Springfield XDs vs M&P Shield - The Experience ...

My recent firearm purchase was for a conceal/carry gun. 

What caliber?  I was thinking .380.  From my .380 research the Kahr P380 was it.  It’s a great gun with great reviews.  That was it for me until I held one and realized my hands are too big and my fingers are to long so it didn’t fit my hand at all … NUTS … At that point I decided to stay with the 9mm caliber for my conceal carry gun.  I love to research so let the conceal / carry games begin.  

Glock, Sig, Kahr, Baretta, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, CZ, Taurus, Kel Tec, H&K, Walther, and the list goes on.  There are some great choices out there.  To create more confusion many manufacturers have multiple carry models in the same caliber to choose from.  Springfield, for example, has the 1911 EMP, the XD sub compact, the XDM compact, and the XDs.

First I would "Ask Individuals" what they thought.  Kind of a consensus approach.  It reminded me of asking someone what NASCAR driver or Sports team they like.  They had some good answers but I found manufacturer loyalty was very strong even when research says one gun may be better than another.  The Glock guy says go Glock. The Sig guy says buy a Sig.  The M&P guy says get an M&P.  You get the picture.  (My friend Rob has the M&P .45 and just bought the M&P Shield in 9mm). 

Next, I can’t tell you how many shops I visited using the "Hands On Approach".  Big hands and long fingers ruled out several for me.  Differing styles (revolvers, semi automatics), sizes, magazine capacities, grips, sights, etc.  The gun has to feel good and fit your hands.  It can be the best gun out there but if it doesn't fit you will have control issues.

I currently have Ruger Redhawk .44mag, Smith & Wesson .22a competition, Smith & Wesson M&P22 Full Size (great training gun), and a Springfield XDm 9mm pistol as well as Weatherby, Remington, Springfield, and Franchi rifles and/or shotguns so I am not partial to one manufacturer.  I buy for function, features, and purpose and have different caliber weapons.  In this case I already had a 9mm pistol and wanted my conceal gun (different purpose) to be the same as something I already had.  Accuracy has always been a big thing for me so that is something I look for in reviews.  

Third, my "Research" pointed me to Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield and the Springfield XDs 3.3 (3.3 is the barrel length in inches) for many reasons.   When the Shield came out, research said it blew the competition away. (look it up)  More recently the Springfield XDs came out.  Research indicated it was slightly improved over the Shield in a couple areas (look it up) but it would really come down to preference.  My thought is no gun gets a perfect 100.  If the Shield is a 98/100 and the XDs is a 98.5/100 the bottom line is you can’t go wrong with the Shield or the XDs.  The major differences I noticed when handling both guns:  both grips were great,  XDs grip was more harsh.  There is a small thumb safety on the Shield, the XDs has a back strap safety and trigger safety.  The extended Mag on XDs holds 1 more round.  The XDs 3.3 and Shield are pretty much identical in length.  The XDs slightly thinner.  The Breakdown for cleaning slightly different.  The XDs has a fiber optic front sight.  These things being a pro or con comes down to personal preference. 

Over the years I have put 15,000+ rounds through my S&W .22a, around 1000 rounds through my Ruger Redhawk, and 1000’s of rounds through my Springfield XDm.  I have never had an issue with my Ruger.  I have never had an issue, jam, or misfire with my Springfield XDm. 

Customer Service - S&W: I’ve had 2 customer service experiences because of minor issues with my 22a. 1) The plastic spacer wore out due to lots of use.  I called S&W Customer Service and they sent me more spacers at no charge so I was impressed.  2) After shooting 15,000+ rounds the firing pin recently broke.  I called S&W Customer Service to ask about the repair and the cost of the part (was $5).  Customer Service sent me a new firing pin at no charge.  If I went to another site it would have cost me $7-10 + shipping (the shipping could have cost more than the part).  Now you may say it was only a $5 part but that’s not the point.  My point is I didn’t call S&W to get a free part …  but they sent me one.  My 2 personal experiences with S&W Customer Service have been outstanding.  Kudos to S&W. 

