S&W Shield vs. Springfield XD-S - Help

[halfpipe88]

I'm looking for an easily concealable pistol and really like the Smith and Wesson Shield and the Springfield XD-S.  I want to get your opinions between the two (yes I know there are a lot more out there, yes I know they're great, but I would like to know your experience with these two guns).

The XD-S comes in 45 AUTO while the Shield comes in 9mm or .40cal.  That results in the Shield carrying 7-8 bullets while the XD-S only carries 5.  Would that put me at a disadvantage?

9mm and .40 is cheaper, meaning the more I practice the more the XD-S would cost, but is the .45 AUTO knockdown power important?

The Shield used to be about $450, but now is closer to $700...XD-S is remaining around $550.  Why would the shield go up so much but not the XD-S?

Supposedly the XD-S is supposed to come out in 9mm and .40, but I don't know when that will be...looking for one to buy with my tax return in February so I don't want to wait, otherwise I'd go with the XD-S in 9mm or .40.  I love the look and the fiber optic sights!

Those that do carry these, what is the best holster you've found? 

Thanks for all your help!!  Really appreciate and value it.

[h20hunter]

I have two XD's and they both run like champs. As far as the caliber choice I'm a believer in the .45. We can debate this all day long but I believe the stopping power of the .45 is perfect....the 9 and 40 will of course do the job but I like the .45. As far as cost of rounds I don't think you would shoot your carry ammo enough to really incur that much of an added expense. Keep us posted.

[turkeyfeather]

The shield has gotten very expensive due to supply and demand. Whether intentional or not S & W is only producing at a rate of about 10% of demand. Personally I prefer the Springfield.

[halfpipe88]

The cost in ammo would come from practice and more practice.  I don't plan on firing off boxes of rounds due to fire fights .  Is 5 bullets enough though if you really got into something?

[h20hunter]

I assume it is 5+1.....will you be carrying an extra mag? If not carrying any extra rounds on you then I can get behind the 9 or 40.....however.....there is a lot of truth to the saying of it only taking one with a .45. I'm a fan so I'm biased but looking forward to the discussion. Really, with a little practice and being able to put a few rounds in the A zone all three will get it done.

[sirmissalot]

I held a Shield a while back, amazingly thin but the frame was big enough to still feel good in your hand, not like holding a pee shooter. I can't contribute much more to this, but if you haven't held both of them I suggest you do. I would also prefer the 40 over the 45, simply for the added capacity.

[wildmanoutdoors]

I just got a shield 40 after shooting my friends. Its a kick butt little piece that is almost a pocket gun.

40 SW was developed to have the kind of knockdown power of the 45 but in a smaller cal so double stackers could be thinner and or carry more rounds. It was designed for law enforcement when the FBI began looking for more knockdown and high capacity than the 9mm. It meandered from the 10mm which was just too much kick for most Leo's.

You cant go wrong with the 40 S and W!

Mary's pistols in Tacoma has em priced at 395. I got mine the Friday before Xmas. You have to keep calling to see when one is coming in though. There hard to get as lots want them.
5 or 8 rounds, hmmmmmm....Ill take 8 thanks!

Plus the trigger is really great. Its not a springy feeling trigger like a Glock or my
USP. Its more like a single action with lots of take up. And the safty really is a nice addition! Too many tupperware guns dont have safetys IMO. There not for begginer IMO.

But the shield has a nice safety, great trigger, Strike fire firing system that really controls the recoil of the 40 in such a small piece.

For my holster Im carring it in a holster store, forward cant, left hand at the SOB. I also carry it in my coat pocket, back pocket, fishing vest pocket. It fits about anywere!

[Fisherdave10]

I have shot an XDS and I own bought an M&P Shield 9mm.

The XDS was nice, but is kind of finicky.  Recoil was pretty significant.

The Shield is a fighting gun.  It never gave me an issue.  James Yeager says he would trust his life to his 9mm Shield.  He has had over 7,000 rounds through it with no malfunctions.

