Which gun? XDs or Shield? (9mm)

[vegasgunhand]

I have never really been impressed with the XD or it quality control. When I was an instructor at front Sight, the XD was the first pistol to go down. I understand the XDs is a better design, but I trust my life to the Shield!

At the end of the day, it's which pistol fits and feels the best for you.

 

[Brucenterry]

I know felt/perceived recoil is very subjective, but I don't notice more recoil between my Shield 9 vs. my Glock 19. I'm lucky enough to be able to shoot in my backyard, so yesterday I stepped out back (after clearing the snow off the patio) and fired 2 rds thru my Shield of Critical Duty 135gr +P ammo before switching to 115 gr FMJ. Obviously there was a difference, but both rapid fire SD rds were w/in 2" and center mass at 7 yds.

Focusing on the 115gr ammo comparison, I could not tell a difference between the Shield and a Glock 19. I actuall shot the Shield better, but the Glock is days old and Gen 4 w/ the heavier trigger than my older Gen 2 17. Need a little more practice and some polishing. Shield also has the APEX trigger kit which helps A LOT! I'd like to shoot an XDS, but still feel I'll prefer my Shield (and I'm a Glock guy at heart). XDS 9's are available around here and at reduced prices (~$500). that's possibly due to their late release (vs. Shield) and the recall issue. I don't think you'll be dissappointed w/ a Shield!

 

[Captain Skippy]

I have been reading this thread with great interest as the XDs in 9mm has been on my wish list. However, I handled one a week ago at a gun show. It was new and had gone back to Springfield for the recall already. I have to admit I hated the trigger pull! It was very heavy. Much heavier than the triggers before the recall. I am reevaluating it, I disliked the trigger pull that much. If fixing the recall made the triggers so much heavier, will having the trigger lightened mess it up?

Yes the XDs have heavier triggers when they are upgraded. Since the upgrade is new and ongoing, I don't think any aftermarket company has a kit for them yet. Springfield says they are only 1/2 pound heavier. I think they're heavier than that but don't have a trigger pull gauge. Mine feels crisp but heavier than the Shield. Many XDs owners are very disappointed with the feel of the upgraded triggers.

 

[mafbloggerdanny]

being in California it was easy to choose Shield over XD-S

the Shield was very tough to find, the XD-S was impossible to find. Then with SSE fee, the XD-S was going to cost me at least $600 probably closer to $700.

Finally there is just simple brand loyalty. Maybe I am just a sucker but so far I don't own any Springfield pistols, just S&W and 1 other brand so it felt good to keep it that way. I know that is not the most rational reason to choose one gun over the other but ultimately it felt good to buy another S&W, so in the end I am a happier consumer than if I got XD-S

 

[Hunter991]

i have both the xds45 and the shield 9mm. Love them both. The XD is higher quality IMO, but costs more. But both go bang and wouldn't feel bad with either of them. The xd has a more aggressive grip so i put talons on it and its far better. If you look at both, the xds has stainless mags, bit tighter in its construction, fiber optic front sight etc... another thing i like is the grip safety. Its passive and doesn't have to be turned off but it gives you a little more piece of mind when reholstering. Nothing wrong with a manual safety on the shield however, you can chose to use it or not.

for some reason i can conceal the XDS a little easier, not sure why since they are the same size really.... When i carry i just grab one of them and go with very little thought behind it since the are both very nice firearms.

 

[bdickers]

Just seeing what everyone feels is the better firearm. The Springfield XDs or M&P Shield. I am going to purchase one and looking to see what others think. Give me more to go off of on my research. (Since shooting them first is definately not an option.)

I had a XDs in .45 and ultimately traded it for a Shield for several reasons. The grip safety on the XDs seems an unnecessary addition to a pistol like the XDs, the loaded chamber indicator pops up partially obstructing the front sight, the magazine release on my XDs was so stiff it nearly took two hands to operate it, and lastly, due I'm sure to .45 caliber, the very aggressive checkering on the grip made firing more than a few shots very unpleasant. Though similar in size, the grip on the Shield fits me better and less aggressive texture makes it a comfortable pistol to shoot as much as necessary to become proficient to the degree necessary with any firearm you plan to carry. Simply my opinion, your "mileage may vary" of course.

