Xds or Sheild?

[CarryCauseICan]

I need some help in making this decision. As the title says, what would you prefer to have? The SA Xds 9mm or the S&W M&P Shield 9mm? Here's the deal, You have $600 burning a hole in your pocket to purchase either. You've Had your eye on the Xds since it came out, and it will cost you $590 tax included, but then you spy the Shield sitting there and it only costs $460 tax included, leaving you with an extra $140 left over. ???????

Here's the way I see it as of now. I've had my eye on the Xds for some time now. I just like the look and feel of it. Seems solid, has a fiber optic front site, no manual safety, ambi mag release, and aggressive checkering for grip.
The Shield is cheaper in price, Has a manual safety, just as reliable as the xds, plain sites (adjustable rear), and heard good things about the trigger.
If you have either what do you think about it? I'd like to hear what you don't like as much as what you do like.

Thanks CCIC

[TTS]

I would say the Shield, that was my decision... I felt the manual safety was less of a drawback than the grip safety.

I also prefer the availability of sights, trigger mods and holsters available for the Shield.

Both are great guns.

[Slayer_MN1]

I've shot both extensively, could own either one, and I own the shield. Just shoots better for me.

[Back In Black]

Another vote for the shield. I have one as well.

[Spartan]

The Shield ........ I hated the XDS ... miss feds ... not accurate .... hated it .....

get the shield

[Mn01r6]

Never shot the XDs, but I love my shield. And I paid $500 for it. Spend your money on the shield + Trijicon HD orange sights and you will never look back.

[Hobotorium]

Shield. I've been using one in .40 and I love it although it took some getting used to. The only reason I'd ever pick up an XDS is if I wanted a small polymer .45, definitely wouldn't bother with the 9mm when the Shield is around. I was able to fire a friends XDS once and I didn't care for it, it just felt cheap in comparison.

[Hmac]

Neither IMHO. I shot the Shield a lot before deciding on the Walther PPS. Manual or grip safety is just one more platform oddity that I didn't want to deal with. I like that my pistols basically all function the same. In an emergency, just draw it and pull the trigger. I didn't pay much attention to the XdS....I was concerned about its reputation, and it felt cheap to me.

[grimbeaver]

The Shield ........ I hated the XDS ... miss feds ... not accurate .... hated it .....

get the shield

Well I've got the XDS 9mm and I've never had a FTF or FTE and love it. As for not being accurate, I thought it was at first too. However I discovered the real issue was my grip needed improvement. Never shot a Shield but like my XDS. Also not a fan of the manual safety on the Shield, I'm with the group that believes it has no place on a carry weapon. Also even though it's a little thing I really like the loaded chamber indicator on the XDS.

[Thunder71]

I've owned both, traded the Shield for the XD-S mainly because as a lefty I felt the manual safety on the Shield was something I didn't want ruining my day (think Murphy's Law). They are both excellent carry guns and very reliable, you can't go wrong with either one.

To me there isn't a clear cut winner between the two, but I hate the extended magazine on either one.

[rottenit]

I had an xd-s and got a shield to replace it. Fits better in my hand and I can shoot it better.

IF you can try em both and see what you like better!

[CarryCauseICan]

Thanks for the help guys! Keep the opinions coming.

It's kind of what I was thinking. The scales are tipping to the shield. I've had my heart set on the xds for so long now, that i feel like I've been just told the girl I've built a liking to, was just seen making out with the quarter back under the high school bleachers!

[Holland&Holland]

Thanks for the help guys! Keep the opinions coming.

It's kind of what I was thinking. The scales are tipping to the shield. I've had my heart set on the xds for so long now, that i feel like I've been just told the girl I've built a liking to, was just seen making out with the quarter back under the high school bleachers!

To be fair, you were the one cheating on the xds. Man up and tell her you just are not into her anymore and need to move on, then go after that shield. Just remember, unlike your analogy, if you realize you let the love of your life slip through your fingers, you can always get both!

[jonahk]

I tried both, chose the XDs. Fit better in my hand. Shoot an XDm for competition so the muscle memory translates well to a smaller version. I'm not sure why people bitch about the grip safety on the XDs all the time - unless you have a totally wonky grip you won't even think about it. In fact I actually prefer the extra layer of safety when holstering since I'm paranoid about my shirt getting caught and shooting myself in the ass.

That being said, I do like the Shield. Both are great platforms.

[armedwalleye]

Another lefty, and another XDs fan. Got the .45, 9mm is in the works.
No manual safety, positive grip, ambi mag release are all plusses for me.
FTF's seems to be largely a grip issue. Run the gun like it owes you money. Shoot it and run it hard and it sill step up.