Go with the Shield, and I recommend 9mm over .40 in such a small gun.

Don't pay $700.  They should be around $400.  Check local shops regularly.

[wildmanoutdoors]

The 40 uses much higher pressures than the 45. The velocities are faster as a result, Penetration testing shows they are very similar. Theres a reason 40sw has become the most popular LEO round in the world!

45 ACP max velocity is about 1150
40 SW is about 1450

I think if you do some homework you will see they have about the same stopping power.

I love my 45's, but that damm shield keeps going everywere with me now. Lol

[DBHAWTHORNE]

My wife and I love, love, love our M&P Shields (each have one).

We went with the 9mm for a number of reasons:

1. Ammo Capacity
2. Ammo prices
3. Less recoil in a small gun
4. "Stopping Power" vs .40/.45...slightly less but negligible (from the majority of studies I have seen) and probably offset by the fact that I can shoot it more often and more accurately than I would be able to if it were a .40 or .45.

We have put 2K rounds through each of them with all kinds of ammo...no issues.

I definitely wouldn't pay 700 apiece for them.

I bought my first one from cabelas the first day they were available. While I was doing my paperwork they sold three more. I went back two weeks later and bought my second one... same deal...they sold 3-4 just while I was standing there.

[JH]

I am interested in the S&W shield. I have been looking all over for one for a while, but everyone has a waiting list of buyers and that was before the "gun rush". Does anyone know where I can pick one up?

[wildmanoutdoors]

Call Mary's pistols in Tacoma. She gets about on a week and no list. I called on a Friday and one was due in that day. Swung in and paid for it. Picked it up Sat!

[splitshot]

this is a very interesting thread.  informative with good info from gun owners.  i guess it is also cuz i am looking for a 45.  i own an xd 40 and need more.  thanks,  mike w

[halfpipe88]

Wow, I thought I'd get some Springfield diehards chiming in on the XD-S, I'm swayed toward the S&W shield at this point.

[Machias]

Here is a great video on comparing the Shield to the Compact, I know that's a different weapon than you have listed but he breaks the Shield down very well, plus I can buy the Compact right now for $398 brand new.  Just a thought.

M&P Compact vs M&P Shield - Buying choices/decisions

[Machias]

Heck here is an even better video, exactly what you were asking.

XDS VS SHIELD (SIZE COMPARISON)

[wildmanoutdoors]

Machias,
Shields here are going for 395. What are they going for there?

[Machias]

I just called, I can get it for $349, that's before VA tax so $369ish with tax.

[hillbilli]

in a little compact gun(i have a kahr) I recommend a 9.. in a gun that small kick is significant, and your ability to get off a fairly quick second shot will be affected. Capacity.. in a fight there is a difference between having 5 (+1, so probably 6), and having 8... and consider 9 practice ammo runs me 6bucks or so more a box than 9's, and .45 is usually more than .40's.. so almost twice the price for .45 ammo vice 9...

[wildmanoutdoors]

40 ammo may be more than 9 but everyone who thinks the shield 40 cannot be shot fast and accurate needs to do a bit more research on the gun.

Too me the stopping power of the 40 over the 9 easily outweighs the ammo cost. I reload on a progressive so cost is no concern for me.

With 2 recoil springs and its striker fired system its easily managable. It was designed to be after all. And its fast! 

Read some reports. Recoil is far less than you think it may be. 

If ammo cost is an issue, buy the 9. If it aint, go for the 40!

[Machias]

I would never go with a 9mm, love the .40, and firing it in the Compact or the Shield is no issue at all.  They both fired awesome.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

40 ammo may be more than 9 but everyone who thinks the shield 40 cannot be shot fast and accurate needs to do a bit more research on the gun.

Too me the stopping power of the 40 over the 9 easily outweighs the ammo cost. I reload on a progressive so cost is no concern for me.

