New CC Gun

[hubris]

I've narrowed my decision to three pistols...Shield 9 mm, Shield 40 cal, or XDs 45. Has anyone had experiences that would eliminate or discourage buying either of them?

[Nathan]

I could probably be happy with the Shield 40, but I would prefer the Kahr P40 or something like the S&W 640-1.

Your holster will make it right. I would look at good leather like Milt Sparks, etc. Also, get an OWB and IWB rig at minimum. You might decide you also want some other holster types too.

[Old Stony]

I've put in quite a few miles with a shield 9mm on my hip. It's accurate and dependable. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if needed.

[MaDMaXX]

Take a look at this, there is also another video with more in-depth info.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPEWaKevY8o

[arizona98tj]

Of the three you have listed, I have no .40s in the safe, so that one is out automatically.

I shoot 9mm and .45ACP....so either would work. Of those two, I opted for the XDs45 (http://www.stu-offroad.com/firearms/xds/xds45-1.htm) since I own three XD pistols and couldn't be happier with them. I'm comfortable with the platform and they have a good customer support department, should the need arise.

[ClydeFrog]

All 3 semi-auto pistols seem apt for general concealed use.
Would you add any items to it like a white light or lasergrip?
How would you carry it? Pocket, strong side, crossdraw, shoulder?

I wouldn't rule out the powerful .357sig. That's my 1st pick for a duty or carry gun if possible. It feeds great, has a high KE level, is fast, and offers a good amount of rounds(like a .40S&W).

The S-A XDs .45acp has many + reviews & a lot of interest. The Shield is good if you like the manual safety control & compact size.

Clyde F

[bikerbill]

My EDC for years has been a Kahr PM9 ... but will probably retire it in favor of my new XDs ... I just love this gun, easy to shoot, accurate, light enough to pocket carry .... just wish it carried more rounds, but I carry a spare mag to make up for some of the capacity issues ...

[IZinterrogator]

Love my Shield 9mm, so can't help you eliminate it off the list. I can tell you it has fired everything I have put through it, from WWB to Winchester Ranger with no problems. More Shield-specific sight options are starting to arrive, so that's another plus.

[Consort]

My vote goes to the XDs 45 acp. Currently alternating between a Wright Leather Works owb holster and a Theiss hybrid iwb. To steal Hickok 45's catch phrase, life is g-o-o-d.

[MaDMaXX]

Yeah, the 9mm XDs isn't long out, but i've seen one available for $529

[Chris9472]

I would go with the S&W .40cal Shield. It may be easier to find ammo for in a crisis, and I don't like the grip safety on the XDS-45. Bad enough with that little thingy on the trigger and limp-wristing issues without having to "hold it just right" on top of that to make it work.