When it comes to line extensions that feature upgrades, the Savage Stance XR micro pistol offers a lot for almost the same price as the original Stance. The brand had been out of the pistol game for nearly 100 years when it first introduced the Stance in Guns & Ammo’s February 2022 issue. That model has since been discontinued — technically — but it was replaced by an updated Stance XR line. I wrote “technically” because Savage continues to support customers of the original model, and because there remains many similarities between the original and the new-for-2025 model.
Savage has a limited yet remarkable history with handguns, and I think the company re-entered handgun manufacturing in one of the best ways possible. Many G&A history buffs are familiar with the story of the Savage Model 1907, so this article won’t retrace the origin of Savage handguns. I bring it up, though, to point out how difficult and therefore impressive it is that Savage has brought back a manufacturing category after 105 years. (The Model 1907 was discontinued in 1920.) To me, that is part of what makes the Stance’s evolution fascinating.
Wanting to participate in today’s popular handgun segment, Savage utilized a proven design and updated it to meet the needs of modern concealed carry. It was a brilliant way to enter a new market. Having a solid platform to build on, it improved its function and updated aesthetics. Savage focused on adding features customers wanted. If you’re familiar with Savage’s extensive rifle line, you already know that it excels at providing options. The Stance XR is all Savage.
First, The Similarities
Before I review the latest and greatest, allow me to point out the details that Savage kept for the Stance XR. Except for the new three-slot rail, the grip and frame are the same. In fact, the grip was regarded as among the best features of the Stance. The slim design paired with the sandpaper-like texture ensures a high grip with excellent control when fired. The Stance XR frame also includes the same backstrap options and interchangeability.
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The Stance XR retains the chassis-style design, and all models of the original Stance and Stance XR continue to offer an ambidextrous manual safety, which I confirmed functioned properly at the range. The chassis is not set up for user-servicing, though, and we don’t expect an extensive aftermarket to introduce customizations. The Stance XR is optimized to run out of the box.
Finally, for the frame, Savage kept the molded overtravel stop behind the trigger, which prevents unnecessary trigger movement. On the slide, the aggressive serrations and lightening cuts were popular treatments, and the muzzle is still beveled for reholstering. The 3.2-inch stainless-steel barrel did not change, and the Stance XR slide has a black nitride finish.
What’s New?
At a glance, the Stance XR looks remarkably similar to the original, but it received major updates. Whether you choose the three white dot, night sights or XP optic-mounted version, they share upgraded magazines, trigger safeties, recoil spring and a slide cut for red-dot sights. The dual-spring guiderod incorporates a captured recoil spring. It’s a small element that highlights thoughtfulness, and it prevents a part from running away during maintenance. The trigger is similar, but a trigger safety was added to the XR, which aligns with the brand’s safety focus.
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Moving from a single-stack to a stack-and-a-half magazine increased the capacity of the Stance XR without the need to enlarge the grip module or internal chassis. The Stance XR includes one flush-fit 10-round magazine and an extended 13-round mag, bringing the Stance XR to the capacity expectations of modern everyday carry (EDC) pistols. It was a significant increase from the original Stance’s seven- and eight-round-capacity single-stack mags. Those original magazines will not work in the Stance XR.
While the old mags are not compatible, many of the holster options supporting the Stance should accept the Stance XR. Even with the new three-slot dustcover, Savage told G&A that it has been able to fit the Stance XR into Stance holsters with just a little bit of massaging. At the time of this article’s writing, there do not appear to be holster options dedicated to the Stance XR and no production light-bearing options. It may be necessary to commission one from a custom holster maker if you decide to conceal carry the Stance XR with a light attached.
“XP” Means “Red-Dot Ready”
Normally, a pistol line extension with an updated optic-ready slide doesn’t need much explanation, but the way Savage designed this one is clever. The Quick Release Optics (QRO) plate does exactly what its name implies, and it does so with a non-specific tool. Looking at the rear of the slide, you’ll notice a non-descript set screw at the top-left portion of the backplate. By depressing this with something pointy — think punch, small Allen wrench or even a pen — it releases the adapter plate or slide cover. What is the advantage of this, though?
To start, this is incredibly convenient for training at the range. As much as I love red dots, it’s important to practice with your pistol’s iron sights. The QRO lets one rapidly remove and replace a red-dot sight and return to zero, without the need to completely unscrew and remove the red dot from the plate. You can start out shooting red-dot drills, pop it off for iron-sight practice, and then reattach it in mere seconds.
Also, I’ll admit that I’m not always as conscientious about keeping an eye on my batteries as I should be. With the incredible battery life of so many red dots, it’s easy to forget how long ago they were last replaced. Should you realize your red dot’s battery has died while outside the home, you don’t need a specialized tool to remove the red dot for an unobstructed view of the irons. This is especially important if you put a red dot on the base model Stance XR, which comes with a simple three white-dot setup. You can’t co-witness a red dot with the Stance’s standard sights.