With 2 recoil springs and its striker fired system its easily managable. It was designed to be after all. And its fast! 

Read some reports. Recoil is far less than you think it may be. 

If ammo cost is an issue, buy the 9. If it aint, go for the 40!

I don't think anyone would argue that the .40 can't be shot fast and accurate. I know it can be shot fast and accurate but I know I can personally put more rounds down range faster and more accurately with the 9mm shield. I consider the faster accuracy "stopping power" in and of itself.

I have put 500 rounds through a Shield .40 and it is a little snappier than the 9mm (though its still very manageable and a pleasure to shoot)..... prior to the shield coming out I had shot thousands of rounds through the full size M&P .40 and full size M&P 9mm......that was all of the research I needed to make my personal decision to go with the 9mm. No argument that the .40 has more "stopping power" but with modern defense ammo the 9mm is no slouch and undeniably gets the job done. For me 8 rounds is > 7 rounds and dang nice to have in such a compact platform.

What it really comes down to is personal preference. I do not feel undergunned carrying the 9mm vs the .40 vs. the 45.....If I was restricted to using only FMJ then I would want a .45...... If I am facing a shotgun I will feel undergunned holding any of those options.

[Machias]

If I am facing a shotgun I will feel undergunned holding any of those options.

 

Personally, still prefer the .40. 

[Alchase]

Knockdown power, with a handgun round 

Seriously, how about penetration

[halfpipe88]

Good stuff!  Anyone carry a larger pistol that wishes it was smaller? Anyone perfectly happy with the way they carry a larger pistol and what method of carry do you carry?  I was thinking IWB at 4 o'clock, or Appendix.  Your thoughts?

[DBHAWTHORNE]

Good stuff!  Anyone carry a larger pistol that wishes it was smaller? Anyone perfectly happy with the way they carry a larger pistol and what method of carry do you carry?  I was thinking IWB at 4 o'clock, or Appendix.  Your thoughts?

When I carry my larger weapons like my awesome G20 I only do so if I OWB carry. I know some people have no issues IWB carrying larger guns but it's just not comfortable for me.

[Alchase]

I carry differently depending on what I am wearing.
Usually between 2:30 - 3:00,
IWB and OWB
XD, .40 4 in. service, just the right size, lol

A buddy just bought the Ruger SR9, that thing is very narrow (to narrow for my hand) easy to hide.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Knockdown power, with a handgun round 

Seriously, how about penetration

Penetration is almost the same for all 3 calibers. 

Back to knockdown/Energy power...

I read a study the military was working on about the M-9 they issue and why they want to get rid of the 9mm.
On average after 2 solid hits in the torso the enemy still had 15 seconds on average to return fire. And its due to lack of energy...plain and simple.

But its all the same as Chevy, Ford and Dodge. To each there own.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

Knockdown power, with a handgun round 

Seriously, how about penetration

Penetration is almost the same for all 3 calibers. 

Back to knockdown/Energy power...

I read a study the military was working on about the M-9 they issue and why they want to get rid of the 9mm.
On average after 2 solid hits in the torso the enemy still had 15 seconds on average to return fire. And its due to lack of energy...plain and simple.

But its all the same as Chevy, Ford and Dodge. To each there own.

There is a large difference between the FMJ's that we have to use in the military and modern self defense ammo. If I was restricted to FMJs for conceal carry then forget the 9mm or the .40...I would go with nothing less than a .45 everytime.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Great point! I did not realise they had to use FMJ's even in the 9's. 


Im with ya there!

[DBHAWTHORNE]

Great point! I did not realise they had to use FMJ's even in the 9's. 


Im with ya there!

I don't want to misrepresent... The US can and does use JHP for special purposes... but generally it's the FMJ.

[Jingles]

In response to your queery about wher those that carry larger carry.
I carry a full sized XD 45 13+1 IWB mid back I find it very comfortable and there have been times when I almost forgot I even had it

[timberghost72]

The XDS you can get a 7 round mag so 7+1. I started a thread a few days ago about this gun and pretty sure I am going to buy one.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,114605.0.html

[halfpipe88]

I didn't know you could get an extended magazine for the XD-S...I like that.  That would obviously make it a little harder to conceal...

