In 2002, Springfield Armory, Inc., negotiated licensing rights to the United States market for the polymer-frame striker-fired HS2000 pistol being manufactured in Croatia by HS Produkt.

[4] The XD-M variant[a] (where 'M' represents match grade) was introduced in mid-2008;[5] it won "Handgun of the Year" from American Rifleman for 2009.

In January 2012, Springfield Armory announced a new variant, marketed as the XD-S.[8] The 'S' represents the single-stack magazine used, providing a slimmer grip.

It is the same as the .45 ACP model, the only difference being that the 9mm XD-S has a 7+1 capacity (with optional 8+1 and 9+1 magazines) and is marginally heavier due to a smaller barrel bore.

Many high-profile shooters and gun experts have spoken highly of the XD line, including Massad Ayoob[16] and Ron Avery.

Notes: As of March 2020[update], for the XD series, the only offerings listed on the company's website are sub-compact (in 9mm and .40 S&W) and service models (in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP).

[46] As of March 2020[update], for the XD Mod.2 series, the only offerings listed on the company's website are sub-compact and service models, both in 9mm and .45 ACP.

[56] M = Match grade Notes: S = Single stack As of March 2020[update], the original XD-S series offerings are no longer listed on the company's website.