The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: TFox2112 on July 19, 2012, 09:02:11 PM

Title: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: TFox2112 on July 19, 2012, 09:02:11 PM
I am trying to decide between an XDS and a Sheild. I am thinking XDS because I prefer a .45, but they are a little more than I want to spend and kind of hard to find. I can get a Sheild in .40 for about $170 less. What are y'allses thoughts on the matter?
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: tombogan03884 on July 19, 2012, 09:49:14 PM
$170 buys a lot of ammo to get used to the new caliber, but, if you have the opportunity to shoot both side by side get the one you are more comfortable with,I'm not saying to skip the light bill or groceries, but with in reason "feel", and your confidence in the gun are deciding factors, not price.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: jaybet on July 20, 2012, 05:28:47 AM
I'm going through this same thing right now. I really want a 45 and I'm a 1911 guy, but the little ones just cost too much. So the Shield would be a nice 9 carry- I like my full size M&P 9, but I still want 45. I had narrowed it down to the XDS, Glock G36 (or 30), and the Bersa Thunder Ultra Comp 45. The Bersa is set up like a 1911, is the largest (by little bits here and there), is the CHEAPEST too. You can find them occasionally on gunbroker for under $330. But it's an off-brand and maybe hard to keep running although they get rave reviews. I just passed up a real good deal on one.

That leaves me with the Springfield or Glock. The Springfield is more costly and less rounds, but at 1" wide, that's really cool. It costs more, and it's a new design. I was burned last time I bought a brand new gun with the SR9. BUT- this is really what I want I think, so it's maybe worth the $100 or so more than the Glock. On the other hand, the Glock is just slightly larger, has one more round (6+1), and is cheaper. And I know it will work.
I think it's going to boil down to if I see an XDS in a shop and I go for it, I go for it. Otherwise, it's  a slightly used G36.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: WatchManUSA on July 20, 2012, 09:00:01 AM
To make the right decision you really need to shoot the guns.  Find a range that has them and put some shots down range.  Then buy the gun you shoot the best.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: jaybet on July 20, 2012, 11:14:35 AM
To make the right decision you really need to shoot the guns.  Find a range that has them and put some shots down range.  Then buy the gun you shoot the best.
You're right about that, but I don't think anyone is letting those XDS out for "tryouts" - they're sellling too fast.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: WatchManUSA on July 20, 2012, 01:59:59 PM
You're right about that, but I don't think anyone is letting those XDS out for "tryouts" - they're sellling too fast.

The ATF requires that guns designated as range guns are dedicated to range use. A gun shop shouldn't take a gun off the sales shelf and let it go to the range and then back in stock.  To be legit, the shop needs to be transfer between inventories.  Springfield and Smith have range gun programs.  The shop I worked at received their range guns a week or two before the sales stock kit the store.  When a gun goes off the range it is transfered to sales and sold as a used gun.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: jaybet on July 20, 2012, 02:34:05 PM
No Kidding?
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: Timothy on July 20, 2012, 02:42:13 PM
Off topic but if anyone ever finds themselves in New England, it's worth the time and money to stop by S&W in Springfield!  You can rent and shoot ANYTHING they have in the Range store for the price of ammo and a stipend for rental.

I was there a few years ago and had the privilege of shooting a 3K custom shop 1911 for 20 bucks and a box of ammo...
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: twyacht on July 20, 2012, 06:17:23 PM
Grip texture on the Springfield, unless they recently changed it, felt like it would give me blisters if I shot it alot.

The M&P grip, of which the Shield copies just grips better. My full size M&P .40, I knew I would get it as soon as I picked it up.

The functionality, reliability, etc,.. are great on both. However, are the Xd's still made in Croatia?  ::)

Buy American..... ;) and get more ammo and mags.



Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: Ping on August 24, 2012, 09:49:17 PM
Would love to make it to Springfield but they need to lighten up on their restrictions first.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: bjtraz on August 24, 2012, 10:08:13 PM
I am SHOCKED & APPALLED!  :o I thought you guys were gun enthusiasts. NO one has mentioned the most obvious choice .........

GET BOTH!!!

Come on, guys, get it together...........................

Brian
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: jaybet on September 26, 2012, 01:20:19 PM
I recently bought an XDS and, although I had a little trouble with it at first, I REALLY like it...it's a great shooter.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: ellis4538 on September 26, 2012, 06:45:00 PM
The Shield just feels right to me.  Got one in 9mm.  I've been told the .40 is a beast and one in .45 might be too much when they make one!  Besides, I already have a small, light .45...

Richard
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: jaybet on September 27, 2012, 04:55:53 AM
I have a regular M&P 9 and it's the best shooter of my 9s. I like the feel and the way it operates and breaks down, and I think if I were to get a mini 9 it might have to be the shield. OR the little Sig.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: Rastus on September 27, 2012, 06:10:15 AM
I have a regular M&P 9 and it's the best shooter of my 9s. I like the feel and the way it operates and breaks down, and I think if I were to get a mini 9 it might have to be the shield. OR the little Sig.

Mine too.  I had a trigger job that really helped...Jay you may want to look into an Apex trigger for your M&P.  The Apex is a simple install and really good.  A new barrel tightened my group, maybe yours doesn't need that.  Many of the M&P 9's benefit from a new barrel for some reason.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: jaybet on September 27, 2012, 08:22:54 AM
I'm not going to mess with my M&P because it's special. First it's a Gunsite pistol (has the Gunsite logo on top of the slide) and I got it from MB, so I'm leaving it the way it is.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: JoeG on October 14, 2012, 11:04:15 AM
Bought a SR9 a while ago based on MB's enthusiasm and its 1911 ergonomics. I really like it. My son shoots it in USPSA. Just bought a SR9c since we have the magazines and looking forward to shooting it in IPSC matches while my son shoots his (I mean my) SR9.

I was lusting after the Springfield EMP but the $ and the inventory of SR mags tipped the scales.
Title: Re: Deathmatch: Springfield XDS vs S&W Sheild.
Post by: v1rot8 on November 03, 2012, 05:45:52 AM
Bought the Springfield. Really enjoying my purchase. No issues at all so far.