[Fisherdave10]

I have shot the XDS with the extended magazine.  Once you use that magazine, it is basically a slim, single stack .45, not much different than a compact 1911.  I wouldn't carry with the extended magazine.

Some forget when it comes to handgun calibers.  All handgun calibers suck.  No duty caliber comes close to the knockdown power and effectiveness of a 12GA buckshot load, or .223 from an AR15.  9 vs .40 vs .45 is pointless.

Shot placement is everything.  Not caliber.  Load up with the best defensive ammo you can.  I use Federal HSTs.

[ellensburgpo]

I didn't know you could get an extended magazine for the XD-S...I like that.  That would obviously make it a little harder to conceal...

Even with extended mag it's not hard to conceal at all.

[halfpipe88]

What's the best kind of holster for concealed carry? 

[Alchase]

Knockdown power, with a handgun round 

Seriously, how about penetration

Penetration is almost the same for all 3 calibers. 

Back to knockdown/Energy power...

I read a study the military was working on about the M-9 they issue and why they want to get rid of the 9mm.
On average after 2 solid hits in the torso the enemy still had 15 seconds on average to return fire. And its due to lack of energy...plain and simple.

But its all the same as Chevy, Ford and Dodge. To each there own.

There is a large difference between the FMJ's that we have to use in the military and modern self defense ammo. If I was restricted to FMJs for conceal carry then forget the 9mm or the .40...I would go with nothing less than a .45 everytime.

The FBI disagrees, lol
They conclude there is no such thing as "knockdown power" it is a myth.

In the same study that chose the 10MM, they also stated 85% of all perpetrators shot with 9MM, continued to fight.

They then revised three years later to the .40 cal do to the recorded inaccuracy of the followup shots for the 10MM do to recoil.

Someone explain exactly what science is "knockdown Power"?

[Alchase]

What's the best kind of holster for concealed carry? 

For IWB comfort and concealability I prefer the Galco King Tuk, the Crossbreed is good as well, but the King Tuk is better quality.

Milt Sparks Versa Max II is also extremely comfortable, if you have the money and the 6 month wait time.

Any OWB will be more comfortable then the best IWB because it is not snugged between your belt/pants and your skin, OWB is not as concealable as IWB, but more then sufficient for everyday use.

There are a ton of good holsters, try a bunch on IWB and OWB. You might be more comfortable with something else.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

What's the best kind of holster for concealed carry? 

For IWB comfort and concealability I prefer the Galco King Tuk, the Crossbreed is good as well, but the King Tuk is better quality.

Milt Sparks Versa Max II is also extremely comfortable, if you have the money and the 6 month wait time.

Any OWB will be more comfortable then the best IWB because it is not snugged between your belt/pants and your skin, OWB is not as concealable as IWB, but more then sufficient for everyday use.

There are a ton of good holsters, try a bunch on IWB and OWB. You might be more comfortable with something else.

 

I can second the king tuk and crossbreed as being good IWB holsters

[halfpipe88]

I called Hole In The Wall in Kennewick, There's a list of 16 on the waiting list for the S&W Shield 9mm.  I'm #17...we'll see how long that takes!  about $430.  I'd rather wait for one than pay $300 more on GunsAmerica!  Still sucks to have to wait.  Oh well, give me time to build up ammo and get a holster.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I called Hole In The Wall in Kennewick, There's a list of 16 on the waiting list for the S&W Shield 9mm.  I'm #17...we'll see how long that takes!  about $430.  I'd rather wait for one than pay $300 more on GunsAmerica!  Still sucks to have to wait.  Oh well, give me time to build up ammo and get a holster.

Good to hear you went with the Shield...and the 9mm ... You won't be disappointed.