XDs 9mm $599 Shield 9mm $449 Which is More Value?

[RussC]

Is it me or is anyone else taking a pause at $599 for the XDs 9mm?

I am into my Shield $449 + $130 XS Big Dot Night sights (installed) = $579

I have a Shield with night sights and I am $20 less than the XDs 9mm with fiber optic sights.

OK Springfield lovers show me where the extra $20 of value is over my Shield with professionally installed night sights and the plastic case doesn't count because we all know they collect dust in the closet.

Russ

 

[MSG Glenn]

In my opinion the Shield is the better deal. Even so at $449 I feel it's overpriced. At the local police supply store they list at $399 for LEO/Security/Military but the wait is loooong.

 

[Arik]

Not a fan of either but i like XDs less

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[S+W Newbie]

There was a time ....... not so long ago that for 449.00 the LGS would'nt let you fondle the Shield for that price forget buy it. I see this Debate as being a long and drawn out waste of time over the coming weeks and months. Each gun has earned it's right to be on the shelves. Each consumer has earned the right to buy the one they are comfortable with. So what is the " Real " debate here? Really? What is the down and dirty debate? ..... cus I don't see one. Just my humble opinion. Your results may vary.

 

[Lost Lake]

In my opinion the Shield is the better deal. Even so at $449 I feel it's overpriced. At the local police supply store they list at $399 for LEO/Security/Military but the wait is loooong.

I paid $335 for mine and at that price it is okay. Not as good as a compact in my opinion.

.

 

[mag318]

Russ, having both the Shield and XDs I have to say I prefer the XDs. True the Shield is a cheaper buy price wise and a good value. I justify the higher cost of the XDs because I just prefer it, to me it feels better in hand and is almost the exact same size. When S&W brought the Shield to market they wisely lowered the price compared to it's larger M&Ps. I bought 2 of them for $360 apiece making for a great buy. I then spent another $200 on each sending them to Robar for their NP3 finish. My Bitone XDs cost me $485 so it was actually a little less than my Shields by the time I was done.
Both are great pistols and I obviously like both, but if it came down to choosing one it would be the XDs.

Pictured it my XDs in 45 acp, my 9mm version hasn't been photographed yet. Anyone here that's knows me knows my belief that you can never own to many guns.

 

[bmyers]

I shot the XDS 9 last night. Nice gun, good shooting, and almost identical in size to my Shield. Is one better than the other? Not than I could tell. Will I buy an XDS? Nope, but I have a Shield. I don't think you could go wrong with either one, just depends on what you like. I like the M&P line, so that is what I have. My friend likes the XDM/XDS line and that is what he buys. Both manufactures have made some good guns and it is nice to be in a place where you have choices.

 

[mag318]

I shot the XDS 9 last night. Nice gun, good shooting, and almost identical in size to my Shield. Is one better than the other? Not than I could tell. Will I buy an XDS? Nope, but I have a Shield. I don't think you could go wrong with either one, just depends on what you like. I like the M&P line, so that is what I have. My friend likes the XDM/XDS line and that is what he buys. Both manufactures have made some good guns and it is nice to be in a place where you have choices.

I couldn't agree with you more.

 

[MSG Glenn]

I paid $335 for mine and at that price it is okay. Not as good as a compact in my opinion.

.

Agreed. I should have added that I think the Shield I was talking about selling for $399 comes with a third mag & night sights.

 

[RussC]

There was a time ....... not so long ago that for 449.00 the LGS would'nt let you fondle the Shield for that price forget buy it. I see this Debate as being a long and drawn out waste of time over the coming weeks and months. Each gun has earned it's right to be on the shelves. Each consumer has earned the right to buy the one they are comfortable with. So what is the " Real " debate here? Really? What is the down and dirty debate? ..... cus I don't see one. Just my humble opinion. Your results may vary.

S+W newbie:

"What is the real debate?"

It doesn't matter if it is a tube of toothpaste or an automobile. Most consumers want to know they are getting the biggest bang for their hard earned dollar.

