I went to my local range to rent both the shield in 40 caliber and XDS and shot them side-by-side. I found the shield in 40 to have substantially more felt recoil then the XDS. I also got a nasty trigger pinch from the shield within about 25 rounds. It made the remaining 25 rounds very unpleasant to shoot. I personally Found the XDS much more shooter friendly with a more natural point of name, better feeling trigger and crisper reset. I can see the appeal of the shield do the size and ergonomics, but decided it wasn't for me. It functioned flawlessly though. I went home with an XDS and I'm very pleased with it. I'm curious to see how the shield in nine would compare in shoot ability . I figured I would post this response for other folks in the same dilemma. Please make note I really like Smith pistols and own a few myself. This is not a manufacturers bias.

They are both great guns... it comes down to what floats your boat. I have owned both and would buy them both again if I find the money to do so!

It all boils down to personal preference. We have seen the answers total opposite from yours. So honestly there is no truth as to one weapon being better for every person. Because every person is different from one another.

TheXDs in 9mm is out, or soon to be released. Hickock45 on YouTube has a review of one he got for test and evaluation. A side by side review of this new model and a shield9 would be interesting

Congratulations on doing the smart thing by renting both and making the decision based on actually shooting them side by side. That how I decided the Shield was best for me. As others have said already, it really is a personal choice.

BTW, was at LGS today and they said latest word they have is to expect XDS 9mm delivery in June or July.

I've shot the Shield 9, 40 and the XDs.

The XDs feels to me like it has more recoil. Then the Shield 40, then the Shield 9.

I currently have the XDs and a Shield 9.

I have all 3......the ammo you shoot goes a long way in felt recoil. Shooting American Eagle 230 grain at 890 fps feels a lot harsher in the Xds than Winchester 230grn at 830 fps.

I shot both the my Xds and my 9 Shield the past few days at the range. Both are pleasant to shoot with the right ammo.

My experience with all 3 in regards to recoil is the 9 and 40 Shields being the softest and the snappiest with the Xds in the middle. I'm waiting for the Xds in 9mm as I really like the feel and trigger of the Xds


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M&P 2.0 9mm-Shield9-Shield45

I have shot both the XDS and own the Shield 40

I like both guns

The recoil to me...... Is very close

I like M&Ps a bit better than XDs

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Imperfect Servant of Christ

Everyone has been correct so far, that it boils down to personal preference. I really can see the appeal of both guns and it's great that we have options! Being a Glock shooter I really like the reset on the XDS. I'm not a big fan of the XD line and prefer the Glock and M&P line over it. I was surprised at how much I like XDS! I will say it is much more enjoyable to carry then my M&P 9 compact or my Glock 19/26. Very curious to shoot a shield and 9 mm next to XDS in 9 mm.