Shield versus XDS range report

kablamo

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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.
 
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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!
 
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.
 
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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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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
 
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.
 
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