Customer Service - Ruger: I have had one customer service experience with my Ruger Redhawk.  Being over 20 years old, to me the springs on the adjustable rear sights seemed weak so I called.  Customer service sent me new sight springs and a rear sight assembly at no charge.  Not expected by me.  Kudos to Ruger.

Customer Service - Springfield:  I have yet to have any issue with my Springfield so I can't comment on their customer service. 

Anthony did have one jam with his XDM from a bad crimp on a reload.  For an hour we tried to get that round out at the range with no success so we decided to pack up and go home.  I already had 3 targets set up at 10 yards.  Time to go … I took 3 shots with my XDM.  1^st shot left target, 2^nd shot center target, 3^rd shot right target.  With the competition barrel on my XDM I can put multiple's in center mass or I can clear the red ...

Once home I called Gary.  He rescued us and helped us get the round out.  It was definitely a bad reload.  We have never had a jam since …

Through my research results and the reliability of my XDM, I finally decided to go with the Springfield XDs 3.3.  I wanted the bi tone but no one seemed to have one in stock.  While patiently waiting I went onto the Springfield site only to find out about the new XDs 4.0 that is SHIPPING SOON !!!  (.70 inch difference in barrel and gun length)  NOW, I had to wait for the 4.0.to see if I like it better than the 3.3.  http://www.springfield-armory.com/

I have been accused by someone who will remain anonymous (Gary) of over researching to the point of not buying anything.  Sometimes called “Analysis Paralysis”.  He says if I wait long enough Springfield might come out with a 4.1 … SLAP ... OUCH !! 

What are differences in the 4.0 vs the 3.3?  The 4.0 may be a bit harder to carry in a pocket holster because of the added slide length (same width and handle length as the 3.3).  The 4.0 has a longer sight radius.  The 4.0 weighs a couple ounces more up front so recoil is slightly lower. 

My friend Gary said there should be no real difference between the two for someone who shoots as much as I do so I decided the next bi tone I saw in either 3.3 or 4.0 is what I would buy.  I saw nothing in those next few weeks.

The following weekend I went to 4 gun shops.  At the 3^rd shop I held a 4.0 in all black and compared it to a 3.3 in all black.  I still decided the next 9mm bi tone in either 3.3 or 4.0 is what I would buy.  At the 4^th shop I saw 2 XDs bi tones.  I took a number.  That’s right … this shop is so busy you take a number just like you do at the deli in your grocery store.  They called my number and I told the sales guy I want an XDs 9mm bi tone in either 3.3 or 4.0.  He had 2 3.3 bi tones in the case !!!

He took a bi tone out, checked empty … opened the slide … and put the gun on the counter for me.  It looked good, It felt good, so I told him I’ll take it. 

He took a photo of my license and I start working on the background check form.

Background Check Form Side Note: When I bought the Mosin Nagant a couple months ago it took me 3 tries to fill out the background check form. (I was told the record was 13)  Why … because you can't make any mistakes, you can't cross anything out, etc.  Note to self … Where it asks you for your height, do not put 6’0” … there is a separate line for each.  Start again.  Note to self … When it asks you what city and state you were born in, do not put Mpls for Minneapolis … you cannot abbreviate.  Start again …

Back to the XDs.  I completed the form the first time.  Good for me.  As the sales guy filled in the pistol information on the back he stopped and looked perplexed!!!  I looked at him and said “What’s the matter”?  He said he messed up and is trying to figure out how to make the 9 into a 4.  I said ”Why would you do that?  I want a 9mm !!!”  He said “This is a .45 !!!”  I said “I don’t want a 45, I want a 9mm !!!”.  He then went to the case, looked and said, “WE HAVE NO XDs 9mm PISTOLS!!”.  Not to digress but when you were told:

“Santa Clause is Not Real” … SAME FEELING …
“There is No Easter Bunny” … SAME FEELING …
“The Tooth Fairy Forgot About You” … SAME FEELING ...

