XDS vs Shield

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maxxhavoc

maxxhavoc

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I have been carrying an XDS 45 for several years. I have been very happy with it - put in a IWB holster, and it just disappears. It is very comfortable to carry, and I have had no complaints. It shoots "good enough" for a CWP gun.

Palmetto State Armory put the Shield on sale at a price I ended up not being able to pass up. It was $299 with a $75 rebate. The Shield looked like a lot of pistol for $224...that is Taurus territory. So I bought the Shield .45 with thumb safety just because it was a good deal. I figured after the rebates ended I could sell it later if I didn't like it.

After I got it, I noticed how close these pistols are. Darn near exact same size and weight. Exactly the same round count in the normal capacity and +1 magazines.

Well, they are both mine now, so I figured I would make the most of it and carry the Shield for a bit. I started by carrying it around the house until I could break it in. It was like rubbing sandpaper on my love handles. It didn't "tuck in" like the XD-S, and I certainly didn't forget I was wearing it. It grabbed to T-shirts like velcro - the grips are too aggressively stippled...like 40 grit sandpaper. It grabbed my shirt and made it obvious that I had a pistol in there.

Then I took it to the range. Here they are side by side:

cgo9xt-41e1OoHgfuC65vYwT94GRqeQc_Fn3ZuVwM4icjr80NmX3q73AMzNbYarr1AdUZzBbwcYMKwSjlyNZ7AZmb_r6dAKFIbS0F2v_4mlih4fcfsNETuuk7ZvTxwtS6FunZDZUMRruPwBn6Mtm4j8fqvSruaZF8ohQkGNSBnkV7MNPYQEg-IsJSyM6s8qJOkXoOcdIiUo_pAL_fK23AgCS59ce8llJ18eSmBz4OTjWbeQ6txLaUK3w4BGKOb8xkGOA-2kPZoM48cdVP4f3j3Vd68NpwVpqICIIWRHyR-CxiwULzwF5OOjPzcPXDPKFtnN2RDFhzGRizoOfYaMyGoTnuWAXS_QbPAYRk-EbgTzkrY3vQNk2eDAqS3j_Q-qWE_4vLUZ3Z2hNkdiYu5TKXjaxi2QzYRsmO_fRtO9nMEqJdFTM6VWuwXtQhIj4A7V9xah-HoHSvkx83cjrdQNDRRxfDn2zVNAs_Te21ert2JPkCimVaouY8GDGolfvO0wNsHuC6CNOOm1TTN31fCjlCiXg2QZ1XM7284kFOLp90ahXdscW5iYflthY6HPc9dCU6Wn3EV1edGOKxoJPdpQMq_AYmckdtg1Sr5qI96rmMVN73fOUO2OC=w962-h721-no


After shooting a few mags side by side (both 6rd and 7rd in both) I started to notice a pattern. I shot XD-S then Shield alternating after each magazine at 15 yards on a 10"x18" target:

fgud74EPH7BertKK54-KYUB44C4o-RfN2phMTH581MXRcotSULMWup1xWCUYrvDua2-6heH_GI11U4RzCRSdnin-x2xofGGl9V5qCcHz6X7DP2ftPEORt1bDKzgVeUYJl0VKMKJPLqoTA-AXDIhE6qu5Z5YvHrBu7p4hmfmFYJRn-lhIW7lXThtqbv4eGWcX9LmTk5r0OwCGHF7qvP1SGIqwq7VXUIoqLTbmaF_e4rS4S4xfboz5MJsVPMc2X0TtaHCja29moUQ4U4WFl3ZUMF8li_9DuYDumHJLjr9OOgr-ETwZ_KvAOiraTJ-_REr2Ecs7U02FfxfkfI-PsgMgFWU0r1p2Ua1ohguJDTGXvX6f4ZyVh2XMwWtQ3djSFmEOT-TQj25jIetaV19gtIRcHOq1-LJVqg75qOA74nUeahM26smU1v76oG4i2yXGMyPxd11bBpg7ayGWAxUOnSO6KcEz9y9gVaxcIJL5AD-2YdXlF27MKlOtbmbwNxiCeFzL83nvw34bBzuKmQZVjgXO8RKzTRty4K3wNDZWbBf0ulZ9jBMgaBKbocTwej5yWqD55-kS4_nv5ymbriDs_htS8i5C2Tw8HRjowYVfTNjYFtgsEcgTln0z=w962-h721-no


