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