I have handled and dry fired the XDs 45. No question the XDs stock sights with the contract color and front fiber optic is without question a superior sight. However, they are not night sights and my Shield in my opinion with XS Big Dot are superior sights to the XDs and I am still $20 less.

"The down and dirty debate" is as consumers we make toothpaste decisions everyday and we balance price with value. Most will pay more for brand x if the value is greater than the savings if we buy brand y, but before we can make a decision we must be informed and that is why I am asking the question because I am honestly trying to justify the extra cost and for me it just isn't obvious.

Russ

 

[S+W Newbie]

In the short term they are / were inflated in price. When it all levels out then you will have an even playing field. Until then it's just JIB JAB. Asking after the fact seems kind of moot, no?

 

[TDC]

I own and shoot both. I bought an XDs 9mm last week so I now have both guns in all available calibers.

As others have said they are both excellent guns. I don't believe anyone can be critical of anyone's choice when it comes to selecting one over the other.

I've been a S&W collector for many years so I have an obvious bias. I will say I prefer the 45ACP over the 40S&W caliber and find the XDs more comfortable to shoot in 45ACP caliber than the Shield in 40.

Both have functioned flawlessly for me with both factory and my own handloads. You simply can't go wrong with either gun IMHO.... Buy them all! You'll be glad you did!

 

[littleriver1]

I gave you a like cause of the pic. good job!

I own and shoot both. I bought an XDs 9mm last week so I now have both guns in all available calibers.

As others have said they are both excellent guns. I don't believe anyone can be critical of anyone's choice when it comes to selecting one over the other.

I've been a S&W collector for many years so I have an obvious bias. I will say I prefer the 45ACP over the 40S&W caliber and find the XDs more comfortable to shoot in 45ACP caliber than the Shield in 40.

Both have functioned flawlessly for me with both factory and my own handloads. You simply can't go wrong with either gun IMHO.... Buy them all! You'll be glad you did!

 

[Chuck Jones]

I have an XDs .45 and hope to get a Shield in 9mm. They're both polymer striker fired guns so for me it's a matter of caliber and ergonomics.

The main advantage of the XDs that I see is the caliber.

In 9mm I'd agree the Shield is a better value. You'd have a hard time convincing me the XDs is $100 better in any way.

/c

 

[QasoSwat]

Robar Shields

Those shields look great in NP3, Looks like Mine has to go now.

 

[Smitty357]

Shield, because u can convert it to .40 and u can do it for less than buying an XDS9. You just cant beat having 2 guns in one. Give the market time to ctahc up and you will be able to find all the parts u need to convert it (barrel and mag).

As for the XDS, it's just too bad we cant convert the .45 to 9mm. Then again we are trying to compare a S&W to a Springfield. It's an insult to S&W to even put them side by side.

 

[badjuijui]

In my opinion the Shield is the better deal. Even so at $449 I feel it's overpriced. At the local police supply store they list at $399 for LEO/Security/Military but the wait is loooong.

I guess I look at the wrong places. I see the Shield for no less than $450, and usually $500 and above. Sheesh. Where should I be looking in NC for places that don't come up on google or other search engines? My LGS does not take backorders with anything. It's the luck of the draw. I or my son go by there everyday, no luck so far. The good thing with them is that I can lay it away for 90 days if I can get lucky enough to find one there.

 

[badjuijui]

S+W newbie:

"What is the real debate?"

It doesn't matter if it is a tube of toothpaste or an automobile. Most consumers want to know they are getting the biggest bang for their hard earned dollar.

I have handled and dry fired the XDs 45. No question the XDs stock sights with the contract color and front fiber optic is without question a superior sight. However, they are not night sights and my Shield in my opinion with XS Big Dot are superior sights to the XDs and I am still $20 less.

"The down and dirty debate" is as consumers we make toothpaste decisions everyday and we balance price with value. Most will pay more for brand x if the value is greater than the savings if we buy brand y, but before we can make a decision we must be informed and that is why I am asking the question because I am honestly trying to justify the extra cost and for me it just isn't obvious.

Russ

Agree, don't want to overpay, then pay shipping, then pay my LGS $25 bucks to have it shipped there. By that time I have way overpaid.