The XD-S is on the left, Shield on the right. I shot better with the Shield than with the pistol I had been carrying for years. After I took this picture I started just shooting the Shield. After about 150 rounds of fire this is what I ended up with:
9RZS96PGcr-bSaWK8gjwzM88-2UG2E7CNeTAeQlXeT61VZbBuavJOh27gV1rqPHzIOZe4qhWzytt7fbI-rLHhbxJ3aO-HKB2OnFSoQCDUlhTZ3IsPqBMBkLjd_Kq6y3ni98M_fdMip_AB-2qZRKB_XS6fK0kbcxafLsld_DJE1oguL1b_hFMmBf8nMNRWrYXs_7-nrrh2mA4Rq16dxRpfRXpO1xMxDMXxaTFnArchkteagJwsE2iwpGdjYLsmQVUZ3TGsgIwn4p6-pxIPFq5792dIlm50eT_oIAkVwxwrjYUnBUjJP0HOKE_eVl3si_yN10k0V7Pjm-B8CPVMVcc2FyelhUCEQCERfr4U0PsIQZRAPHyNSj1lqNSinnxh3FavnbZnpmY5VVsZ52P0XaqlYf8cTt8kieuPxJEbe2C8GT5LC7BkNx4oy1eMadgolsDf8_M-qsOpRen0rT95mjqlxxKnFzQaBBHMGw3H6A_TfL5kwAMylPPfib549gCS0lraeZDL5IyfszBvryVgYfuiOyTyGsWYcAAQoDsTIusJGX6OFN4gTUqwiN4fMx1A0D6WtJu9V_XAsf3E2C8QuQQUZnBYPZ7GzPqUssl_AJz6Rf4741r9tcL=w541-h721-no


The left and right top bullseyes were quick shots from the holster. The head bullseye was slow aimed fire. The torso shots were just taken as soon as I had a sight picture until empty.

I'm not saying that the Shield is more accurate than the XD-S, but in my hand, on this day, the comparison was embarrassing. Other folks will shoot either one better, and the XD-S might like someone else's hand better than the Shield. Neither group was that good, if I shot either with a 1911 I would have gone home much earlier. But for a concealed carry plastic striker, the Shield impressed me.

Now I need to figure out how to sand or melt down the grips so I can carry the Shield comfortably. If I can get it to be half as comfortable and concealable as the Springfield, I will be happy. I just can't see carrying the XD anymore if more range trips show the same accuracy differences. Just thought I would share.
 
Interesting results.

I've had similar experiences where a new to me platform out performs something I already thought was good.

Try some different ammo types if you can. Ideally, try another head to head with some good SD ammo as thats ultimately what will be more important if the weapon is ever put "to the test" in a dire situation. Maybe the XDS shoots GoldDots like lasers and the shield will struggle (it probably won't, but it's worth finding out before making a decision)
 
I have the XDS45 and Shield9 and Shield45. I too bought the Shield45 (no manual safety) recently when Palmetto State Armory was selling the for $299. I haven't shot the Shield45 yet. However, comparing my XDS and Shield9, the XDS seemed to have a better trigger and exhibit more accuracy, but both were comparable in regards to reliability, size, and weight. I am looking forward to the Shield45 so I can have a more direct comparison.
 
The Shield fits me a little better than the XDS when comparing 9mm's. I ended up with the Shield because it seemed to sit a little lower on the top of my hand.

I also had issues with the grip feel. I added a set of Talon grips and it was worth every penny to me. The rubber Talons have a good feel and stay in my hand, but does not grab clothing like you would think rubber would.
 
I have only been carrying a few years but really like the 9mm Shield. Carry it IWB in an Alien Gear holsterwhen heavy jackets are not needed. I find it very comfortable in this holster.
 
maxxhavoc

Nice shooting by the way with your new Shield! I found the Shield had better ergonomics for me (and felt better in my hand), than the XD-S.
 
We now own one of each thanks to the recent S&W rebates. I've used both and still shoot the xds better, just as I did years ago when renting both and deciding to buy the xds. It still feels like the more quality firearm in terms of fit and finish (just my opinion) but I know many who feel the opposite. Personally, I do not care for the feel of the slide camming shut on the shield and have already seen it fail to return to battery more than once during the "break in" phase. Something my xds didn't require and a failure it's never had in thousands of rounsds. I would have preferred another xds than a shield for redundancy in subcompact 9mm ccw pistols, but such is life. My significant other greatly prefers the shield.
 
Question:
Cabela's is selling the shield 45 for $320 after MIR.

How much is shipping from palmetto State armory? I figure I'll spend $25-30 for a transfer fee.

In the end, after the MiR, how much am I out?
 
Shipping from Palmetto was $17. Keep in mind if you buy at Cabela's, you will pay state sales tax (unless your state does not tax). Also, if you buy from Cabela's, I recommend using discounted gift cards... everything I buy from Cabela's, I buy with discounted gift cards which usually saves me between 11-20%.
 
A discounted gift card... People buy gift cards for people for their birthdays, Christmas, etc. There are websites that will sell these cards at a discounted price (Raise, Gift Card Granny, Gift Card Zen, etc). For instance, if I get a gift card to Cabela's for $100 and I never shop at Cabela's, I might just want cash rather than a card I'll never use. I could sell my card to one of those online companies and get maybe $80 in cash. That company might sell my card for $90. I would get cash for a card I would never use, someone would get a $100 card for $90, and the company would make $10 profit. Sometimes you get the physical gift cards mailed to you. Most of the time, you will get a code for online use emailed to you within a day of purchase.

