I plan on buying a single stack gun for concealed carry and I narrowed my decision to either the Springfield XD-S or the M&P Shield.

I'm leaning to the Shield because it's lighter and cheaper than the Springfield and it's made in in the USA.

I'm a left handed shooter and I'd like to know if the mag release on the shield can be reversed, and is there a model of the shield that has an ambidextrous slide release?

I believe the answer to be no to both questions. However the slide lock, doesn't work well as a release anyway. better to slingshot the slide to load. The only time I use the slide lock is to clear, or takedown. I wish the mag release could be reversed because I could reach it better with the forefinger of my right hand than my right thumb. It may very well work for you to use your left forefinger. Have to handle it and try it out I guess. I do find the shield to be a fine reliable and accurate carry weapon though. Very pleased with mine.

Definitely No to both...
You could learn to hit the mag release with your left middle finger.
And... Using the slide lock as a release is tough for right handed shooters. Either slingshot it (as recommended in the manual), or use one of the many 'emergency' 1-handed methods (boot heel, belt, behind the knee, etc).

Also... as someone is bound to mention sooner or later... The Shield is not a 'true' single-stack (but close enough for me)

Before making your final choice, try to actually shoot both and go with the one that's most comfortable for you. For me, the Shield felt better to shoot (and I'm a long time XD fan).

I own the Shield and absolutely love it but I am also a righty. I have never shot the XD-S but know several people who have and about half complained that the safety on the back strap ate into their hand pretty bad. The others had no issues. As already mentioned, it would be wise to shoot both and then make your decision.

What is the sling shot method? mine is on order so I'm still waiting on mine. The store is selling them as fast as they get them in which isn't but 2-4 at a time so I already put money down to get one of thr next ones in.


Apreciate it Armallard