Shield vs XDs

tobiewan said:

Shield .40 vs. XDs? I've got both now and I'd have to say I like shooting the XDs more than the Shield. My Shield had the mag drop issue but no more, and I do like shooting it. My XDs has had no issues of any kind, 150 rounds in 2 trips to the range. I think the Shield has more barrel flip than the XDs and I find the XDs grip more comfortable. That's my .2 cents...

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I had a Shield in 9mm and just recently sold it. Ended up purchasing an XDs on a fluke (not why I originally sold the Shield). Out of the two, I truly enjoy shooting the XDs more than I had the Shield. I've only had it out once, but had no failures and I was more accurate with it than my Shield. The sights are excellent, and like you, I experienced less "flip" than the Shield. I've had an XDm in the past and did not care for the grip safety. For some reason, with the ergos of the XDs, the grip safety is a true non-issue.

Both are fine handguns, I just think the XDs is more fun to shoot personally.

TRUST8383 said:

I bought the shield first. It has been flawless and super accurate. I just picked up the XDS and it is plagued with problems right out of the box. Failure to return to battery, failure to feed, light primer strikes...mag locking back with rounds in it. Fuuuuuuuu.

I have a lot of other springfield guns and they have all been exceptional. I am really disappointed with my XDS. I'll give it another range trip before I send it back to SA. Hopefully, they make it right.

I'm sticking with my shield.

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Top trainers don't particularly care for the XD line due to issues that plague them more often than the M&P line. Looks and feel isn't everything. Reliability and longevity is.

kris7047th said:

Top trainers don't particularly care for the XD line due to issues that plague them more often than the M&P line. Looks and feel isn't everything. Reliability and longevity is.

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Where are you coming up with this? I've owned an XDm before. Out of all the rounds I shot through it, it had 1 failure to eject due to an underpowered load. From what I've read, that's most other people's experiences as well. I only own the XDs currently from Springfield, but have never had an issue with the XD line of pistols in terms of reliability.

The M&P, Glock, and XD line of pistols all have "defects" that have risen over the years. It's going to happen in any mass-produced firearm, as these aren't handmade customs. Just because I've read someone online posting about how their Glock blew up, their M&P can't hit a barn, or their XD won't feed a round, doesn't mean I buy any of it. These are isolated cases, and as said before these are mass produced firearms that are going to have a margin of defect inherent in their production.

I think you're making a very broad statement with no factual basis. Glocks and M&Ps probably are selected and used more in shooting events, but I strongly doubt it's because of reliability. It probably has to do with initial cost of the firearm (XD line is typically more expensive), aftermarket support, and ergonomic preference.

kris7047th said:

Top trainers don't particularly care for the XD line due to issues that plague them more often than the M&P line. Looks and feel isn't everything. Reliability and longevity is.

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Pretty sure its more the fact that their students are more likely to use Glock/M&P. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the XD line of pistols. Stop spreading disinformation.

kris7047th said:

Top trainers don't particularly care for the XD line due to issues that plague them more often than the M&P line. Looks and feel isn't everything. Reliability and longevity is.

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BBS1 said:

Pretty sure its more the fact that their students are more likely to use Glock/M&P. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the XD line of pistols. Stop spreading disinformation.

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+1 BBS1...
That's a pretty broad ans sweeping statement... What 'issues' with the XD Line are you referring to kris?
If there were any major issues, they'd be discussed ad-nauseum on the XD Forums.
I've had a few XD variants (along with other brands) over the years and have not experienced any issues with XD (or XDM), or even read about major issues with the line.

BBS1 said:

Pretty sure its more the fact that their students are more likely to use Glock/M&P. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the XD line of pistols. Stop spreading disinformation.

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I am going on what I have been told by a top firearms trainer's experience that the XD's fail more frequently in classes compared to M&Ps and 3rd gen Glocks with hard use and longevity. Ever notice what the trainers carry and train with them selves what they recommend? Mostly Glock or M&P. There is a reason ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTVrLy6sOXQ

kris7047th said:

I am going on what I have been told by a top firearms trainer's experience that the XD's fail more frequently in classes compared to M&Ps and 3rd gen Glocks with hard use and longevity. Ever notice what the trainers carry and train with them selves what they recommend? Mostly Glock or M&P. There is a reason ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTVrLy6sOXQ

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Did you really just use a youtube video of costa to justify that xd's are inferior? He makes parts for the m&p line and profits from it. You think he's going to endorse xd's? Didnt think so. Btw, hes also known to be originally a 1911 nighthawk user.

BBS1 said:

Did you really just use a youtube video of costa to justify that xd's are inferior? He makes parts for the m&p line and profits from it. You think he's going to endorse xd's? Didnt think so. Btw, hes also known to be originally a 1911 nighthawk user.

