XDS thoughts..

[sirr6]

Thinking of picking up an XDs 3.3 in 45. Anyone that has one that can give me any pros and cons? Which do you think is better, the 3.3 or 4inch?

[sirr6]

Also, anyone know of any stores within Sacramento that may have one in stock?

[FresnoRob]

Can't answer but like you I have thought about the 3.3 as a carry weapon. A local LGS here had one. I liked the look and feel but have not shot one.

[sirr6]

I haven't shot an xds, but have shot my sisters xdm and liked it.

[BrianRodela]

Very small and compact. Shot well with ball ammo but I would recommend the Pearce grip extensions as they add a little more control. Trigger is kind of a modified Sigma/Glock gen 1 design but with a little better feel to it. Not a bad pistol if your in the market for that type. Felt solid to me.

[5ZS]

Only hear say, they are not pleasant to shoot in the 45 caliber. So if there is limited range time, sure it serves it thin carry purpose.

I went with the XDS 9 and the bigger distant cousin XDM compact in 45.

[rambutan316]

If you can, I would try holding it side by side to a Walther PPS. I thought about getting an XDS like you did, until I tried the PPS. It felt so much better in the hands and the trigger was much better, too. The XDS is still a fine weapon, though. I would choose the one that fits the best for you.

[mag360]

9mm is better for that size gun. Many of the popular self defense 45acp loads are moving too slow to get deep enough penetration from the testing ive seen. If I was stuck with a 45 xds or pm45 I would carry critical duty 220gr +p but the 9mm on the other hand has 2 extra rounds to keep you in the fight longer, less muzzle flip for quicker follow ups and multiple commercial loads that meet fbi spec from the testing ive seen. Gold dot, all 3 hst varieties, critical duty, barnes, etc.

My evaluation and a few of my range buddies have decided if you had to have an xds in 45, get the 4" barrel. That is a sweet setup. You are likely carrying it on the waist anyways so the extra .7" on the slide wont matter but it gives a little extra weight and velocity.

[stryper]

I carried an 3.3" XD-s 45 since they were introduced as my off duty weapon. I have nothing but positive things to say about them. Light, small, good trigger for its size, and packs a big punch. I'm a big guy (6'4") with large hands and had no problem holding on to this weapon and shooting accurately with the 5rnd mag installed. Ball ammo and hollow points ran through it with no problems, and my mags were always loaded with HPs. The extended 7rnd mag does allow for a better grip and two extra rounds is always better. Since I mainly wear cargo style shorts while not on duty, and dislike IWB holsters, it's nice to be able to carry it in my front pocket with the 5rnd mag (7rnd mags were carried in my support side pocket), slipped into a DeSantis soft holster. Most of the time I forgot it was even there. A while ago, I put the Viridian C5L on it and what a great combo. For my needs, the 3.3" barrel works best. No hang ups drawing it out of my shorts pocket and its size allows it to be carried very easily elsewhere.

Everyone has their caliber choice that they like. I've always liked .45acp. My daughter got an XD-s 45 for Christmas and loves it (she shot mine plenty of times before). I've owned many concealed carry sized pistols and I think the XD-s 45 is the best in the compact 45acp class. I caught the 1911 bug again, and even though they're great, I miss my XD-s 45 and will probably be getting another one soon.

[choo2x]

I have the XDS 3.3 .45 ACP (the XDS 3.3 9mm is just out of jail, but I haven't been able to go get it yet). I cannot speak to the XDS 4.0.

When I first got the .45 ACP, it shot combat sight picture (front sight fiber optic covering the target) @ 25 yards. I had a taller rear sight installed, and now it shoots POA-POI @ 25 yards. I can unload the 5 round magazine in a 7" circle @ 25 yards now with 230 gr RN, so I'm happy. That's way further than I ever expect to have to shoot the pistol.

I don't know about deep enough penetration, etc. I just know I wouldn't want to get hit with 5 rounds from this pistol, and 7 rounds from the extra magazine, if necessary.

My suggestion is to go rent one, or borrow one and shoot it to see if you like it. If you routinely shoot .45 ACP from a 1911 or a XD/XDM/BLOCK, you will be able to handle the recoil. If you routinely shoot 9mm, then the recoil will take some getting used to, just like it would shooting any other .45 ACP.

For frame of reference, I routinely shoot a pair of XDM 3.8 .45 ACP Compacts (see my avatar), a SA Trophy Match and a Para Pro Custom 14.45, so I'm a .45 ACP fan. I just recently picked up a XDM 5.25 9mm for my IDPA SSP competition pistol. Now that I'm stacking 9mm ammo is the reason why I grabbed the XDS 3.3 9mm (and of course SSE going away, but that's a whole different story).

Do I shoot the 9mm faster than .45 ACP? Definitely. Am I more accurate with the 9mm? Nope, I'm about the same.

Good luck with your decision.

[sirr6]

Thanks for all your input guys, as for choosing either the 9mm or 45, and on a deadline for SSE, I decided I'll be buying both. I have shot a few different xdm in different calibers and own a couple xd and love the way they shoot.

[thedonger]

I have the XDs 45 3.3 and like it a lot.

If your primary use is CCW then get the 3.3. If its is your only gun or if you plan to shoot it at the range for fun you might like to 4.0 better

9mm v 45, depends on if your man enough. JK the 45 is not bad to shoot in 3.3 might be a little better in the 4, I don't know. I would like to try it our in 9mm would probably like it a lot plus the extra capacity is nice.

[The DRis]

I have the XDS 9 3.3" and plan on getting the XDS .45 3.3" soon. I really like the XDS. I've seen a couple people complain about how small the grip is, and that the have to add extensions. It's kinda like, well no duh, it's a freaking super compact, of course the grip is small. It kinda defeats the purpose to lengthen the grip.

It isn't the most comfortable gun to shoot all day, but it's not meant to be that shooter either. I take it out, shoot some rounds through it so I can stay comfortable and efficient with it, and then I switch to my full size guns.

[Simi-Surfer]

I have both 9mm and .45 and love them both. Very accurate and minimal recoil for 3.3 inch. My wife shoots both and she will be carrying the 9mm as an EDC. I will probably buy one more of each and store them in my safe.

[sirr6]

Welp, just put a deposit on both of them today.