfield, the XD line has long been one of their most popular, with them being available in multiple configurations such as the standard XD, XD Mod.3, XD-M, and XD-S series pistols.
The Standard XD is the pistol that started the entire XD line, blending utility and affordability. Each one comes standard with a passive grip safety, loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide, an ambidextrous mag release, and they can be chambered in either 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP. Unlike other pistols in the XD line, these are a more budget-friendly possibility and aren’t available in an optic-ready configuration. Still, for those looking for a simple, affordable, and reliable handgun, they’re hard to beat.
The XD Mod.3 builds upon the foundation of the standard XD, featuring an updated frame with more aggressive grip texturing. Aside from this, they share many of the same features, but the Mod.3 comes standard with enhanced fiber optic sights and is also available in an OSP optic-ready configuration, making them a solid pistol for home defense or everyday carry.
XD-M pistols are a more premium option designed to provide the most utility in professional level applications. These pistols come equipped with enhanced slide serrations, a flared magwell, and a hammer forged match grade barrel that can come with threaded, depending on the model. Additionally, they’re available in an OSP configuration as well as either a full- or compact frame size. Another unique facet of the XD-M is that it can also come chambered in 10mm in addition to 9mm, making it the only 10mm pistol choice in the entire XD line.
Lastly, the XD-S is a compact, single stack pistol, designed for concealed carry. Their single-stack design gives them a thin profile to minimize the risk of printing, while their 3.3-inch barrel keeps them lightweight and easy to conceal. XD-S pistols are available with their Mod.2 frame that has a similar grip texturing to the XD Mod.3, and they can also come in an OSP configuration. Aside from this, they can come chambered in either 9mm or .45 ACP.
Springfield Armory’s Modern Rifle Lineup
Springfield SAINT Rifles
Springfield’s SAINT series consists of various AR platform rifles, which are available in three distinct configurations: the SAINT, SAINT VICTOR, and SAINT EDGE. Standard SAINT rifles are a solid entry-level AR-15 that’s ready for use out of the box. Using a mil-spec receiver set, they come equipped with either BCM or B5 systems furniture, flip-up iron sights, an upgraded nickel boron coated trigger, as well as their Accu-Tite tension system to minimize receiver wobble. As they stand, they’re ready to use for recreation or home-defense, but they can also serve as an excellent blank canvas for your next AR build.
SAINT VICTOR rifles are a step up from the standard SAINT rifle. While they share many of the same qualities, SAINT VICTOR rifles come with a free-floating M-LOK handguard, an enhanced flat-facing trigger, added QD mounts, and an enhanced muzzle break. There’s a bit more variety with these rifles too, instead of coming in just 5.56 NATO, the SAINT VICTOR is available as an AR-10 chambered in .308 Winchester, and as a PCC chambered in 9mm. So, if you’re looking for a good budget rifle that has some added modern comforts, this is the one to get.
A premium AR-15, the SAINT EDGE is designed to be as lightweight and adaptable as possible, making it a solid choice for just about every application. These rifles are built around a billet receiver set that has a unique design and integrated QD sling points. Additionally, they come with a slim profile barrel, a modular match trigger, an adjustable gas block, and an upgraded BCG. Currently, these rifles are only available in 5.56, and they’re also available in an SBR configuration too. As mentioned, these are a more premium rifle option, so they aren’t as budget friendly compared to the other SAINT rifles. Still, they’re a solid pick that’s both lightweight and utilitarian.
Springfield SA-16
The SA-16 is a capable rifle that’s designed for collectors and retro enthusiasts. They capture the aesthetics and feel of the classic M16A2 but are built with modern components to make them more capable in the modern rifle space. SA-16 rifles keep the classic fixed carry handle A2 upper receiver that’s synonymous with the M16A2, and to round out this rifle, they come with an A2 stock and handguard, a fixed front sight block with a bayonet lug, and a classic birdcage style flash hider.
Even further, it comes with a 20-inch chrome lined barrel that has M4 feed ramps, and the BCG has been MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection), and HPT (High Pressure Testing) tested to ensure they’ll stay reliable in harsh conditions. So, regardless of whether you want a retro rifle for the range, or just want something a bit different, the SA-16 is a standout option.
Springfield Hellion
The Springfield Hellion is a unique departure from the standard of rifles offered by Springfield. Unlike their other rifles, the Hellion is made by HS Produkt and is the civilian version of the VHS-2, the current standard issue rifle for the Croatian military. As such, these rifles have a battle-tested and proven design that can be used in many applications.
Hellion rifles are fully ambidextrous, coming with a reversible ejector for both left- and right-handed enthusiasts, and they’re available with either a 16-, 18-, or 20-inch hammer forged barrel, as well as an adjustable gas block. Outside of these features, these rifles all come standard with an upper picatinny rail for mounting optics, integral iron sights, an adjustable stock, an M-LOK compatible handguard, and a removable BCM AR grip.
Being a bullpup, these rifles are very compact. They have an overall length of 28.25, 30.25, or 32.25 inches, depending on your barrel length option, making them a solid rifle for everything from home defense to competitive and duty applications—plus, they’re a great pick if you’re looking for an alternative to the AR-15.
Springfield Model 2020
The Model 2020 marks another departure from the norm for Springfield. They’re the first bolt-action rifles they’ve offered, with models like the 2020 Waypoint being among the most popular of the 2020 lineup.
Waypoint rifles have several features that make them a strong contender for those interested in running a bolt-gun. To start, they use a Remington 700-style action—one of the most popular bolt-action receiver footprints—and they come equipped with a picatinny rail for optics, fluted bolt, and a removable bolt knob for easy customization. In addition to their core features, they come with an exceptionally lightweight carbon fiber stock that has an adjustable cheek comb and several mounting points for slings and other accessories. To reduce its weight even further, these rifles can come with either a carbon fiber or a fluted barrel, both of which are threaded to accept various muzzle devices.
Moreover, they boast an incredible caliber selection too, with them coming chambered in many common hunting and long-range precision calibers. While the 2020 Waypoint is an excellent platform for hunting and precision, for simpler plinking, Springfield also produces rimfire variants of the Model 2020. These rifles are available with either a wood or composite stock, and they use the ever-popular Ruger 10/22 magazine, making them a great affordable option fit for training beginners, or just for having fun.
Conclusion
Springfield Armory has built up a time-tested reputation for their continued production of classic firearm models, and their development of more modern ones. After getting their start by making reproductions of the M14, they’ve since become a staple of the firearm industry and have many innovative rifle and handgun designs under their belt, providing something fit for every enthusiast.
For enjoyers of historic rifles and pistols, their mil-spec 1911 line and SA-16 rifles are an excellent time capsule, blending classic firearm designs with more modern parts and components for enhanced reliability. And for those interested in more modern platforms, you have a vast array of pistols like their Echelon, Hellcat, and XD series, as well as rifles like the SAINT series, Hellion, and Model 2020 rifles to choose from.
At the end of the day, Springfield Armory truly offers something for everyone. And with their commitment to excellence, they’re sure to continue producing innovative firearm designs for a long time. If you’re looking for a long-range semi-auto rifle, we recommend checking out our guide, “Understanding the DMR”. It goes over the history and capabilities of DMR style rifles and even goes in-depth on Springfield’s M1A rifle platform.
