New CC Gun

hubris · July 6, 2013, 11:10 AM

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 · July 6, 2013, 03:50 PM

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 · July 6, 2013, 04:50 PM

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 · July 6, 2013, 06:18 PM

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

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

arizona98tj · July 6, 2013, 09:33 PM

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 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 · July 6, 2013, 09:49 PM

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 · July 6, 2013, 11:48 PM

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 · July 9, 2013, 03:53 AM

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 · July 9, 2013, 03:06 PM

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 · July 9, 2013, 08:04 PM

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

Chris9472 · July 9, 2013, 10:18 PM

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.

July 6, 2013, 11:10 AM	#1
hubris Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2013 Location: SE Tn Posts: 122	New CC Gun 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?

July 6, 2013, 09:49 PM	#6
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Add-ons, carry style, skill level.... 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

July 9, 2013, 03:53 AM	#8
IZinterrogator Senior Member Join Date: November 8, 2004 Location: Prescott Valley, AZ Posts: 2,457	Re: New CC Gun 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.

July 6, 2013, 03:50 PM	#2
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,829	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.

July 6, 2013, 04:50 PM	#3
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	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.

July 6, 2013, 06:18 PM	#4
MaDMaXX Member Join Date: July 2, 2013 Location: Oregon from England Posts: 93	Take a look at this, there is also another video with more in-depth info. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPEWaKevY8o

July 6, 2013, 09:33 PM	#5
arizona98tj Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 980	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 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.

July 6, 2013, 11:48 PM	#7
bikerbill Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: Lago Vista TX Posts: 2,425	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 ...

July 9, 2013, 03:06 PM	#9
Consort Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Posts: 134	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.

July 9, 2013, 08:04 PM	#10
MaDMaXX Member Join Date: July 2, 2013 Location: Oregon from England Posts: 93	Yeah, the 9mm XDs isn't long out, but i've seen one available for $529

July 9, 2013, 10:18 PM	#11
Chris9472 Member Join Date: November 27, 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 99	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.