Xds or Sheild?

[andrewP]

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.

If I was making this decision, I'd likely go that way too, just for the "paddle" mag release, since that's what my P99c has. Same controls = good, usually. Of course, for the OP, this might be an argument *against* the PPS, presuming the OP doesn't shoot either an HK or a Walther, which I believe are the only two commonly available manufacturers to use this style of mag release.

[jshuberg]

Sig P239. I stopped playing with plastic guns as a child.

[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.

If I was making this decision, I'd likely go that way too, just for the "paddle" mag release, since that's what my P99c has. Same controls = good, usually. Of course, for the OP, this might be an argument *against* the PPS, presuming the OP doesn't shoot either an HK or a Walther, which I believe are the only two commonly available manufacturers to use this style of mag release.

Yeh, I'm totally indifferent to the type of mag release. Both work fine for me...I have no preference. I view it as a training issue. Anyway, I did want a carry firearm that had no hindrance to getting the thing into action. Training to get used to a grip or thumb safety on one specific carry gun is problematic to that goal. Magazine release OTOH far less so. In the extraordinarily unlikely event I ever need a gun to protect myself, it's even more unlikely I'd need more than one magazine. Doesn't matter anyway since I never carry a spare.

IMHO, the Shield is an OK gun if you don't mind a thumb safety on a carry firearm (I do). For me, the PPS is superior to the Shield and certainly the XdS in every way.

[andrewP]

Yeh, I'm totally indifferent to the type of mag release. Both work fine for me...I have no preference. I view it as a training issue. Anyway, I did want a carry firearm that had no hindrance to getting the thing into action. Training to get used to a grip or thumb safety on one specific carry gun is problematic to that goal. Magazine release OTOH far less so. In the extraordinarily unlikely event I ever need a gun to protect myself, it's even more unlikely I'd need more than one magazine.

For me, buttons work, but the Walther/HK paddle mag release is a bonus because it means I don't have to shift my grip to drop the mag, which, since my carry gun is also my USPSA competition gun, matters to me. I have no illusions about ever being a high level competitor, but OTOH I'd rather not build muscle memory on two different types of systems and potentially confuse myself. Therefore, unless I shift *all* of my shooting to a button style mag release, I'll be sticking with all paddle mag releases, which limits me to Walther and HK. (Oh, how terrible; I only have 2 manufacturers to choose from at the moment, both of which make very high quality guns! Woe is me! )

Doesn't matter anyway since I never carry a spare.

An extra mag is sort of a "why not?" for me. I find it easy with my particular gear, and on some level, carrying a gun at all is an admission that I'm preparing for the unlikely, so I do it. Your experience, priorities, mileage, etc, may vary, and that's fine; I was just explaining why I do what I do.

[CarryCauseICan]

The scales are tipping back to the xds. Since I own a xdm it wouldn't be a bad idea to stick with the same style I'm familiar with. The price is a little steep and I don't need the case,holster,and mag loader. I don't know..... it's frustrating..... but hey, part of it is the anticipation of getting a new gun that's fun!

[jonahk]

The scales are tipping back to the xds. Since I own a xdm it wouldn't be a bad idea to stick with the same style I'm familiar with. The price is a little steep and I don't need the case,holster,and mag loader. I don't know..... it's frustrating..... but hey, part of it is the anticipation of getting a new gun that's fun!

If you're thinking of the .45 at all, I'm considering selling mine to switch to the 9...

[CarryCauseICan]

The scales are tipping back to the xds. Since I own a xdm it wouldn't be a bad idea to stick with the same style I'm familiar with. The price is a little steep and I don't need the case,holster,and mag loader. I don't know..... it's frustrating..... but hey, part of it is the anticipation of getting a new gun that's fun!

If you're thinking of the .45 at all, I'm considering selling mine to switch to the 9...

Thanks for the offer, but I'm going with the 9 to keep with the same ammo as my other.

[Series 70]

How do you plan to carry? If you intend to pocket carry, go with the XDs. I have both, though my XDs is a .45. I've pocket carried both and what I discovered is that the Shield is a little more difficult to get out of a pocket. This is due to the amount of overhang of the slide over the web of the hand. In the pocket, the grip of the XDs is a wee bit higher (closer to the pocket opening) than the Shield. This means that the Shield has to be lifted a bit more before you can really start pulling your hand out of the pocket, but the amount of slide overhang can catch on the upper part of the pocket before you can get your hand (and the butt of the pistol) out. This all depends on how your pockets are cut.

Anyway, food for thought. If you are going to belt carry none of that matters. But keep in mind the most important attributes for any defensive pistol - total reliability, sights you can see, and a trigger you can manage. All these contribute to being able to get fast hits.

[Dill]

shoot both, then pick whichever one you shoot better. They are both so close in size and function that I believe your performance shooting it should be the deciding factor.

[Spike]

Try both and decide. Make sure the XDS is post-recall so you can decide if you like the trigger. Last time I checked the Shield is less expensive so that may be a determining factor if you're on a budget.

Pre and post recall my XDS-9 never failed to shoot anything I fed it.

[CarryCauseICan]

Thank you all for your input on this tough decision I am making. I've finally made a choice, and I'm going to go with the Shield. With both guns being as close to equals as possible, the cost factor out weighed the decision. With the extra savings, I can then afford to put a Crimson Trace Laser Guard on it and afford some holsters.

Now... On to which "affordable" hunting rifle to get? Ruger American or Marlin X7.... That'll be for another thread and day......

Thanks again All, CCIC

[Randygmn]

Thank you all for your input on this tough decision I am making. I've finally made a choice, and I'm going to go with the Shield. With both guns being as close to equals as possible, the cost factor out weighed the decision. With the extra savings, I can then afford to put a Crimson Trace Laser Guard on it and afford some holsters.

Now... On to which "affordable" hunting rifle to get? Ruger American or Marlin X7.... That'll be for another thread and day......

Thanks again All, CCIC

Good choice. My thinking was that on the 9mm platform, the shield would win out. I've heard too many negative things about the XDs. The savings makes it a no brainier. That you will be able to pick up a laser and holster with the difference gets you an entire carry package for the same price as the XDs is all gravy.

[smokintone]

I know you decided on the Shield, but if you want an XDS, this is the man to get it from, and cheaper than 590!
http://www.mnguntalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=49276

[smokintone]

And for what it's worth, I've owned both. They are both great guns, but in the end the XDS just feels a bit better in my hand. Both are/have been reliable.

[Erik_Pakieser]

I don't think the XDS is a bad gun, but it doesn't fit my hand very well - I have trouble consistently activating the grip safety - so I prefer the Shield.

I'd suggest shooting both and buying the one YOU like the most.