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Costa does NOT make parts for the M&P. Doug Holloway from ATEi in Taylor Michigan does.
Again .. what is YOUR experience? Level of training and how often you shoot? Want to know what is considered the most reliable guns .. then just notice what top tier trainers recommend and carry themselves. That would be Glock and M&P (notice I said Glock too) I don't pay much attention to sales advertising and gimmicky pitches. I DO listen to a few well recognized trainers in my area who love nothing more then to get their hands on a new gun to prove the reliability of it on the range. This is what I listen to, not internet bravado because it looks cool there for it must be a good gun.

BTW .. Costa did a special run of full size M&P's only 25 made a vision of his dream gun. Doug Holloway from ATEi MADE them. It was a JOINT venture that were sold on line through emails. It was a first come first serve who were able to buy one.

My M&P9c top rear and side finger serration done by ATEi 2 1/2 years ago.



Shield 9 .. trigger work done by Doug at ATEi last April and Doug set the Trijicon HD M&P sights on too. Full serrations and re melonite done later in May.

I did the stippling on both myself.

You really sound like a youtube costa fanboy. Chris Costa's company, literally, makes a part (and upcoming parts) for the m&p. Ever hear of the costa catalyst? You think he endorses atei out of goodwill? You think he's allowing atei to use costas name on a gun simply to promote his company? He's a business man and youre obviously one of the people hes catering towards.

Sorry, but stipling/serrating/rmr'ing/apex'ing your gun does not make you a seasoned shooter. I'll spend my money on ammo and get good with the stock gun.

But none of this has anything to do with the original discussion. There is nothing wrong with the XD line of pistols so please stop spreading disinformation!

Not sure about the new XDs, but my ancient XD40 runs like a top. Its a beater but has served well. I switched to the M&P because I like the manual safety and the lines/ergos are much better IMHO.

Please Springfield fans explain to me where is the $150 - $200 hiding in the XDs over the Shield?

I have handled an XDs and studied the build and I honestly can't find the extra $150 - $200 in the build. I'll give Springfield maybe $50 extra for the case and accessories (replacement grips, molded holster, fiber optic sight) but for the life of me I can't see $150 - $200 over the Shield.


Russ

Interesting thread I started here. My comparison between the XDs and the Shield was based on the fact that they are so close in size. There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to small 9mm/40 calibre pistols, not so many in 45acp. S&W did a great job with the Shield and it's sales reflect it's popularity. They priced it relatively low which made it even more appealing, cudos to S&W.
What is appealing to many of us with the XDs is the fact that it's a 45 in the same size package. It's a well made quality pistol that is well designed and executed. I find it to be comfortable to shoot and very accurate, and I wouldn't be a bit suprised if S&W follows with a micro 45 in the near future.

RussC said:

Please Springfield fans explain to me where is the $150 - $200 hiding in the XDs over the Shield?

I have handled an XDs and studied the build and I honestly can't find the extra $150 - $200 in the build. I'll give Springfield maybe $50 extra for the case and accessories (replacement grips, molded holster, fiber optic sight) but for the life of me I can't see $150 - $200 over the Shield.


Russ

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Thats the # 1 reason why I didnt pick up the xds and waited for my shield. Im not paying 150 more for a case and holsters i'll never use!

RussC said:

Please Springfield fans explain to me where is the $150 - $200 hiding in the XDs over the Shield?

I have handled an XDs and studied the build and I honestly can't find the extra $150 - $200 in the build. I'll give Springfield maybe $50 extra for the case and accessories (replacement grips, molded holster, fiber optic sight) but for the life of me I can't see $150 - $200 over the Shield.


Russ

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$150 is not a huge difference in price. I own both the shield and XDS and I can tell you without bias, that the XDS is a nicer gun. (And I consider myself an M&P fanboy)

The overall construction is nicer and more robust. Obviously to handle the .45 cartridge. It also has a loaded chamber indicator and grip safety. (may not be a plus to you, but it is added cost) Personally, I appreciate the features. Add in the fiber optic front sight, also all the stuff they throw in the case. Granted, I don't use any of it, lol, but for someone just starting out, they could utilize all of it. The magazines are nicer as well.

The slide on the XDS is beefier and has a slightly nicer finish IMO. Also, the grip is very aggressive from the factory where as on the shield you will see many people adding a grip sleeve or stippling to it. The XDS has interchangeable back straps to customize it to your hand size. The Shield is fixed.

The XDS trigger is also better out of the box IMO. I now have an APEX DCAEK ($80) in my shield and the PRP spring kit ($15) in my XDS. The XDS still has a more precise trigger feel with a crazy nice reset.

If I add the price of the APEX trigger, plus the new sights and time put in to stipple the grip, just to bring the shield up to snuff with my XDS, I'd say the investment is pretty equal.

So I can easily account for the price difference in my mind. Sometimes I want to carry light and thin, and I take the shield. Sometimes I want 230grain JHP. Depends how I feel that day.

