Make sure you shoot both before buying.
I went through the same exercise and bought the shield. I was used to 3-5lb triggers and my shield came through with an 8 lb trigger.
I had to learn to shoot all over again or buy a $90.00 Apex trigger kit for it.
I haven't bought the trigger kit yet as funds are tight right now.
I finally made my piece with that trigger on mine but I can't shoot it as accurately as any of my other semi-autos. It is still new and the trigger will break in with time, barring that it is a really good shooter.
The XDsc has a faster reset on the trigger, a lighter trigger pull, (but really not that much), and is heavier than the shield.
My Shield is accurate but I had to move the sights to get it zeroed in and that turned into a real challenge, since they are loctited in. I had to heat the front sight up with an electric soldering iron and clamp the slide into a vise between to pieces of wood and then was able to move it.
I've heard a lot of complaints about the white dots falling out of the rear sight of the Shield but that really wasn't a big issue with me.
I think the Shield fits my hand better than the Xdsc did and is definitely lighter to carry.
All in all it should depend on which one you shoot more comfortably as both are really reliable.
Hope this helps in some way
Addition, Now I would love to hear from someone how bought the XDsc to see his point of view, both are excellent guns and either will serve you well.