Now, this is where I need to confess it wasn’t 100% the sales guys fault.  I did tell him I wanted the XDs 9mm bi tone.  The .45 and the 9mm are identical in size except for the barrel diameter and the number of rounds the magazine can hold.  Did I read the tag on the gun he handed me? … NOPE … Did I look closely at the barrel or read the etching on the gun saying it was a 45? … NOPE …

You see at that moment I was in a state of euphoria … 
I found my 9mm bi tone …  
I was floating on the clouds ... 
I couldn't see as my eyes had rolled back in my head like a shark feeding … 
I was dreaming about what holster I would buy ... 
Visualizing shooting my bi tone at the range … 
ONLY TO BE CRUSHED BY REALITY … NO 9mm XDs BI TONE PISTOLS IN STOCK !!!

Needless to say, my perfect background check form was shredded.  I was told they will call me when a 9mm bi tone arrives.

Could it have been worse … OH YES … All gun sales are final.  If the transfer was put through would it have been possible to transfer the gun back to the store?  Would I have to pay a transfer fee?  I know it wouldn’t have been possible if I left the store.   Imagine getting that pistol home only to find out it's the WRONG CALIBER !!!  

Learn from my mistake.  Don't leave it to the sales person ... Don't leave it to the tag on the gun as I'm sure there have been instances where the tag was incorrect ... Examine the gun and read the writing on it before you put down your hard earned cash. 

The following week I received a call that an XDs 9mm 3.3 and 4.0 had come in.  They were black so I held.  That same day I received another call saying an XDs 9mm 3.3 bi tone had come in and they were holding it for me.  I went in the next day … application again … background check … clear … I had my bi tone.

I took it to the range and set up targets at 20 feet.  My first shot was at a dirty bird target.  Bullseye, ¼ inch left and ¼ inch low from dead center (bullseye was 1½ inches in diameter).  I felt good about that.  After 100 rounds through my XDs I was very happy with its accuracy.  

The XDs is a nice carry gun but I don't have an IWB holster.

It was time to start the IWB holster search.  Crossbreed, Comp Tac, White Hat, Stealth Gear,  Raven, G-Code, N8, Uncle Mikes, Sticky, DeSantis, Blackhawk, etc.  Various sizes, shapes, materials, clip arrangements … too many choices … 

It was a tough choice ... From lots of research my first cut narrowed the field to Crossbreed, Comp Tack, Stealth Gear, and N8.

After much more research I made my decision and bought the Stealth Gear Onyx for my primary IWB holster.  Why?  I liked the breathable aspect of the holster, the full coverage of the Kydex to protect my slide and front sight, and no rivets.  The N8 would have been my second choice for primary IWB holster.  I also bought a Sticky holster for a hidden pocket in one of my hunting packs.  

There you have it ... For me it's the XDs 9mm 3.3 bi tone with the Stealth Gear Onyx IWB holster.  I enjoyed the research and will let you know how the Onyx holster works out.

XDs 3.3, 10 rounds off-hand at 6 yds

Oh ... someone did ask me about the magazines.  My 3.3 came with two 7 round magazines.  I bought two 9 round magazines direct from Springfield.   

Update on the Stealth Gear Onyx holster.  I have to admit this holster is great.  I haven't had any issues with it.  It's very breathable in hot weather and very comfortable.  More reviews have come in confirming my research on this holster.  It's an excellent IWB holster ... http://www.stealthgearusa.com/

 
The link below is to another post of mine on range safety.  It's an experience I witnessed at a range and is a good learning experience.  Be safe ...
http://actionshotsnh.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-learning-experience-at-range.html

Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in "Shooting" to see past posts.

Weatherby 7mm Magnum Rounds – An expensive ammo buying experience

I have hunted with a Weatherby 7mm Magnum rifle for years.

 

For those that don’t know, 7mm WBY Magnum rounds are necked different than other 7mm Magnum rounds.  This makes Weatherby rounds harder to find and more expensive.  Years ago I learned this as I bought a box of Winchester Super-X 7mm Rem Mag rounds.  After an hour drive, I was standing by my truck at 5:30AM, getting ready to go to my deer hunting spot.  I put the Winchester 7mm mag rounds in the magazine but the bolt wouldn’t close.  WRONG ROUNDS!  With no Weatherby rounds with me I had to hunt with my .44 magnum pistol that day.

