Should I buy Shield or XDS

[Fishinfool]

How about a M&P 45 Compact? Feels great in the hand, very concealable, and holds 8+1.

Larry

 

[richeyo2]

I own a Shield 9mm & XDS. I've shot the .40 Shield a few times at the range. I would agree w/2tango2 the muzzle flip on the .40 is very noticeable as where the .45 pushes back, not flip.

With my Xds I've ran easily 150-200rds in one session w/o discomfort. It is very controllable even w/230gr fmj's. I always run a few 100rds through a pistol before I'll start CC.

It's up to you in the end, but my vote goes for the XDS.

 

[okc-zee]

I too own both...A 9mm shield and the XDS...I wouldn't give either up in favor of the other...Both fine weapons in different calibers...Imo,the recoil of the XDS is very manageable...I've as well easily put 2-300 rounds thru the gun at one time without any real discomfort...The Shield is an awsome gun as well...I've got roughly 1K rounds thru both...So far both guns have been flawless...I do think the XDS is a bit more polished...That being said,I don't think you'd be dissapointed with either...Hopefully,you can try them out before you choose..

 

[2tango2]

I do think the XDS is a bit more polished...

I agree the XDS just has a more "solid" feel to it. Not to say I don't like the Shield at all...in fact I picked up another one in 9mm yesterday

 

[Brother_Bluto]

l have/had two of each. First was a Shield 40S&W and put 350rnds through it. Bought an XDs and put 400rnds through it. Both are extemely accurate for their size. They are very close in size and weight. The XDs grip is actually a bit shorter, and with the Std mag I have two fingers on and my pinky comes in underneath - but still very easy to handle and no problems hanging on. Adding a Pearce Grip to the Std mag, or using the extended mag make for a full hold. The Shield 40S&W has a lot of muzzle flip and takes a very firm grip. The XDs 45ACP has much less recoil than I would have expected from such a compact gun. It is more of a firm push back than a flip, and I prefer it over the Shield 40S&W. For me the XDs is quicker to get back on target for the second shot.

I have since bought a 9MM Shield for my wife, and she "lets" me put a few rounds through it. It is a night and day difference in recoil over the 40S&W - very smooth. My wife says it is a keeper (for her CC), and I'd have to agree it would be on the top of my list if it was a 9MM you are looking for.

For me though... I prefer the 45ACP, expecially wrapped up in an XDs. I traded the 40S&W Shield in on another XDs (had to have a bi-tone). I highly recommend putting (rubber textured) Talon Grips on both the Shield and the XDs.

 

[Jagrmaister]

I'm with Brother Bluto on this. I had a Shield 9mm, it was fine. Sold it as I thought IL would never go conceal carry. Ended up picking up an XDS on a whim. I like the XDS a lot more. I feel the trigger, ergos, and recoil are all better than the Shield (to me the XDS pushes controllably, while the Shield kind of muzzle flips, even in 9mm). Personal opinion. I did trade the XDS only because I decided I wanted it in the Bi-tone. So...now, I have the Bi-tone and it won't be going anywhere.

 

[meaneyedcatz]

If you live in IL close to the STL area there are at least 4 ranges close that rents guns.
First the SW is made in USA and the SA is made in Croatia.
I shot the SW, SA and Glock.
Forget the Glock, nothing wrong with it but nothing outstanding either. Some buy it like some buy a Vette, just to pat thier backs.
For me it was a toss up and was leaning towards the SA. After the 3rd time renting all 3 in 9 and 40 the SA shot a nice group but the SW shot a real tight group s othat sealed it for me.
My story is not real scientific but it worked for me.
Rent them and decide.

 

[DJFaninTN]

you may or may not know that there is a new XDS coming out soon they say and it's the 9mm.

interesting that Glock is now the one left out in the cold without a single stack 9.

 

[KEN L]

Buy em both! You'll have the best of both worlds then.......

 

[2tango2]

you may or may not know that there is a new XDS coming out soon they say and it's the 9mm.

interesting that Glock is now the one left out in the cold without a single stack 9.

If the XDs in 9 is anything like it's big brother than SA will have a winner and a strong contender to the Shield. I'll def be adding one of them

 

[pyro]

May favorite gun always seems to be the last one I bought. If I stay out of gun stores I am good, otherwise I am tempted to get another favorite. An XDs would mean I would have to start all over with ammo restocking for 45cal. Can't do it with the shortages and higher cost Then again it would fill another niche. Hmmmm, I better get off this thread.

 

[2tango2]

May favorite gun always seems to be the last one I bought. If I stay out of gun stores I am good, otherwise I am tempted to get another favorite. An XDs would mean I would have to start all over with ammo restocking for 45cal. Can't do it with the shortages and higher cost Then again it would fill another niche. Hmmmm, I better get off this thread.

