Springfield XD Service Pistol : How to Disassemble and Clean
Springfield XD Disassembly Guide
Want to know how to disassemble and clean a Springfield XD Service Pistol?
In this short video we’ll show you how to safely disassembly the Springfield XD.
Disassembly and cleaning procedure is essentially the same for the following striker fired models:
- Springfield Services Pistol models : XD9, XD40, XD45
- Compact models like the Springfield XDS
- Competition models like the Springfield XDM
We’ll show you the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your firearm.
Our Recommended Supplies
Simple Pistol Gun Cleaning Kit
- The exact cleaning kit we use in the video is no longer available, but this is a close alternative
Hoppe’s Elite Gun Oil
- High Quality Oil with an precision applicator built into the bottle
Springfield XD Disassembly Steps:
Step 0: Make sure that your weapon is empty before beginning
- Follow the universal firearms safety rules
- Remove the weapon’s magazine
- Check your XD’s loaded chamber indicator
- Rack the slide a few times to make sure the chamber is empty
- Visually inspect the chamber to make sure a round isn’t present
- Always point the firearm in a safe direction
- Treat it as if it is loaded
Step 1: Lock the Slide back
First, lock the slide all the way to the rear of the weapon. Note that this should engage the slide stop lever.
Step 2: Slide the XD’s takedown lever into the 90 degree position
Next, slide the XD’s takedown lever up and to a 90 degree angle. Note that if this is your first time disassembling the Springfield XD, sometimes from the factory, the lever may be very difficult to slide because of tight tolerances.
Step 3: Pull the trigger to release the striker
IMPORTANT: Per step 0, make sure that the firearm is empty and pointed in a safe direction
Step 4: Remove the slide from the frame
The XD slide should smoothly slide off of the frame. However, if it does not slide off smoothly, it could be that the striker may not be released. Carefully, do not try to force the slide if you encounter resistance. Gently, wiggle the slide and see if it’ll come loose.
Step 5: Remove the Barrel and Recoil Rod
Note that your Springfield XD is now as far disassembled as Springfield recommends. Please also note that Springfield does not recommend stripping the weapon down any further for routine maintenance. Consequently, unless you are a certified gunsmith, Springfield may void the warranty if the pistol is broken down any further.
Cleaning the Springfield XD
To clean the Springfield XD, wipe down the internal surfaces to remove any dirt and gun powder residue with cleaning pads and a cleaning solution meant for firearms. Note that our recommended cleaning products can be found above.
Problem Areas of the Springfield XD to Scrub Clean
Run a bore snake through the barrel of the weapon, making sure to clean the chamber and feed ramp thoroughly.
Make sure to clean the feed ramp to ensure reliable cycling of the firearm.
Note that it is extremely important that the feed ramp be cleaned to ensure reliable feeding. This is where most failures and malfunctions occur, so a low friction feed ramp is extra important.
Critical areas of the Springfield XD to Oil
Next, we want to apply a thin layer of oil to three areas. You don’t need the gun to be sopping wet with oil, that’s will accomplish nothing and will stain your clothes.
First, we apply a thin layer of gun oil to the outside of the barrel.
Next, we apply a thin layer to the rails on the Springfield XD slide.
Lastly, we’ll apply a thin layer of oil to the recoil assembly spring.
Reassembling the Springfield XD
Reverse the above steps to reassemble the weapon. However, do not insert the magazine.
Next, wipe off any excess oil from the weapon.
Lastly, check once again that the weapon is empty. With the weapon pointed in a safe direction, dryfire the weapon once to ensure that it has been reassembled properly.
Conclusion
The Springfield XD is a very easy weapon to strip down and maintain. Perhaps, consider making maintaining your weapons a regular part of your training regimen.