 

After sighting in my new Nikon scope this year I needed more ammo so decided to buy a couple boxes when I could find them.  In the fall I bought a box of 7mm WBY Mag 175 gr rounds ($56 for 20 rounds) you see on the right.  I also bought a box of Hornady 7mm WBY Mag 154 gr rounds ($59 for 20 rounds) on the left.  I have a couple old Weatherby boxes in the picture also ($11.95 for 20 rounds) showing prices have gone up.

 

As Kevin and I were laying out our hunting equipment for opening weekend in Vermont I showed him both boxes.  He opened the box of Hornady rounds to look at them.  They are impressive with the red tips.   As he looked he showed me a round from the sleeve and asked “What round is this”?

 

Turns out this Winchester .308 reload was in my NEW box of Hornady rounds.  I don’t reload but this reload looks bad.  The crimp doesn’t look right … there are plier marks on the bullet … and it’s crooked.  Looks like a bad shot waiting to happen.  I wouldn’t think someone from the factory would have done this.  My guess is someone looked at the box in the store and made a switch.  THAT "BAD AMMO" SWITCH COST ME $3 ... 

What did I learn?  If I'm going to spend $59 on 20 rounds I will open the box and make sure ALL the factory rounds are there ...

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT THE RANGE ...

My father-in-law.  new shooter

It is very important to practice with your firearm especially for self-defense (home or CC).  I wanted to share one incident I observed when I visited a shooting range.  It is a learning experience.
 
I was shooting at a range when a father and daughter arrived and set up at a station 25 feet to my right.  No partitions at this range so I could see them.  The daughter, my guess 15-16 years old, was a good shot with their .22 pistol.  All seemed to be ok.
 
Out came a .45 semi-automatic pistol the father wanted his daughter to shoot.  She was not a new shooter but must have been new to that gun and caliber based on her comments.  She said several times she was scared of the kick.  The father explained the gun to her and said she will be fine.  She said again she was scared of the kick and seemed nervous.  He put in a magazine, advanced one round in the chamber, put the safety on and set the gun down.  He wanted her to shoot the gun …
 
He said “Shoot the Gun” as he walked behind her and stood 4 feet back to watch.  She picked up the gun and said she was so nervous, pointed the gun down range … and after aiming and re-aiming several times finally pulled the trigger.  BANG … the gun kicked but she was ok. 
 
From 25 feet to her left what I observe next blows my mind.
 
After her shot she smiled, looked relieved, then pointed the gun at herself and looked at the barrel.  It would have been a sweep of me except she was pointing the gun up and at her face.  I have no idea what she was thinking!!  Was she looking for smoke?  Looking at the diameter of the barrel?  She was a right handed shooter so I have no idea if her finger was still on the trigger.
 
From standing where he was and his lack of reaction to what I observed I don’t think the father saw her point the gun at herself and look at the barrel.  I heard him say “good job” to encourage her.
 
She put the gun down and turned around toward her father with a big smile on her face.  Then he said “Keep shooting, there are 4 more rounds in the magazine”.  Not to get technical but being a semi-automatic there would have been one round in the chamber and 3 more in the magazine.  It only took her a few seconds to realize she pointed a gun with a live round at her head … she turned white and froze.
 
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own gun.
Instruct, Instruct, Instruct … Safety, Safety, Safety.
If someone isn’t comfortable with a gun or the recoil they will experience its ok if they pass.
 

This guy’s daughter could have blown her head off.
The guy should have been right there instructing her not 4 feet behind her watching.
ONLY ONE CARTRIDGE.  There is no reason he should have put 5 rounds in the magazine.

I shoot quite a bit and have taken many people who have never held a gun to my club to shoot for the first time.  What is the most important thing??  SAFETY FOR YOU … SAFETY FOR THEM … AND SAFETY FOR EVERYONE ELSE AT THE CLUB ...  Range Safety is paramount.  Follow the NRA SAFETY RULES and your CLUB RANGE RULES people!!


For any new shooter you should be instructing them:

• Treat every gun as if it were loaded
• Always point the gun down range (No sweeps. Explain what a sweep is.)
• Be sure of your target and beyond
• Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the well until ready to shoot and off the trigger when finished shooting
• How to hold the gun (unloaded of course), how to stand, how to aim with the sights, etc. 
• Safety is always the most important thing.