 

[skip4309]

Slim is better (Shield) for EDC...XDs feels great...G26 is awesome...I love the choices...my solution is get one of each like I did....

 

[fallhunter]

Slim is better (Shield) for EDC...XDs feels great...G26 is awesome...I love the choices...my solution is get one of each like I did....

That's not an option either.

Sent from my VS870 4G using Tapatalk

 

[TheMystro]

Both of the guns in question are nice compact pistols but neither are a pocket pistol and both leave alot to be desired in the quality control dept.
In pocket pistols, if cost is no object then there is one heads above them all and its the Sig P938. Its smaller, lighter, accurate with +p, night sights and smooth as butter. Its the only pocket pistol that has replaced my full size guns on a regular basis.

Any gun this small that shoots this accute and feeds everything is worth paying a little more for.

 

[fallhunter]

Anything sig does nothing for me. Taurus Slim, Ruger LC9, Glock 26 and 27, Shield, XDs, Beretta Nano, Diamondback DB9, Kahr CW, CM, and PM, and maybe even Kel-Tec 9mm are where its at for me. Single action hammer fired handguns like Sig or 1911's don't do anything for me. I can not justify the $849 price tag that a Sig P938 sells for here. (I do not buy online at all. Never have. Never will, especially with firearms.)

Sent from my VS870 4G using Tapatalk

 

[S&WForty]

I've fired a mag or two through a XDs .45. As others have said, the grip texture just isn't for me. After a few shots, my hand was not happy. How much the 9mm tames that experience is a good question.

I find my Shield .40 a pleasure to shoot and do not find it to be too snappy. For a small .40, it's a "smooth" shooter. I've shot a friend's Shield 9, and it was great.

 

[ca survivor]

Shield, XDs are made in C r o a t i a........

 

[nocents]

shield xds???shield xds??? xds shield???xds shield???....whats the right choice???.......................................................3913

 

[getoff]

the xds is a great pistol in 9mm. in .45 its a bit of a hand full. the shield in 9 or 40 is easy to shoot fast, and plenty accurate. that said, 45 is the obvious "stopper", but almost all modern factory produced defense ammo levels the field. i work a local gun shop a couple days a week, and the shop has a couple of xds in the cabinets. not a one shield to display. that said, my 1911 pd gunsite rides with me... your choice, but the fact is, the shield is more popular. 1911 commander is my choice, if your gonna carry a single stack.

 

[JustAnotherGunGuy]

Never liked the overly aggressive texture of the XD line. If I am not carrying my Shield I carry my Walther PPS. I do like the changeable back straps of the PPS but the Shield does fit perfect with no adjustment needed for me.

 

[10mmauto]

... your choice, but the fact is, the shield is more popular. 1911 commander is my choice, if your gonna carry a single stack.

Shield is cheaper. (Just saying....)

I like your choice!

 

[pickupman250]

both and lots of ammo

 

[RussC]

Both of the guns in question are nice compact pistols but neither are a pocket pistol and both leave alot to be desired in the quality control dept.
In pocket pistols, if cost is no object then there is one heads above them all and its the Sig P938. Its smaller, lighter, accurate with +p, night sights and smooth as butter. Its the only pocket pistol that has replaced my full size guns on a regular basis.

Any gun this small that shoots this accute and feeds everything is worth paying a little more for.

The Mystro

I own a Shield 9mm amd pocket in slacks daily for 10 hours.

I have shot a Sig 938

Small and well made but no way am I pocket packing a cocked and locked weapon.

I also like that I can grip my Shield with the flush magazine with all 3 fingers.

Russ

 

[srings]

Shield. I've handled both guns. But for me the fit in my hand was for the Shield. The XDs is a quality handgun. At the end of the day you will have to decide on which you think is more reliable based on your research, which feels better in your hand, and which of the two guns is better for your budget. Good luck!

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I had a XDS45, but it came back from the recall with an 8lb trigger pull and characteristics that would have had me pass on it if it was the same when I first handled it in the store. My vote is definitely the Shield.