Shield vs. XDS

[jehu1290]

I have a very important question concerning the purchase of a smaller concealed carry weapon some time in the future. The first and most important feature for me will be the ease of getting the safety off in an emergency situation.
I am definitely right handed and several years ago I cut my right hand up in a table saw accident. All fingers were repaired and reattached and have fairly good, but some limited mobility. However, my thumb is a stub ending at the knuckle just below the thumbnail. I have a M&P 40 full size that I pack concealed when I have lots of clothes on; I have no problem whatsoever with working the safety on it and love it. I've found the XDS to be great for its safety, but have to use both hands to get the safety off of a Shield. I have experience with both of these guns and prefer the shield, but because of this problem the XDS is winning out thus far.
My questions are these:
1. Do any of you out there have a similar problem with a partial thumb and how did you compensate for it?
2. I thought about getting a Shield and removing the safety since the trigger has one on it. Would this be possible and/or advisable?
3. Are there other good alternatives, such as after market safety for the Shield?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ultra45]

Not sure why you are making a mountain out of a molehill. Simple answer..leave the safety OFF!

 

[jehu1290]

Not sure why you are making a mountain out of a molehill. Simple answer..leave the safety OFF!

Because I don't want to be faced with a possible "safety on" when or if I need it. If it will be my carry gun (which it will), I need one that there will be no guess as to whether or not it's ready to go. I will either have a shield with no safety, easy to switch safety like my M&P 40, or an XDS. That's why I'm asking for advice on how or if I can accomplish this with a Shield.
Also, I cannot handle a smaller gun like many of the "pocket pistols" because my boogered up hand cannot hang on to the grip well. The Shield is as small as I can feasibly go.
Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Voyager28]

My solution is a Walther PPK. Exposed hammer, half cock position, safety off. One in the chamber. When needed first round is DA. After that, it's all SA.

Bob



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[scattershot]

From what I've seen of the Shield, the safety lever is small and hard to manipulate, especially so with your partial thumb. If limited to those two choices, I'd probably go with the XDS, although there are other viable options. Have you considered the Kahr line? They are all DAO, and come in a variety of sizes.

 

[GKC]

I understand your concern...but, from experience with my Shield, the safety is very unlikely to be engaged accidentally. In fact, I had trouble engaging mine on purpose.

I'd recommend the Shield over the XDS...I've owned both (although the XDS I had was a .45) and I think the Shield is a better gun. Here is a YouTube video that shows how the safety can be removed (I have no idea if this is a good video or not...I just found it on a search.)

M&P Shield Manual Safety Removal - YouTube

You might also consult with a gunsmith and see if there is something as simple as super-gluing the safety in the off position, rather than removing it, or some other method of pinning it in place. (I certainly wouldn't recommend doing that without some expert advice...and I'm not one.)

Personally, I don't think it's an issue you will ever have to worry about. However, if it gives you peace of mind and confidence in your carry gun, then it's certainly your choice.

 

[jehu1290]

Hey, thanks everyone for the suggestions. The you tube video is helpful and if I went this route, I would definitely see a gunsmith, as I am not at all knowledgeable enough. I do understand that the safety would be difficult to move to "safe" position accidentally, but "peace of mind" and confidence is everything when in an emergency.

 

[DrewZFoster]

I heard a rumor today that Smith is looking to put together an LEO Shield with three mags, night sights and NO thumb safety. A buddy of mine works in police training at our local academy (PTI at university of ill) knows a Smith Rep. He doesn't tend to make stuff up and it seems like a logical step for them.

 

[18DAI]

My GF looked at the shield. The safety was hard to engage and disengage. Plus that gun had multiple FTE's and shot to the right.

The XDs9 is a pretty nice pistol. Good luck with your decision. Regards 18DAI

 

[jehu1290]

I heard a rumor today that Smith is looking to put together an LEO Shield with three mags, night sights and NO thumb safety.

That sounds great. I would be very interested in that, and I believe there would be many others as well.

 

[Pef]

I have both. While the safety has never been a problem, I understand your concern given your thumb. I have found the XDS to be slightly susceptible to "limp wristing." Very slight. I only mention this in case your hand has problems maintaining a firm grip on the XDS when firing.

While I prefer the shield, I do carry the XDS often. Both are fine guns.

Not much help, I know, but I do think you'll be fine either way.

 

[schmeg]

I've shot Shields in both 9 and 40. I own and carry an XDS in 45. I find the Shield in 9 to be a very comfortable gun to shoot, and quite accurate. The 40 is an angry gun. Lots of muzzle flip. I have about 400 rounds through my XDS. It's an easy gun to employ/shoot, but does recoil, but not as bad as the Shield 40 IMO. I like the way the XDS shoots and handles. I find the Shield more comfortable to hold. If I had to choose a softer recoiling gun, I would probably go with an XDS 9 just because of the safety system being easy to use, but if I had to drill small holes with a small gun, I'd grab a Shield 9.Very easy to be accurate with.

 

[10mmauto]

I have always preferred my S&Ws. My favorite gun is my F-comp. But my new edc is my XDS in 9mm. Very easy to shoot, very accurate, never had a limp wristing problem. Actually I've never had a failure to function. I had an M&p compact for a short while. Only Smith I never really liked, but I don't know how it compares to the shield. Traded the compact on a 3953 but the XDS and my 442 are my edc's now.