You can make a person’s shooting experience safe, fun, and enjoyable.  I also know it can be intimidating to shoot a larger caliber gun because of the kick and the noise.  If someone is scared to shoot something let them off the hook … it’s not a big deal.



My daughter Kate ...

I have had several new shooters try my Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum.  Big Kick, Loud, Spits Fire, ROAR.  I take the gun out, make sure it’s unloaded, show them its unloaded, and set it down always pointing down range.  I explain how to hold the gun, how to aim with the sites, they can dry fire it so I have them pull the trigger (single and double action) so they know how it feels.  If they are not comfortable it ends there.  Several with me have ended there.

 

If they are comfortable I put in ONE CARTRIDGE and set the gun down.  I explain again always point the gun down range.  They pick up the gun.  I stand just behind their shoulder.  I tell them this is not about a bullseye or a center mass shot.  It’s for them to experience the feel of the gun recoil.  I tell them to aim at a target down range a when ready pull the trigger.  BANG … once can be enough.  If it is, that’s ok.  They can say they shot a .44 Magnum.   If they want to shoot more, we do so.  Safety is always the most important thing.

 



My mother-in-law.  new shooter

Don’t be an idiot like that guy was with his daughter.  Don’t make assumptions about another person’s ability to operate or shoot your gun.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE.  If you don’t know what you’re doing take a class.  Get some instruction yourself.  There are plenty of classes offered or people at your club that would be glad to help if you ask.

If you’re not responsible you put EVERYONE at risk.  Be safe … Have fun …

Hunting Adventures - 2014

 Opening rifle in NH started Wednesday.  Opening for me was Thursday.  I was up at 3:19AM.  I couldn’t go back to sleep so I turned my alarm off and got up.  I got ready and headed to Moultonborough. 

I walked in to my spot with a flashlight a half hour before legal shooting light.  I stayed there until 10:20AM.  Nothing!!  I decided to move a bit and found some nice scrapes so there was a buck in there.  I wanted to warm up so headed back to the truck.  Should I go to the diner for lunch or eat my PB sandwich.  After a mental debate I decided to eat my PB sandwich and go to a different area “the L” to hunt. 

I was going to go down the swamp trail to a scrap line I marked with my GPS.  It was just after 12 noon when I headed for the swamp trail and the scrap line.  Once I started down the swamp trail I went about 100 yards and 2 deer jumped up. 

They were on an old skidder trail with low brush bedded in the sun.  Both jumped up.  The first was a big doe.  I could shoot a doe so could have taken either.  Gun up I thought to pass as I wanted a buck.  Both deer went into the pines parallel to the swamp trail and stopped.  I moved another 50 yards and spotted both again.  Same thing … First deer up into more pines and away … second deer up following.  Just as the second deer got to the pines it raised its head and I saw 8 points … GONE … a nice buck staying close to a hot doe.  GPS ON … I gave chase for 3 miles … I never saw either again but heard them go off when I got close.  NUTS …

Anthony and I hunted close to where we live.  Saw deer tracks but no deer.  We did see 5 people and 8 dogs where we were hunting.  That is probably why we didn’t see any deer. 

I did take Anthony back to Moultonborough.  We went down the same trails, tracks but no deer.  We headed to the top of the hill and cut some huge deer tracks.  There is a heavy deer up top.  We picked a spot and sat for a couple hours before moving again.  We saw huge tracks on top coming from an old clear cut field with huge brush.  It was nice to get out but no deer sightings.

Kevin brought his friend Seth to Vermont for opening weekend.  We decided to hunt off the Copper Mine Road.  We arrived Friday afternoon to do some scouting.  Seth and Kevin went 4 wheeling and got his truck muddy.  I was going to hunt by a field Saturday morning.  Kevin and Seth had spots picked out a 3/4 mile further down.  Each of us had radios.  I gave Kevin my GPS and Seth had his own.  I would use a ball compass. 

