Carry .45: XD Mod2 or Shield .45 2.0??

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Redcoat3340

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So I'd like to start carrying a .45 in addition to my 9mm Shield 2.0 and Sig 320 in 9.

I've got a 5" M&P 2.0 and the Shield and really like them both, but have no experience with Springfield. From all the reviews I've read, the XD scores at the top of value and use.

Hoping folks who have had experience with both might tell me their preference. I'll be trying to find one to shoot at a local range, but if I can't I'm hoping people here might help. (And if you don't have experience with both, perhaps what you like and don't like about both guns.)

Thanks in advance.
 
I can only comment as to the Shield 2.0 in .45.
A friend of mine bought one two weeks ago, I fired 50 rounds through it in a 20 minute period.
I was extremely surprised at how soft it shot and how well it felt in my hands. Very slim with a nice aggressive texture. I will soon be buying one.
 
I think it depends on how burly you are and what your preferred carry method is. The XD Mod.2 is excellent in all regards, but the weight of ammunition makes it too heavy for me. In fact, I only carry Shield 45 in a shoulder holster (for a couple of reasons I do not do IWB, which is the most common method). In other words, if you can find a way to carry the XD, you should, because of its capacity advantage.
 
A friend of mine got an XD Mod 2 in 45 a couple years ago. He is not a big guy, maybe 5'7" and 140 lbs. He carries it quite a bit and has no problem concealing it. We compared it to my Shield 9mm and its about 5/16 thicker and maybe a quarter inch longer. I was amazed at how small it really is. The big difference is weight. The XD is about 6 ounces heavier empty so I figure closer to 8 ounces heavier when loaded. Half pound extra is quite a bit to me. Of course compared to a Shield 45 its probably more like a 5-6 ounce difference, same length and probably a bit under a quarter inch thickness difference.
The XD is a nice shooting gun. The only other 45 semi auto I have shot is a 5 inch 1911. You wouldn't know the XD is 12 ounces lighter based on recoil. My buddy has probably run 1000 rounds through his gun and had no malfunctions. It shoots accurately and has a pretty decent trigger. I haven't shot both, but have nothing bad to say about the XD. All other things being equal, I would likely opt for Shield based on it being lighter
 
I have the XD mod2 Service pistol in 45 acp with the 4" barrel. Love this gun very accurate and has never had a failure of any kind since I owned it. I carry it using a El Paso crosshair leather holster and it fits and rides nice.
 
Not sure if you mean the xd or xds, but I have said it before and I will say it again. The XD mod 2 subcompact in 9mm (13+1) or 45acp (9+1) are the best pound for pound ccw pistols on the market. YMMV.
 
They are all fine pistols, the easy answer is he one you like most- but my answer would be the S&W so you have consistency in all of your pistols.
 
I bought the shield last year when they had the rebate and have carried it since, it is a little heavier than a 9mm or snub nose 38 but it carries well. Most holsters are built for the 9mm or 40 and they are a little shorter and a little thinner than the 45
 
Based on capacity and concealability as well as ergos to me. 9mm subcompact that carries 13+1 with 2 19 round spare mags on my hip and only 1.2” thick works great for me, no problem carrying anywhere/anytime.
 
I have an XDs .45ACP. Mine is the original first model, albeit with a Powder River Spring Kit installed. It's a great little pistol and has never failed. I rarely carry it as I have other options that I prefer to carry, but I have nothing bad to say about it. It's not particularly pleasant to shoot, but if I ever need it it's not going to be a pleasant circumstance all around! I know it's going to work though.
 
I carry an XD Subcompact in 9mm and have it’s big brother, XD Compact in 45ACP as a nightstand gun. The 45 is a pleasure to shoot. When not carried I load it with the extended magazine for the nightstand along with a mounted light. I used to be a Glock owner, but found that I shoot the XD line much better.

YMMV.... Good luck in your search!
 
I have both the Shield is a PC model. IMO the shield is a better shooter. It feels better in my hand and has less felt recoil. The shield also holds more rounds and is more accurate.
 
Here is my XDs MOD 2, single stack, tritium night sight. Shoots pretty nice for a concealed carry gun. Also in the photo is a SW Bodyguard 380 and a 1911 Govt, for comparison. This Mod 2 will fit in an ankle holster under loose leg jeans.


View attachment 786021
 
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Just to wrap this thread up for me....I went with the Shield 2.0. I like my 9mm Shield and .380EZ Shield (as well as my full-size M&P) so I went with the 2.0 so I have four the same.

Here's a pic.
 

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