 

[S&WProtected]

I have a Shied 9 and it is my favorite gun to shoot, but I would not mind having an XDs 9 as well. I don't think I would pay $599 for the XDs I will wait and see if the price comes down after they have been out a while.

 

[S&WForty]

I've shot a XDS 45, and I just couldn't get past the grip texture. If it had the same texture as the Shield, the compared same caliber to caliber it might be a toss-up for me.

I wish everyone wanting one of these two pistols had the opportunity to fire 50 rds through each then make their buying choice and share their thoughts. I imagine we'd be close to a 50/50 split. You can't go wrong with either.

 

[epj]

I have recently acquired a Shield9. I have fondled a XDs9, and it did not feel good in my hand. For one thing, the bore axis on the XD seems higher. Mostly, I just don't like the feel of the grip.

 

[Soldiernurse]

I like this thread a lot. I bought a Shield 40 two weeks ago. That is a snappy little critter. The .40S&W caliber itself does not bother me in the least. I own five 40 cal handguns & four 9's. I attribute the Shield 40's snappy recoil to its small size more than the caliber. I shoot my Shield one-handed rather well, imagine the more I shoot it the more accustomed I'll become. I would like to buy a 9mm conversion barrel... anybody got a link?

When it comes to CCW one the factors is the grip length. I bought an XDs45 just a few days ago. I've yet to shoot it. I have noticed the XDs grip is shorter than the Shield. Another observation at LGS in my area the XDs45 is under $600 while the new latest greatest thing (Springfield marketing blitz) XDs9 is around $650. I'm sure the XDs9 is a fine shooter. I already have a BP9CC & a Shield (albeit I want the 9 conversion barrel) along w/M&P 9C & G4G19. The reason I bought the XDs45 is to add a small 45 cal to go along w/my G4G30, which is mostly regulated to home firewatch duty.

Cost? I think it's odd when smaller handguns cost more than the larger in the same brand, i.e. the XDs45. At least the Shield cost less than the Compact, which cost less than the FS. Y'all may not like Glocks. I do think they are over priced. Bought mine Blue Label price. They do have it down regards to larger equals higher price & multitude of aftermarket parts readily available. Okay, I digress and promise no more G talk.

Again, I got the XDs45 to have a smaller 45 cal. BTW, love my XDsc40 (great shooter & low recoil). I'm kind on a Noah's Ark thing w/handguns these days, lol. Anyway, is the XDs overpriced? YES!

 

[Soldiernurse]

Agree, don't want to overpay, then pay shipping, then pay my LGS $25 bucks to have it shipped there. By that time I have way overpaid.

Fortunately for me, I have many, many LGS in my area. I've ordered a few guns online but have stopped that practice. The S/H & FFL certainly escalates the overall price.

 

[Smitty357]

The shorter grip on the XDS is another reason its not as comfortable to hold while shooting. I remember when people complained about the short grip and short mag of the Shield when it first came out. The Springfield goes out and makes an even shorter grip (why did they make that mistake).

In the end if most people take each gun and handle them both for about 50rds or so. They will realize which one is more comfortable to shoot for most people. But in reality,a weapon is better than no weapon when your life or your families life is being threatened.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I had a 9mm Shield and shot it side by side with my 45acp XDS that is my EDC. It was a tough choice but the overall winner was the XDS. I find it easy to hold on to with the 5rd. magazine slow or rapid fire with no readjustment of my grip needed.

The XDS in 9mm has an extended magazine that provides 1 round over the Shield extended magazine. The stock fiber optic sight is nice and I even put the exact same sight on my XDM 4.5" since the sight height is the same. The more aggressive texture on the XDS grip means no need for tape like many put on the Shield. The different backstraps are nice to tailor to individual hands and the ambi mag release offers something for the left handed shooter.

In the end, they're both great firearms, but the XDS has enough pluses going for it like features and calibers to give the consumer something the Shield can't.