It is more expensive to shoot....but man is it fun

 

[painprophet]

I was posed with the same decision months ago... I already have a S&W 638, but wanted a semi auto for primary ccw. Deciding factor was putting a 9mm round next to a .45 round.

I went with the XDs and love it. Like others have said, shoots really well, even with the 5 round mag in it, but you can get 7 round mags for it as well.

I've always planned on getting a Shield 9mm though, but after watching some shot show videos, I may be tempted to get the XDs in the 9mm flavor first (thinking that my holsters will work with it as well).

I have these grips on my XDs and I love how it feels now:

X-Treme Grips for the XDS

 

[av8usn]

I had a Shield in 9mm and it was a good pistol. However, when I picked up the XDs, and fired it, I knew it was the pistol I would carry. I have shot factory 230 grain ball, +p loads, JHP, and reloads with coated, plated and cast bullets. I estimate 250+ rounds with ZERO malfunctions. The XDs is not at all uncomfortable (I have shot it in both practice and IDPA sessions,) it is very concealable, fit and finish are better (in my opinion) than the Shield, and it is as accurate as you are. Since I have settled on the .45 acp round as my carry choice I am sold on the XDs. However, shoot them both and then you will know which you are more comfortable with.

 

[Dino1]

How about a M&P 45 Compact? Feels great in the hand, very concealable, and holds 8+1.

Larry

Why not try an M&P .40 compact, 10+1, and has some real stopping power like a .45. Not as much recoil as the Shield, and a solid platform. The slightly longer barrel makes it more managable

 

[RussC]

Hi Everyone,
I have a question as I live in Illinois and CCW may pass soon finally. I havent had the oppurtunity to hold or fire either weapon. I have read negatives about both weapons, even the shield "blowing" up in someones hands on this forum vs the light strikes and recoil spring getting chewed up on XDS guns. So each gun has its faults. If you had only one choice and a 500 budget, which way would you go and why? I know its biased on this forum, but give me some logical reasons and I really hope some people have handled and shot both. I want to get on the list for either the XDS in 9 or 45, or the Shield in 9mm. Thanks

Pete:

I am a numbers guy by profession and if you go with the probability which will be less likely to fail than you must go with the Sheild 9mm as the more reliable.

I also like the round capacity of the 9mm over the 45 auto for concealment and loaded with modern ammo like Gold Dot 9 mm 124 grain +P JHP short barrel I will have no problem stopping any 2 legged threat with 8 rounds.

If you go with the XDs with 5 + 1 you may as well consider a Ruger LCR with 5 rounds which will be more reliable than any semi auto and dummy proof.

(Not suggesting you are dumb but revolvers are pretty straight forward with fewer moving parts)

Russ

 

[Smitty357]

What is the Shield fails the manual pressure check. Bwhahaha

 

[jajo]

I went with the Shield 9mm because I'm very satisfied with my FS M&P 9mm.

It fits my hands well, shoots nice, and it's reliable. I'm sure someone would say the same things about the XDS.

There are lots of good choices for this kind of pistol and either one ought to work just fine for you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[kozmic]

Hi Pete...I too have both the XDs .45 and The Shield 9mm. They are remarkably similar in size but slightly different in "feel". I bought 2 of the 7 round XDs mags and it does make the grip more comfortable but definitely larger. If you own a pocket gun then the 5 round mag will not feel any different. My pinkie is kinda off/on. I find I have been running with the 5 rounder and a 7 round mag as my back-up. Pearce makes a wedge-shaped "pinkie rest" for under 10 bucks that would help. I'll prolly get a couple at some point.

I've been really digging shooting the Springfield. It's a blast (pardon the pun). It is more accurate, easier on recoil and quicker on target for follow ups than my Stainless Kimber Ultra Raptor II. It's a keeper and I'm starting to carry it more and more. I have about 120 rounds on it and I've had 1 FTE early on. I will chalk that up to a bit of a "limp wrist" on that shot. I find the same thing with my Kimber. As with most semi-autos, you to have a deliberate grip.

I haven't carried the Shield since I got the XDs. Disclaimer: An FNH FH P9 as my "usual" daily carry but I do rotate a few guns. I like the Shield. In fact I prefer 9mm as a carry load but the Smith has become more of my wife's gun (she likes the external safety). Not knocking it, I just have guns I like better.

Not to muddy the water but, if you are looking for a small carry 9, have you thought about the M&P 9c? Both my wife and I like the 9c better than the Shield.

No wrong choice here Pete. Both are fine weapons but different enough so a test run might be warranted. Ooooorrrrrr....just get both. You won't look back!!!

Just my 2c, YMMV

 

[corvino]

I really like both pistols but ergonomically I feel the shield has it beat hands down!
Just my opinion though.

I just bought a m&p 9mm full size and it has to be the most comfortable gun i've ever owned.
I own 2 xdm's, s&w.45 auto, glock, lcp, bersa and multiple others.


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