The Advantage Arms XD940-4 is a .22 LR conversion kit designed specifically for the Springfield Armory XD (classic/non-XDM) 9mm/.40 S&W models with a 4" service barrel or compatible 5" tactical models. It does not fit XDM frames, sub-compact 3" models, or certain aftermarket-modified frames.
Key Features and Specs
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (converts your centerfire XD into a rimfire trainer)
- Barrel Length: 4.49" (black finish; heavier than a typical .22 barrel for better balance and reduced muzzle flip on the XD frame)
- Capacity: One 10-round magazine included (polymer, reliable feeding)
- Sights: Adjustable rear sight (windage and elevation); removable front and rear sights
- Installation: Tool-free and quick — field-strip your XD by removing the centerfire slide and magazine, then drop on the .22 LR slide assembly (similar to Glock conversions). No permanent modifications needed. It supports last-round bolt hold-open.
- Extras: Usually includes a range bag and basic cleaning kit
- Weight/Feel: The .22 barrel has a similar outer diameter to the original, adding some heft for improved follow-up shots compared to a lightweight dedicated .22 pistol
Compatibility Notes
- Fits classic Springfield XD 9mm, .40 S&W (and listed for .357 SIG/.45 GAP in some descriptions) in the 4" and certain 5" configurations.
- Important: Confirm your exact XD model (non-XDM, non-subcompact). Advantage Arms emphasizes it works on factory-stock XD frames. Aftermarket trigger bars or other internals can cause issues.
- Separate kits exist for XDM models (e.g., 940-4M) and other XD variants.
Performance and User Feedback
Users generally praise it for:
- Cost-effective training (cheap .22 ammo for practicing grip, trigger control, and sight picture on your familiar XD frame)
- Good accuracy (comparable to the centerfire XD for practical purposes)
- Reliable cycling with recommended ammo
op Recommended Ammo (Highest Reliability)
Advantage Arms tests and strongly prefers high-velocity loads with 40-grain round nose (RN) bullets for consistent cycling in their blowback-operated .22 slides.
- CCI Mini-Mag 40gr RN (Round Nose, not Hollow Point)
- The #1 most recommended ammo by Advantage Arms and the vast majority of users.
- Excellent reliability, good accuracy, and clean-burning.
- High velocity (~1235 fps) helps the slide cycle reliably.
- Many owners report near-100% function after a short break-in period.
- Remington Golden Bullet 40gr (especially plated round nose)
- Frequently praised as a reliable and affordable option.
- Works very well for many XD conversion users; some report thousands of rounds with minimal issues.
- Cheap and widely available in bulk — great for high-volume training.
- CCI AR Tactical 40gr RN
- Another strong official recommendation from Advantage Arms.
- Similar performance to Mini-Mags with good feeding and extraction.
- Federal AutoMatch 40gr
- Often works well once the kit is broken in and properly lubricated.
- Can be hit-or-miss for some users (more failures reported than CCI), but inexpensive bulk packs make it worth testing.
Other Options That Usually Work Well
- CCI Blazer 40gr RN — Solid budget high-velocity choice.
- CCI Mini-Mag 36gr — Generally okay, but some users note slightly lower reliability due to lighter bullet weight.
- CCI Velocitor 40gr HP — Higher velocity and good expansion; works for many but test it (hollow points can occasionally be fussier in conversions).
Ammo Tips Specific to the XD940-4 Kit
- Prefer high-velocity over standard-velocity or subsonic loads — the blowback system needs the extra energy to cycle reliably.
- Round nose / plated bullets tend to feed and extract better than hollow points in these kits.
- Break-in & lubrication — Many kits improve dramatically after 100–200 rounds. Advantage Arms suggests lightly oiling the ammo (a light coat on the rounds) and the slide rails for smoother function.
- Avoid very cheap bulk "plinking" ammo with inconsistent velocities or soft lead bullets — they often cause failures to feed, extract, or eject. Lead fouling can build up quickly, so clean the kit regularly.
- Some kits are pickier than others; if you have issues, try CCI Mini-Mags first, then Golden Bullets.