There are also companies that sell gift cards and just put them on sale. They probably have a deal with Cabela's and other companies. On eBay, I've bought $100 gift cards from the seller SVM gift cards for $80 (20% savings). They don't sell them for $80 all the time, but about once every 2-3 months, they'll be on sale. I do this with pretty much everything... I buy discounted Walmart gift cards, Southwest Airlines gift cards, gift cards to restaurants, etc.

It basically adds another step to your shopping, but the savings can be substantial. I also buy items online through sites such as Ebates and Swagbucks so I get a few percent rebated to me. I save hundreds of dollars annually using these methods.
 
I was pleasantly surprised by the Shield as well. Price point with the rebate aside, the Shield 45 is one of the softest shooting 45s I have shot. I found accuracy and shootability to be excellent in my hands.

IMG_3866.jpg
 
With Cabela's sale and the rebate (when it comes) I will have paid $281 for a 45 Shield. No sales tax in Montana and Cabela's gives a 5% veterans discount on top of your best deal. I wasn't looking for a new Shield but the price was too good to pass up.
 
My 9mm Shield is remarkably accurate. Much more so than any striker-fired pistol I have ever fired. I prefer the non-grenade grips of the Shield, but that is just taste.
 
They are both good guns. I'd say stick to the one that you get along with the best. Which is the shield.
 
I had a similar experience, but vis-a-vis Kahr P45. I liked the trigger on P45, and Shield 45's trigger was gritty (still is, honestly). But when I compared targets, Shield's was definitely better grouped. It surprised me because I wasn't enjoying shooting the Shield. But there's no argument with results.
 
.
FL-NC said:
They are both good guns. I'd say stick to the one that you get along with the best. Which is the shield.
Click to expand...

I'm going to get some Talon grips like others have suggested. If they improve carry comfort, I am pretty sure the Shield will become my regular carry. I still WANT to like the XD-s more, but I can't argue with results.
 
maxxhavoc said:
I have been carrying an XDS 45 for several years.

After shooting a few mags side by side (both 6rd and 7rd in both) I started to notice a pattern. I shot XD-S then Shield alternating after each magazine at 15 yards on a 10"x18" target:

I'm not saying that the Shield is more accurate than the XD-S, but in my hand, on this day, the comparison was embarrassing. Other folks will shoot either one better, and the XD-S might like someone else's hand better than the Shield.

I just can't see carrying the XD anymore if more range trips show the same accuracy differences. Just thought I would share.
Click to expand...
I've been carrying a 45 XDs for several years as well. Mine has been totally reliable with one failure to feed on one range trip alone. I have always found the accuracy of that little gun to be rather impressive, and have always considered myself well enough armed with it in my waste band for any threat I was likely to encounter.

However, I have never been a big fan of the trigger in mine. It's a bit stagy, and the break is not quite as clean as I prefer. Try dry firing both guns side by side and see if the S&W trigger doesn't suite you better. That could have a huge impact on your shooting.

Also, check the distance from the trigger to the back of the back strap on both guns. I've always hated small guns single stack guns because I never felt like I was able to get a proper trigger reach with them. The first time I was handed an XDs I expected to feel the same. However I was totally surprised that the XDs felt good in my hand. I bought it that days. That trigger reach can really affect a person's shooting as well. Maybe the Shield just fit you better.
 
Had an XDs. For me, it felt good in the hand. However, shooting more than a mag or two in one shooting session through this beast was brutal for me. Aside from the aggressive grip checkering, that snappy recoil required really concentrating while shooting for accuracy.

Traded it in, just picked up the Shield 45, with night-sights, for much less than I paid for the XDs. Feels better, shoots way better for me. Trigger seems better on the Shield, and I am getting far better accuracy with it. Seems to manage recoil much better.

For me, hands-down, it's the Shield. No pics yet, but gratuitous photo of my former pistol ...

 
I shot an XDs .45 a few years back and was surprised at what a soft shooter it was for such a little pistol. More recently, I rented an XDs and a Shield, both in 9mm, and ran a few mags through each. It certainly wasn't a statistically significant sample, but it was enough to tell me that I preferred the Shield. If I can scrape the $$$ together, it's next on my To Buy List.
 
viking499 said:
I also had issues with the grip feel. I added a set of Talon grips and it was worth every penny to me. The rubber Talons have a good feel and stay in my hand, but does not grab clothing like you would think rubber would.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. The Talon grips make it a while new gun. Got some for the Taurus PT111 also.
 
Both times I've fired the XDs .45 it's too small for my hand, too much of a handful in .45, would probably prefer it in 9mm. Will have to try the Shield now.
 
Congrats, on the shield, I did the same as you, the XDs in .45 first and then the Shield .45, paid a lot more thought an 2 days before the rebate, but I shoot much better with the Shield, the shame is that I have good leather holster for the XDs and Kydex for the Shield so far.
 
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