The only big complaint I had about my 9mm Shield was how I had to barely touch the mag release to have it drop out. It never did it while firing, but after that spring wore a little, I was worried how even the slightest bump might have it drop out. I know most will want to respond with "never happened to me" or "it was and never will be an issue" and maybe mine was a singularity, but it was definitely too sensitive.

The second less important complaint was the thumb safety. It's not that it had one, but because it was small and hard to manipulate with any speed. The thumb safety on my BG380 is more positive and easier to disengage (even though it's much smaller) rapidly during the draw if that says anything. I would like to see S&W eliminate the thumb safety, extend it like the larger M&P's or offer a model without it. Yes I know "just don't use it" is the normal response that I've used as well, but if it was bigger I'd use it, otherwise I'd disable it if I ever own another Shield.

 

[MSG Glenn]

I guess I look at the wrong places. I see the Shield for no less than $450, and usually $500 and above. Sheesh. Where should I be looking in NC for places that don't come up on google or other search engines? My LGS does not take backorders with anything. It's the luck of the draw. I or my son go by there everyday, no luck so far. The good thing with them is that I can lay it away for 90 days if I can get lucky enough to find one there.

The wait is long at my police supply store. I was supposed to get my M&P 40C 3 months after I ordered it in December. S&W extended that another couple of months. It's been a tad over 6 months. The price was $455 with three mags & Trijicon night sights. That price is locked in even if it wasn't paid for already. I'm #6 on the list. When I inquired about any possible shipping dates a month ago they told me that I should be glad I didn't order a Shield. The wait for them is possibly a year. Although I'd like to have the compact before I get any older & certainly before I'm pushing up daisies I can wait because I have a carry gun right now & I certainly wouldn't get that good a deal anywhere else around here.

 

[mdrums]

Curious....does anyone care that the Shield is made in the USA and the XDs are made in Croatia?

2nd unless you are a cop how in the heck are you all finding these ultra cheap prices on Shields and XDS? I paid $445 for my Shield late last year. I travel a lot for my job and stop into gun stores all over and never see the prices some of you all say you bought for...so curious on that too...thanks!

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Curious....does anyone care that the Shield is made in the USA and the XDs are made in Croatia?

2nd unless you are a cop how in the heck are you all finding these ultra cheap prices on Shields and XDS? I paid $445 for my Shield late last year. I travel a lot for my job and stop into gun stores all over and never see the prices some of you all say you bought for...so curious on that too...thanks!

My LGS has a guy that always buys the newest models and then trades them in barely used. I lucked out when he traded in a 9mm Shield that looked brand new for $350 and then again with the Bi-tone 45acp XDS for $450 that looked unfired.

A good price can be had if one is willing to look. Sometimes it take calls to several shops and/or searches online to find those cheap prices.

As for the made in Croatia thing, I have an XDS and XDM, but I have 7 S&W handguns/revolvers. It really dosn't matter to me where it's made as long as the quality is there. I've seen junk and high quality firearms made domestically and abroad.

 

[RussC]

Curious....does anyone care that the Shield is made in the USA and the XDs are made in Croatia?

2nd unless you are a cop how in the heck are you all finding these ultra cheap prices on Shields and XDS? I paid $445 for my Shield late last year. I travel a lot for my job and stop into gun stores all over and never see the prices some of you all say you bought for...so curious on that too...thanks!

+1

I have not seen a Shield in Utah for less than retail.

Russ

 

[Smitty357]

Curious....does anyone care that the Shield is made in the USA and the XDs are made in Croatia

Thats why its a sin to put an XDS beside a S&W. Or even mention them in the same sentence. Ooops, i just committed another sin, lol.

There is a reason the Shield is still fairly hard to find on the shelf. Yet the XDS is pretty readily available.

I'm actually looking for local dummy who will trade me a .40 Shield for a XDS 9mm. I'm looking to get my hands on a .40 Shield for my ole lady and sell her 9mm Shield.

I thought maybe i'd try to convert the XDS's between one another as I have the Shield. But in the end there is no way a drop in barrel will work in the XDS. Internals between the .45 and .9mm are far too different. .45 is large primer and .9mm is small primer. =-(