Shield vs glock 42 vs xds

[DRAB_81]

Just because you can get a smaller gun in the same caliber, doesn't mean you should. The G42 is slightly bigger than the LCP, but it's significantly easier to shoot. There is always a balance between size & control with CCW guns, and as far as 380 CCW guns go, I think the G42 is the perfect balance.

I have no experience with the XDs, but I did have a Shield for a while. Although they are thin, they aren't really all that small. I was hoping the slimness of the Shield would make it easier to conceal, but that wasn't the case for me. I carry AIWB, and the Shield did NOT conceal any better for me than my G19. It was an easy decision for me to ditch the Shield (15+1 vs 8+1 & the G19 is significantly easier to shoot fast).

[jslick_007]

I have an XDS in .45 and for such a small frame, it doesn't recoil nearly as bad as I had thought, but I can tell you that qualifying for CCW with it wasn't nearly as easy as my Glock 9mm. I did check out a Shield 9mm and did like the short take up and reset compared to my XDS which has a long take up (longer than Glock, but shorter reset). Hope this helps.

[Roering]

What caliber do you want to carry?
How do you plan to carry your firearm?

That may lead you to your answer.

[ruddogg]

OP - like all the others have said, the G42 isn't really in the same category as the Shield & XDS due to caliber. The G26 even tho it's double stack is prob closer to the Shield & XDS. I'd also add the Walther PPS and Sig P938 to your list. You should also look at the LC9s that Hickok45 reviewed http://youtu.be/Opx_IFm0iQU

For ME, I've owned the Walther PPS, Sig P938, and have dry fired/compared all 4 side by side. My decision was I qualified the Walther PPS yesterday to add to my ccw. YMMV. I thought the trigger on the PPS was better than the Shield and the XDS. The XDS grip was too blocky for me.

Good luck with your search.

[Killer Bee]

bodyguard .380 is on my permit as well as an xds .45..

they both have their place in the wardrobe line-up..

in regards to .380 carry, like they say, something is always better than nothing..

there's some size comparison drawings around the webs but in case ya'll don't know how much smaller the bodyguard [and LCP] really are..

I ignore the g42 because its size defeats the purpose for which it was built..

here ya go..

xds .45 / shield .40 / bodyguard .380

[waveslayer]

I haven't shot the glock, but I prefer the XDS over the shield. The shield needs a new trigger. The XDS just needs the springs changed to lighten it up a bit. It all depends on what fits your hand the best and your needs.

[Steve1968LS2]

The Glock 42 is the perfect pocket 9mm.. oh wait, never mind.. lol

[Steve1968LS2]

I haven't shot the glock, but I prefer the XDS over the shield. The shield needs a new trigger. The XDS just needs the springs changed to lighten it up a bit. It all depends on what fits your hand the best and your needs.

I wouldn't lighten the trigger of ANY gun I was going to CCW.. bad idea.. I can just hear the DA spinning it to the jury as "having been modified to a hair trigger"..

Just Sayin

[Dannicus]

Like others have said, the Glock isn't in the same category.

I prefer the XDS over the shield. The grip of the XDS seems to fill my hand better and I prefer the trigger on XDS.

You gotta just shoot them to find out which works for you.

[Killer Bee]

^ agreed.. paper puncher triggers are not necessarily ideal in the real carry world.. there's so much ado about it for a reason, generally not necessary and could present a potential hazard or liability.. better off looking for different ccw gun if you're not comfortable with it, trigger or otherwise..

[Libtard]

I ignore the g42 because its size defeats the purpose for which it was built

I can't agree with that at all. First off, I own one, and the damn thing is very small. Yes, there are smaller .380's, but the purpose is concealability/light weight/comfort, not "win a smallness contest". Second, it's slightly larger size has won it a reputation in reviews as having less recoil -- its frame and dual spring are better at absorbing the recoil.

So I definitely would not ignore it. The 42 does have a reputation for not feeding some ammo, although Glock has made numerous revisions to the design which correct this. As one reviewer stated, once you settle into ammo it likes, it feeds flawlessly (it does not like ammo that's too powerful or under-powered).

The only ding I'll give the 42 is the lack of a safety lever. Obviously, that's anathema to Glock owners, and a trigger-enclosing holster overcomes it, but it's something to consider.

[Steve1968LS2]

I can't agree with that at all. First off, I own one, and the damn thing is very small. Yes, there are smaller .380's, but the purpose is concealability/light weight/comfort, not "win a smallness contest". Second, it's slightly larger size has won it a reputation in reviews as having less recoil -- its frame and dual spring are better at absorbing the recoil.

So I definitely would not ignore it. The 42 does have a reputation for not feeding some ammo, although Glock has made numerous revisions to the design which correct this. As one reviewer stated, once you settle into ammo it likes, it feeds flawlessly (it does not like ammo that's too powerful or under-powered).

The only ding I'll give the 42 is the lack of a safety lever. Obviously, that's anathema to Glock owners, and a trigger-enclosing holster overcomes it, but it's something to consider.

But I can have a gun that's equal in size, but with 9mm..

.380 is a sacrifice you make in order to have a smaller gun.. the G42 is sized like a sub-compact 9mm, but chambered in .380

So, I too don't "get it" with the gun.. I would rather carry a Shield or Nano in 9mm.. the G42 would have been epic in 9mm..

[jdben92883]

I think the G42 is a great pocket gun. You give up <2 ounces to a Bodyguard, but you get much better ergonomics and an infinitely better overall shooter. I wouldn't compare it with either the Shield or XDS...apples and oranges.

XDS > Shield. Feels better in the hand (to me) w/better trigger. Slightly longer barrel, slightly lower overall height. Heavier slide makes is a little softer shooter. All the differences are small, but collectively make for a better package IMO.

[jdben92883]

It will be equal in size, but not equal in weight. Sig 938 is almost as heavy empty as the G42 is loaded.

I don't think a G42 would have been epic in 9mm. It would have just competed with the XDS, Shield, Kahr, etc. It definitely wouldn't have been anywhere as light as the .380. The slide and rails on the G42 are very thin. The G42 is all by itself, IMO.

Man I'm a freakin' G42 fanboy...LOL.

But I can have a gun that's equal in size, but with 9mm..

.380 is a sacrifice you make in order to have a smaller gun.. the G42 is sized like a sub-compact 9mm, but chambered in .380

So, I too don't "get it" with the gun.. I would rather carry a Shield or Nano in 9mm.. the G42 would have been epic in 9mm..

[Steve1968LS2]

It will be equal in size, but not equal in weight. Sig 938 is almost as heavy empty as the G42 is loaded.

I don't think a G42 would have been epic in 9mm. It would have just competed with the XDS, Shield, Kahr, etc. It definitely wouldn't have been anywhere as light as the .380. The slide and rails on the G42 are very thin. The G42 is all by itself, IMO.

Man I'm a freakin' G42 fanboy...LOL.

So you pick the heaviest thing you can (the Sig 938) to compare it to? lol

Sorry, not a fan of the G42.. but if you want a large .380 then it's perfect I guess..