I will say that the XDS is super accurate. I'm talking Tack Driver! I'm pretty dam accurate with the shield as well, but the XDS is just dead on.

But for the fan boys...I did let Costa shoot my shield lol. He shot it very well.

Costa trying out the APEX trigger on my M&P 9 SHIELD - YouTube

I understand everything youre saying but stock for stock, i think the shield is a much better value. But I will say that the shields stock trigger must be atleast 8 pounds! I havent shot the xds but dry firing the trigger is definitely nicer.

BBS1 said:

I understand everything youre saying but stock for stock, i think the shield is a much better value. But I will say that the shields stock trigger must be atleast 8 pounds! I havent shot the xds but dry firing the trigger is definitely nicer.

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These last couple posts are the first I have heard that the XDs has a better trigger. It has always been posted the opposite. The 30 minute XDs youtube review by hickok45, a diehard 45 man, noted at 9:16 in the review that while the XDs has an "O.K trigger", no comparison to the Shields excellent "Dream trigger" (his words).

The things that made the XDs appealing to me were the fiber optic sights, grip safety, and somewhat appealing the 45 caliber round as well as always instantly available at any gun shop, online store or gunshow.

There are mixed views on which is the best most powerful carry round, 180gr 40 S&W or the 230gr 45ACP, with most modern tests giving the edge to the 40 S&W with it's higher velocity. It's what the feds switched to after testing all choices. Doesn't need debated here, but plays a role in if a buyer is looking at the XDs or a Shield.

The downside to the XDs was the XDs owners complaining about all the various issues in the XD dedicated forums, which by comparison to the type of Shield posts here, makes the Shield seem like the most perfect gun ever made. Ton's of problems, many very serious, and not simply one flaw like the 40 shield had with dropping mags (which S&W had fixed in only 4 days, shipping both ways on their dime). Other downside was an XDs price that was more than 30% higher (even more if you prefer the two-tone model, which I did). Next was the 45 round, since I already committed to the 40 S&W and have 3 in that caliber, why downgrade to 45? (when I want fatter lead with even higher velocity, I'll shoot the 500 S&W). I also prefer the choice in a pocket carry weapon of an external thumb activated safety, which the XDs lacks, and is great during initial pocket carry use until you get comfortable enough to run with safety off. Another thing that to me looked bad was the XDs grips with large course checkering, making it seem like a cheap plastic part. In the Hickok45 review, he stated the talon grips will be installed by him. Final downside was a huge one. Country of origin. If all else is fairly equal, then country of origin in the USA always wins out, and even tilts the scales a little toward USA if not quite equal.

Theres a reason why I chose to buy my first pistols from s&w. Lets keep the money in America! It's also why I spend a little extra dime and buy from the local LGS whenever possible. The only good thing from Croatia are mail order brides (i jk, i think.)

I paid $341 for my Shield and $548 for my XDs, but then spent another $300 on the Shield. Sent if off to Robar for their NP3 finish and had them install XS Big Dot sights so that ate up any cost savings. My XDs already had a stainless slide that looks like stainless and something I wish Smith would offer. After all stainless is stainless so why Melonite it. S&W pioneered stainless steel handguns in the 60s and just about all their Gen 3 semiautos had that stainless look that I prefer. So I would be happy if S&W at least offered a stainless looking slide as an option.
As to rumors of the XDs grip safety not depressing if not gripped properly I call horsefeathers. The grip safety depresses easily and naturally once the pistol is held. You be hardpressed to hold the XDs and not depress the grip safety.
So now my Shield is set up closer to the appearance my XDs I have $641 in it. Hmmm kind of makes the Springfield now look like a bargain. I forgot to add the Talon grips for another $15, which by the way are worth the money.
In closing I now have 2 great carry pieces and the comparison between the two is valid. They are both cutting edge technology and worthy additions to my meager collection. And I still think S&W will follow suite with a Shield 45 next year. If they think the demand is there they will build one.

I've owned a Shield, and now own an XDs. I paid $525 otd for the Springfield, and about $410 for the Shield. I definitely prefer the XDs.

Do I think it's worth the extra $115? I'd say the Springfield definitely feels more expensive in terms of build quality. I also like the sights and trigger better. The Shield had a good trigger, too, but I just prefer how the XDS breaks. It seems like a crisper and cleaner break imo. The extras are debatable. If it came in a cardboard box with just the extra mag and was cheaper, I wouldn't lose any sleep. If I would've kept the Shield I would have definitely invested into some Apex parts (I was this close) as well as some other sights. That alone would've put me over the cost of the XDs, figuring $90 on the trigger, and about the same+ on the sights.

Stock for stock, they're both great. If you're going to leave them alone and looking for the best value, I'd recommend the Shield. If you're looking for the better gun and not worried about a Benjamin, I'd say the XDs wins and that's having owned them both.