Saturday morning I was up at 4:00AM with Mike.  Seth and Kevin were up at 4:40AM.  We had breakfast got ready to go.  We were going to head out before light to get to our spots.  When I went to start my truck Kevin and Seth were already gone.  Hmm …

I took off also, parked my truck, and headed to my spot with my flashlight.  It was cold but little wind.  I sat until 8:40AM.  I let the boys know I would head their direction.  I walked S by SW through the woods.  Some good tracks but I didn’t see anything.  I ended up pushing 2 does to Kevin and Seth.  No doe tags for out of state hunters so no shots taken.  

Kevin and Seth headed 1 ½ miles down the hill to stream.  They spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning hunting up and down that hill.  They saw 5 does.  Seth saw a buck and gave chase but never caught up.  I spent more time in the fields and saw several does but no bucks.

Saturday night we had 19 people for our annual dinner gathering.  We had an excellent steak dinner.  It’s nice to see people, tell stories, and catch up. 

Sunday morning we hunted the same area then headed back to Mike’s house for lunch.  After lunch I suggested Kevin and Seth hunt below Mike’s house.  One could head down the hill and I would drive the other to one of the fields then they could hunt that area.  I told them there was a deer making scrapes so they should check it out.  They passed and went 4 wheeling again.  They got stuck at one point but freed themselves.  Lots-o-mud … Needless to say Mike hunted below his house 2 days later and shot this 7 point buck. 

Stephen K. took 2 deer in MA.  Said he spotted a buck that had bedded down.  A doe came by.  The buck stood up.  He shot the buck then another doe came by so he shot that too.  He filled both of his tags in 5 minutes.

Derek took this doe.  He also took a buck the last day of the season. 

Ray hunted in NH and said he wasn’t seeing many deer on his trail cameras.  He did see several moose and bears.  He sent me the bear pics.  HUGE … Has to be 500lbs.  If I saw a bear that size in the woods with no gun I would be a bit nervous.

James took 2 does during the season.   He and his buddy stalked this deer and made a nice shot. 

We had a great time hunting this year and look forward to the 2015 season.  Our tradition is to hunt at Mike an Lauren's opening weekend.  I decided to do a collage of some of the people pics I have taken over the years. 

Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in "Hunting" to see past posts.

VERMONSTER 4X4 - Bradford Mud Races - September 2014



Kevin, Seth, Steve, and I headed to Vermonster to watch some racing.  We arrived around 10:30AM.

It was mostly sunny, dry, and in the low 80’s.  No real breeze so standing or sitting in the sun was hot.  We brought coolers with drinks, food, and snacks.  There was a lot of dust as well.

Some safety changes that I saw.  Crushed clay stone was put between the trench  and the drag race lanes.  A lot less mud to deal with which made it a bit safer.   Spectator safety is top priority so the cable guardrail was replaced by concrete barriers.  The big tires on some of the trucks would potentially make the cable ineffective.  The concrete barriers make it harder to see trucks moving through the trench but provide better protection in case the trucks come out of the trench.



The monster trucks started with a couple laps and jumps.  One thing that was different.  CrushStation (Lobster) did a couple wheelies down the track.  It was impressive but no idea how he could see.  All the monster trucks had big engines with a couple in the 2000 hp range.

Drag races with different classes of trucks went on all day.  Mid-afternoon we moved to the pit area and over to the starting line of the drag racing lanes to watch the monster trucks.  I can tell you when two 2000hp trucks line up and the light tree goes off … it’s VERY LOUD …

We stayed near the starting line for the Hill & Hole also.  The Hill & Hole is a timed race that has 3 hills (or small jumps) and holes filled with mud and water.  They looked pretty deep and were large enough that they couldn’t be jumped over.  Airborne … Splash … mud flying … continue to the next one, etc.  … continuing on to the finish line.  We saw a couple great runs, some not so great, and a couple break downs with parts flying or breaking.

The trench wasn’t as deep as in years past.  Each truck makes 2 runs.  Early on quite a few trucks completed the course.  As the day progressed the trench got deeper in several spots so fewer trucks made it to the end.

Rock crawling was at the far end.  We watched a couple jeeps really get banged up trying to complete the course.  Several got lifted off with the help of the backhoe.

We had a good time and enjoyed the day.

Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in Vermonster to see past posts.