Both the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield and the Springfield XD-S were designed for concealed carrying. And they are both popular models with a lot of promising features. It is, therefore, little wonder that when people narrow down their search, the final decision is often between these two models.
So let’s find out in our in-depth M&P Shield vs XD-S review what the differences are, plus the similarities, as well as, the Pros and Cons of both models.
This should give you everything you need to know, in order to decide which model is the perfect one for you.
So let’s get started on this M&P Shield vs XD-S showdown…
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Pistol Overview
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Compact Pistol has been specially designed for concealed carry. And is most often used as a weapon for self-defense or as a secondary weapon. The Shield Pistol is available for 9 mm Parabellum, .40 S & W, and .45 ACP rounds.
The main feature of the Smith & Wesson M & P Shield pistol, compared to other models of the Military & Police series, is a single-row magazine. Due to this, the weapon has a small thickness and stealth when concealed.
In addition to the small thickness, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistol also does not have any strongly protruding parts that could catch on clothes when it is being removed or unmask the weapon when worn under light clothing.
Smith & Wesson M & P Shield Pistol Description
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield automatic pistol works by the use of recoil in the short course of the barrel. And locking is achieved by the declining breech. This enters above the chamber, into the window, for the ejection of the shot case-shell sleeves.
It features a rectangular groove in the back of the spent cartridge ejection window, on the upper face of the casing bolt, to determine the presence of a cartridge in the chamber.
Easy does it…
The frame of the Smith & Wesson M & P Shield pistol is made of Zytel glass-filled polymer. It, however, has a hardness of 68 HRC, so it is very durable. And the trigger mechanism, with a permanently raised firing pin, offers you a smooth running trigger with next to no effort needed.
The Smith & Wesson M & P Shield pistol, like the rest of the models in this series, has interchangeable grip elements that allow you to adjust the weapon to the owner’s hand.
Keep a firm grip…
The magazine latch is conveniently located so there is no need to change the grip of the weapon, and it is sufficiently protected from being pressed accidentally.
This magazine latch button can be moved from the left to the right side of the frame. When you press the latch, the store falls freely from the handle, which accelerates the reloading process.
Smith & Wesson M & P Shield Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Parabellum/.40 S & W/.45 ACP.
- Weapon length: 155 mm.
- Barrel length: 117 mm.
- Weapon Width: 23/23/25.4 mm.
- Weapon height: 117 mm.
- Weight without cartridges: 524 g.
- Magazine capacity: 6/7/7 rounds.
Springfield Armory XD-S Overview
The XD-S pistol from Springfield Armory Inc. is a compact concealed carry gun developed on the framework of their earlier model. This model is the XDM Compact Pistol with which the XD-S shares a similar design.
The Springfield Armory XD-S is presented in two versions – chambered for 9×19 mm Parabellum and .40 Smith & Wesson. The chambered version for .40 S & W was introduced in 2016 at the Las Vegas SHOT Show.
There are, however, two major branches of the XD-S handgun. These can be viewed in the XD-S specifications table below.
Springfield Armory XD-S Description
The Springfield Armory XD-S pistol casing shutter is made from forged steel with a matte anti-reflective coating. It is equipped with a large inclined notch in the front part for easier discharging of the cartridge into the chamber when loading the weapon.
The handle has a deep, large notch, which allows you to stably hold the weapon while maneuvering and during high-speed shooting.
What is more?
The Springfield Armory XD-S is a modular pistol. Therefore you can adjust the dimensions of the pistol grip. And disconnecting the store is also very easy, either with the right or the left hand, without changing the “grip”.
At the bottom of the front frame of the Springfield Armory XD-S pistol, there are Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails. These can be used to mount various tactical lights and laser designators onto the weapon.
Single-action…
The Springfield Armory XD-S pistol is equipped with a single-action trigger mechanism. In use, the firing pin spring is compressed as the casing bolt moves forward while the cartridge is fed into the chamber.
The automatic fuse trigger is made in the form of a lever that blocks the descent before the shooter consciously starts to squeeze it. This is necessary to prevent accidental firing when the weapon falls onto a hard surface at an angle that could cause the trigger to move.
The Springfield Armory XD-S pistol is also equipped with an automatic firing pin guard, blocking its forward movement until the moment when the trigger is fully pressed.
There is more…
The XD-S allows you to make sight amendments horizontally and can either be used with luminous inserts or with a fiber-optic rod front sight, which can significantly reduce the aiming time.
The Springfield Armory XD-S pistol is simple in design and handling, due to the absence of a manually controlled hammer. The owner need only clasp the handle and squeeze the trigger.
Springfield Armory XD-S Specifications
Springfield Armory XD-S 3.3″
- Caliber: 9mm Parabellum/.40 S & W/.45 ACP.
- Weapon length: 160 mm.
- Barrel length: 84 mm.
- Weapon width: 23/23/25.4 mm.
- Weapon height: 112 mm.
- Bulk weight: 652 g.
- Magazine capacity: 6/6/5 rounds.
Springfield Armory XD-S 4″
- Caliber: 9mm Parabellum/.45 ACP.
- Weapon length: 178 mm.
- Barrel length: 102 mm.
- Weapon Width: 23/25.4 mm.
- Weapon height: 112 mm.
- Weight without cartridges: 708 g.
- Magazine capacity: 7/5 rounds.
M&P Shield vs XD-S Conclusion
Both firearms have their Pros. They have a decent amount of firepower and are both compact enough for concealed carry. Hence, you can be confident whichever one you choose to buy.
However, judging from their individual characteristics, the…
Springfield Armory XD-S
is our favorite for three reasons. First, its thumb groove allows for better comfort, handling, and in turn, better precision. Secondly, its Picatinny rail allows you to mount extras to improve and vary your weapon. And finally, its modular system allows you to vary its characteristics and use, making it the perfect firearm fr all your needs!