Field Stripping a Springfield XDM

The Springfield XDM is a pretty common hand gun for both target shooting and personal defense. It comes in a wide variety of calibers as well. They however all strip down the same way. This is the proper method for taking it apart for cleaning and inspection of parts for wear.

Remember to to follow proper safety procedures what handling fire arms, and to also wear eye protection.

Step 1: Ensure the Firearm Is Unloaded and Ready to Be Disassembled

Open the action of the firearm and lock it in that position.

Remove the magazine and ensure there are no rounds in the chamber.

Step 2: Unlock the Slide

With the action in the open position use your thumb to flip up the unlock lever to the action. This can be found on the left hand side of the front portion of the firearm.

Step 3: Removing the Slide

Use your left hand to grasp the frame. Apply firm pressure as it will want to kick forward with your next action.

Use your right hand (thumb) to push down on the slide release lever, and with your left hand let the slide slowly close.

Once all the tension is out of the spring use your left hand to continue to pull the slide forward until it clears the lower frame of the firearm.

At this point the slide assembly should be completely removed.

Step 4: Disassembling the Slide Frame Assembly

With your left hand push in on the spring under the slide, then slowly pull up to remove it from the frame.

This will then allow the barrel to be free.

Set the spring in a safe place, and then use your left hand to remove the barrel by sliding it slightly forward, lifting up, and then pulling it out.

Step 5: Complete

Lay all the parts to the firearm out in an organized manner so it is easy to reassemble.

Your firearm has now been disassembled. You can start to clean the parts from here.