Springfield's XD-M is a duty-size pistol that holds 19 rounds of 9mm in a 4.5 inch barrel package. This one wears a flat dark earth finish.

A full-size frame is easy to shoot well. The grip gives plenty to hold, the barrel gives sight radius, and capacity is generous. That is why so many people choose the XD-M for home defense, range use and for open carry at a hunting camp where it is legal. For concealed carry it is bigger, but a good holster and belt make it manageable. Wipe it down after wet weather and store it dry, because North Carolina humidity is hard on steel.

The XD-M series has features such as a grip safety, a striker status indicator and a loaded chamber indicator. Owners often praise its grip texture and its trigger reset, though that comes down to taste. The FDE finish makes it easy to find in the range bag.

Run a few hundred rounds through it and you will know how it behaves. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where you complete the background check at pickup.