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How to Take Out an XD-40 Locking Block

The XD series of semiautomatic pistols represents Springfield Armory's entry into the market of lightweight, polymer-framed firearms. The XD-40 is chambered in the potent .40 Smith and Wesson cartridge, and is known for being both accurate and reliable. It is built to compete in the law enforcement market with other popular pistols, such as the Glock 23 and the Sig Sauer P228. Taking the pistol apart and removing key parts, such as the locking block, can be performed in less than a minute.

Things You'll Need

1/16-inch punch
Brass hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Eject your pistol's magazine by pressing the release button on its grip, and allowing the magazine to fall free. Rack the slide while keeping the pistol pointed in a safe direction, preferably toward the ground. This ensures that your weapon is unloaded and ready to be taken apart.
- 2
  Rack the slide all the way back and engage the slide lock, which will keep the slide from returning to battery. Flip the take-down lever, which is located on the left side of the pistol's frame, upward. Release the slide lock and slowly let the slide return to the forward position.
- 3
  Pull the trigger and push the slide forward to remove it from the frame. At this point, you should be able to look down into the frame itself and see the locking block assembly. There are two metal pins, known as trigger pins, that keep the block in place.
- 4
  Place the tip of a 1/16-inch punch onto the first trigger pin, and tap lightly with a brass hammer. The pin should move out of position without a lot of force. Repeat this on the second pin. You should now be able to lift the XD-40's locking block out of the frame with ease.

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