M&P Shield or Springfield XDs

Mossyoakglock · December 4, 2013

Looking for a new carry gun and I think I've narrowed it down to either the Shield or XDs, both in 9mm. I think the .40 in the Shield and the .45 in the XDs would be too much for such a small gun plus I get more capacity with the 9mm and it would allow for quicker follow-up shots. With the right round (not sure if either can handle +P) it should be fine, plus my wife would be able to use it as well.

I have only been able to hold the Shield (local Bass Pro actually had one in stock) but haven’t been able to find a XDs anywhere. The Shield felt great in my hand but I want to find the XDs first. I’ve heard nothing but good things about both but there seems to be more praise for the Shield from the shooting forums. Most have said it would be a coin-toss between the two because they are so similar.

Hickok45 has done a few reviews on both and they both seem to be great guns. So, has anybody shot both or own one or the other and which do you prefer? I would be carrying IWB as well. I currently carry a G23 and considered a 26/27 but I don’t like how thick the Glocks are for IWB carry (great gun otherwise). I can carry it much better in the winter with a jacket and a hip holster so the Shield/XDs would be more of a summer carry. I do carry the Glock IWB in the winter with a jacket because I don’t have to worry about it printing as much. Although if it did I doubt anybody would even know anyways. Most people are oblivious

MikeNH · December 4, 2013

I carry my G32 which is the same size year round without issue. I carried my P220 over the holiday weekend and that isn't bad under a coat but the aggressive grips I have on that tenderized my side a bit.

The shield seems popular but the various XDs have real nice triggers.

mawint · December 5, 2013

I had this same dilemma about 6 months ago. Went with a Ruger SR9c though based on price and availability at the time. I love the gun though, such a crisp trigger pull and can also take the full size 17 round ruger mags.

cobrajet84 · December 5, 2013

Haven't shot either but I do own a regular size XD and love how it shoots. Have held the XDs but have never shot it. I think it feels great in the hand, like I said though I own a full size XD so the familiar feeling of the XDs is something I like.

TimmyG · December 5, 2013

I would probbly go with the the xd. I carry a glock 27 (.40) grrat gun very little kick. Both are great choices tho. Its all what's more comfortable for you. Maybe try them both at thr range?. My local range allows you to rent firearms to shoot at there range. And its a great way to try before you buy

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The Duke · December 5, 2013

Real "MEN" carry Forty - Fives! Preferably Kimber or Colt 1911's!

99kon · December 5, 2013

I have the XDS 45 and for being such a small frame 45 it shoots great. Im not going to go to the range and shoot 200 rounds with it though. I have a G17 and a Kimber for that.

Haven't shot the M&P though.

LongrangeLauber · December 7, 2013

I have a Springfield XDM .40 cal, full size so not a great carry, but I sure love the feel of it. Got it in olive drab so it looks cool too!

STINSAN3 · December 9, 2013

I got the Springfield XD .40 Sub-Compact I like it.

doverarjim · December 10, 2013

I really like my XD Service 45, but am also looking at a M&P 9 as a carry pistol just not wanting to spend the money!!

slimjim2525 · December 10, 2013

I have the shield 9mm and love it. Thinking of getting the XDS .45.

gjg55 · December 11, 2013

Looking for a new carry gun and I think I've narrowed it down to either the Shield or XDs, both in 9mm. I think the .40 in the Shield and the .45 in the XDs would be too much for such a small gun plus I get more capacity with the 9mm and it would allow for quicker follow-up shots. With the right round (not sure if either can handle +P) it should be fine, plus my wife would be able to use it as well.

I have only been able to hold the Shield (local Bass Pro actually had one in stock) but haven’t been able to find a XDs anywhere. The Shield felt great in my hand but I want to find the XDs first. I’ve heard nothing but good things about both but there seems to be more praise for the Shield from the shooting forums. Most have said it would be a coin-toss between the two because they are so similar.

Hickok45 has done a few reviews on both and they both seem to be great guns. So, has anybody shot both or own one or the other and which do you prefer? I would be carrying IWB as well. I currently carry a G23 and considered a 26/27 but I don’t like how thick the Glocks are for IWB carry (great gun otherwise). I can carry it much better in the winter with a jacket and a hip holster so the Shield/XDs would be more of a summer carry. I do carry the Glock IWB in the winter with a jacket because I don’t have to worry about it printing as much. Although if it did I doubt anybody would even know anyways. Most people are oblivious

I have the M&P 9, full size with 4" barrell. This pistol has been great, never jams, shoots smooth and accurate. The only thing I am changing is trigger pull force - in MA, it is set by default to 10 Lbs, which is too high. Honestly, I think you would be happy with either of these guns.

cparks555 · December 13, 2013

I got the Springfield XD .40 Sub-Compact I like it.

I had the same gun, loved it as well. I'm looking at the S&W single stack 9mm, seems pretty snazzy IMO.

BlackZ71Silverado · December 14, 2013

I would suggest you go handle and fire both pistols. When you find which one feels better or you are more accurate with, that's the one to buy.

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robsieb · December 24, 2013

Agree with BlackZ71 on this one. Each firearm\person combo is different and only you can tell which one is best for you by shooting them both. Most gun ranges have both to rent. With all that in mind, I have both the 40 cal Shield and the 45 XDS. Love both of them but if I had to get rid of one and pick a keeper it would be the XDS.

One thing to keep in mind at least on the XDS is that the 9 and 45 have the same frame and slide. Just a different barrel. The 9 is just not bored out as much as the 45 so its slightly heavier. I never read up on the 9 vs 40 in the Shield since I knew I wanted the 40 but it could be a similar situation. Just my 2 cents for what's its worth.