The night sight and XP models of the Stance XR come with a fantastic set of tritium night sights. These do co-witness through most micro red dots, just barely. It is enough of a sight picture to use in an emergency if the optic were to go down, but why not quickly remove the optic entirely? The QRO plate is one of the best optic-mounting solutions available for subcompact pistols.
On the subject of the QRO, each option of the Stance XR includes a QRO plate cut for the Shield RMSc mounting pattern, but a Trijicon RMRcc micro mounting plate is available upon request from Savage’s customer service department. Should you decide that you don’t like the quick-release plate, the Stance XR includes a means to permanently keep the optic plate or slide cover in place with easy-to-follow instructions in the manual.
At the Range
Testing the Stance XR started with confirming the zero of the Crimson Trace CTS-1500 5-MOA red-dot sight of the XP model. For the sake of transparency, know that I once worked in the marketing department for Crimson Trace; I do have a fondness for that company. With that in mind, I objectively think that the CTS-1500 is a fine, affordable red dot that’s good for its intended purpose. It is a nice value-add to the XP model; it is not a “combat” optic. The lens and housing are made from durable polymer, which is perfectly acceptable for light EDC use and training but it is not a duty sight.
When zeroing the CTS-1500, there was an instance during the second string of fire when the dot jumped out of place, which required a re-zero. I think it was a fluke because there were no more issues with the dot after 300 rounds of additional testing. It highlighted the importance of putting carry guns through a break-in period, especially if they may be used for defense. I’ll also add that the Stance XR had no ejection or failure-to-feed issues during the course of this evaluation.
Should you carry or train with a red dot on the Stance XR, it’s important to keep an eye on and regularly clean the objective lens of the red dot, regardless of brand. The loaded-chamber indicator atop the barrel hood leaks a fair amount of gas when fired. This isn’t an issue in a defensive situation should you start out with a clean lens, but if you shoot the Stance a lot, it may be necessary to clean the lens of grime from escaping gases before the sight picture through the optic becomes occluded.
When judging a pistol’s accuracy, it’s important to consider G&A test protocol. The Stance XR is an accurate pistol for what it is, but the heavy trigger amplified imperfections in fundamentals. Benched at 25 yards, I always produced a flyer in each five-shot string. The trigger has a short amount of takeup, but the pull weight seems to stack to the wall. G&A’s sample measured 8 pounds, 1.6 ounces, using a Wheeler digital trigger gauge. Trigger-finger fatigue also became a factor for evaluators when attempting slow, methodical shots for accuracy.
The Stance XR still shot well enough for defensive ranges, and within center mass at 25 yards. At 10 yards, which is a more likely distance for defensive engagements, five-shot groups measured less than 2 inches. I also noted that the Stance XR shot equally well with the Crimson Trace optic and the night sights at any distance. Regardless of preference for a dot or irons, the Stance XR ran well with both aiming solutions.
While running drills with the Stance XR, the safety lever was confirmed to be ambidextrous. The term “bilateral” is a better descriptor of the mag release and slide catch/release lever. The controls work as advertised when tested with the dominant hand, but it was challenging to work the slide and magazine release with only my left hand. It required support from both hands to fully utilize the controls.
The Stance XR ate all tested loads without issue. As long as I kept my thumbs off the slide, slowing slide velocity, it even ran the lightweight 65-grain NOVX load, however, I don’t recommend NOVX for defensive carry in this gun. It’s better to stick to common 115- to 124-grain defensive ammo.
Parting Shot
I really liked the Stance XR as an off-body carry gun. With the manual safety and the heavy trigger pull, I have no fear letting it bounce around in a small, otherwise empty compartment of my backpack. It should also appeal to those who are safety-conscious about appendix carry. A heavy trigger and manual safety are not a bad thing when carrying a pistol so close to precious cargo.
Lastly, the price point is quite appealing to those looking for an American-made EDC-ready pistol. Savage has only increased suggested prices by a rough average of $20 between comparable models of the Stance and Stance XR, even with the upgrades. Savage knows how to put together a nice package for its customers; just look at its long guns. I only hear good things about its customer service, too. With the Stance XR checking all the boxes for a modern EDC pistol, Savage has become a one-stop-shop for all your firearm needs — rifles, shotguns and now pistols.
Savage Stance XR Manual Safety XP
- Type: Recoil operated, striker fire, semiautomatic
- Cartridge: 9mm
- Capacity: 10 rds., 13 rds.
- Barrel: 3.2 in., stainless steel
- Length: 6.25 in.
- Width: .96 in.
- Height: 5 in. (w/o optic)
- Weight: 1 lb., 6.4 oz.
- Finish: Black nitride (steel)
- Frame: Polymer FDE (tested)
- Trigger: 8 lbs., 1.6 oz. (tested)
- Sights: CTS-1500 red dot, QRO plate, XS Sights night sights
- Safety: Manual thumb lever, ambidextrous (tested)
- Accessories: Two interchangeable backstraps
- MSRP: $659
- Manufacturer: Savage Arms Co., 800-370-0708, savagearms.com
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