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

[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!