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.
XDs 9mm $599 Shield 9mm $449 Which is More Value?
- Thread starter RussC
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Soldiernurse
US Veteran
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!
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
US Veteran
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
Member
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.
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
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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.
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.
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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
Member
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!
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
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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.
Smitty357
Member
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. =-(
GregoryJ
Member
I had the same reaction to the XDs9, the grip is very uncomfortable to me.
Even if the grip was not an issue, that "Made in Croatia" is a show stopper.
Love my Shield 9, my heirs will decide what happens to it.
Soldiernurse
US Veteran
1) So you believe only handguns made in the USA are of good quality. Without a doubt the Walther line is top notch. The PPQ & P99AS are made in Germany. Are you saying you only buy products made in the USA?
2) I paid (NIB) $449 for my Shield 40. I paid (NIB) $599 for my XDs45. I purchased both in the past 2 weeks.
... just came back from the Range. With a pachmayer (rubber sleeve) grip on my XDs45 the little gun, shorter grip than the Shield, was very pleasant to shoot. In fact, in comparison to the two times I've been to the range with my Shield, w/o a doubt the XDs45 wins; better shot placement & not snappy. I hate to blame on the nature of the .40S&W caliber since shooting my XDsc40, P99AS, PPQ40 is not a problem, i.e. not snappy. I do shoot my Shield 40 almost as well as the XDs45, and I like the grip. My solution, besides continued range time w/my Shield40, is to buy a 9mm conversion barrel, then 9mm mags.
Anybody have a link for the Shield 9mm conversion barrel? TIA!
2tango2
US Veteran
You can buy a Shield 9mm all day and night here in NH at Shooters Outpost for 399.99
And just the opposite of the Shield's availability round here...XDS is in very high demand and doesn't last long at all on the shelves
I own both flavors of the Shield and both flavors of the XDS. I gave an honest review over on XD Talk after firing the XDS 9. Great gun, great feel, operates very smoothly and digested everything I fed it. I can't think of a negative. The Talon wrap on grip takes the bite that some folks don't' like out of the equation.
I paid 539 each for both of the XDS's.
It comes down to which one feels better in you hand and which maker you prefer. They mirror each other in what niche they were designed to fill. If you already own a Shield there is no reason to get the XDS 9 unless your sole reason is just because you want one (which was mine) Likewise can be said for an XDS 9 owner who is thinking about buying a Shield. They both fill the same need. Comes down to whether you like S&W or Springfield. I like them both. I have the funds and income to buy what I want. I wanted the XDS 9 because I really love it in 45.
As far as the price difference? The XDS does seem like it is a bit more solid construction. Little tighter and smoother. When you rack the slide if feels almost buttery smooth. I also like the trigger just a tad better than the Shield's. No knock on the Shield, just an opinion that is mine and mine alone for the purpose of this thread.
On the flip side I find the Shield feels a smidgen better in my hand. It's a tossup really
I'm not trying to convince anyone or dissuade anyone from either weapon. They are both excellent choices and you can't go wrong with whatever one you choose. Sort of like Ford vs Chevy. Both will accomplish the same end result and when looking at similar models it all comes down to personal preference
I would not feel uncomfortable carrying either
Water-Man
US Veteran
2tango2
US Veteran
2tango2
US Veteran
Some visuals:
Soldiernurse
US Veteran
LOL, tax can be less than S/H + FFL. Plus, always prefer in store purchase vs online purchase.
... not interested in wasting my time bickering back n forth
bybotie
Member
I have a XDS in .45 I carry daily. I love the gun. I sold a XDM in .40 to buy a M&P in .40. I hated the way the XDM felt in my hand. The M&P feels perfect but the factory trigger is complete junk.
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