TexasCHLforum.com

Just back from the range after putting the brand-new XDs through her paces. I ran a variety of range and carry ammo through her without a single burp, she’s not a picky eater. Most of the shooting was done with Remington UMC and Federal American Eagle, both 230 grain ball. I also shot some Federal HydraShok 165 grain JHP and Remington Golden Saber 230 grain JHP.

I shot a modified CHL course of fire, using a standard B-27 target at ranges of 3, 7 and 15 yards. The first fifty rounds pretty much destroyed the X and 10 ring, with a few flyers into 9 territory. After that, I just played for a while at various ranges. As long as I did my part, the accuracy was on a par with what I get out of my XD45 service model. Groups opened up a bit at 25 yards but still remained within the 8 ring. With a 3.3 inch barrel, that’s to be expected. While she can reach out and touch somebody, she’s really made for close in work.

Recoil was authoritative, but surprisingly manageable given the pistol’s diminuitive size and light weight. The aggressive “all-terrain” grip texturing was a big help, and I was even able to squeeze off good, accurate double-taps. Trigger pull was short and crisp, with a very positive tactile and audible reset. Muzzle flash was pretty impressive, especially with the Federal HydraShoks. In a night-time firefight, night vision will probably be the first casualty. I’ll probably settle on the Golden Saber for daily carry.

Now I just need to find a good IWB holster. I’m leaning towards a DeSantis Sof-Tuck.

Thanks for a great report!! I'll be looking for a new gun when I get back to Texas Christmas, and the XDs is on the short list.

Joe

I too carry a XDS and have nothing but rave reviews on the gun. It does pack a punch in terms of recoil but that is to be expected for such a small package. The recoil while noticeable it is definitely manageable. No malfunctions what so ever and I comfortably wear my XDS all day everyday and it's not noticeable at all. In my everyday clothing it is impossible to tell I'm wearing a weapon. Exactly what you want with a conceal carry.

I was glad to hear that you didn't have any trouble with the Golden Saber Rounds as that is what I use for my defense carry. I was somewhat concerned because I was afraid they wouldn't feed well because of the aggressive nature of the design. I was going to shoot a few rounds to try it out but the range wouldn't allow defense rounds.

To be objective I do have a couple of complaints about the XDS, one is I found myself shooting low and to the left consistently. If I wanted to be on target I needed to compensate my site picture and shoot high and to the right. This would allow me to shoot center of the target. I know this error isn't inherent to the gun it's my error that I need to work on to correct so not so much a critique of the gun but more my experience with it. Another complaint that I have with the gun is the long travel with the trigger. This is definitely characteristic of XD guns as my XD-40 does the same thing. Not overly bothersome as I was expecting it having shot my XD-40 almost exclusively prior to getting the XDS. Neither of these issues are enough to persuade me away from the XDS as I find it a fantastic gun. You can't beat the size vs. power of the XDS, IMHO.

Packina45, you should look into the Whitehat Max Tuck IWB holsters for your XDS. That's what I have and it's really a first rate holster. The Kydex holds the gun firmly in place and the holster in general is extremely comfortable to wear. The best part is I have several Kydex sleeves that I can attache to the Max Tuck so my one holster will accommodate several guns. There are others out there that do the same thing but I have been very happy with my Max Tuck. Worth at least looking into.

Thanks for the reports. Actually saw one yesterday (not for sale, thought) and have a couple of questions for you:
Which back strap do you use (understand the pistols ship with two)?
Any comfort issues with the all-terrain grip (particularly at the front of the grip)?
Appreciate any information.

Nicolai wrote:Thanks for the reports. Actually saw one yesterday (not for sale, thought) and have a couple of questions for you:
Which back strap do you use (understand the pistols ship with two)?
Any comfort issues with the all-terrain grip (particularly at the front of the grip)?
Appreciate any information.

I use the backstrap that came on the gun it is a little thicker than the other strap that comes with the gun. I have tried them both and I find the thicker one better for my larger hands. I also opted for the 7 capacity magazine as it allows for my whole hand on the grip. The 5 round magazine that comes with the gun made my pinky hang off the grip. Not a big deal but the longer magazine allows me to completely grasp the gun and gives me 2 extra rounds.

No comfort issues at all with the aggressive design of the grip. You hardly even notice it and in fact, appreciate it in a humid environment. I have no complaints what so ever with the aggressiveness of the grip.

Another plus is the fiber optic site. Really pops and makes the sight picture stand out for easy target acquisition. The weapon also comes with additional colors for the fiber optics if you don't like the orange that comes on the gun.

Feel free to ask any other questions, happy to help and offer any insight.

XDSConcealer:

Oooh, an XDS has a 7 round mag available? Sweet!

Is this a factory mag from Springer?

Does the 7 rounder make for a nice, smooth grip, or is there a gap between the gun's mag well bottom and the longer mag?

At 5 + 1 in .45, the XDS is more powerful and higher capacity than a .38 snubbie.
At 7 + 1 in .45, the XDS is even more attractive.

TIA / SIA

surprise_i'm_armed wrote:XDSConcealer:

Oooh, an XDS has a 7 round mag available? Sweet!

Is this a factory mag from Springer?

Does the 7 rounder make for a nice, smooth grip, or is there a gap between the gun's mag well bottom and the longer mag?

At 5 + 1 in .45, the XDS is more powerful and higher capacity than a .38 snubbie.
At 7 + 1 in .45, the XDS is even more attractive.

TIA / SIA

Yes, the 7 round magazine is offered directly from Springfield. The magazine comes with 2 extension sleeves so it will conform seamlessly to whatever backstrap you put on your XDS. I get even quicker draws from my holster with the 7 round mag. Really easy to grab. A must have with this gun IMO, especially if you have larger hands. It just makes the gun feel that much better.

I'll snap some pictures to show the difference.

Here is a picture of my XDS with the 5 round magazine:
Here is a picture of my XDS with the 7 round magazine:

Thanks for the quick reply. The pictures answer nicely.

By the way, where did you pick yours up? Was it hard to find one?

Or easy as long as you pay <LIST PLUS>?

SIA

surprise_i'm_armed wrote:Thanks for the quick reply. The pictures answer nicely.

By the way, where did you pick yours up? Was it hard to find one?

Or easy as long as you pay <LIST PLUS>?

SIA

I walked into a Gander Mountain and there it was. I didn't have to order it or anything. I bought it right there and then since I had been researching them for a while. I think I paid $580 for it so it wasn't marked up.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... 3%22+Black

Well, Gander seems to have done pretty good for only $580. No Gander's in North Texas, though.

The above link is to Bud's Gun Shop in Kentucky. I find their site useful to research handguns.

They usually have pretty good prices, but they want $649 for an XDS. That's $69 more than you lucked into.

SIA

surprise_i'm_armed wrote:http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... 3%22+Black

Well, Gander seems to have done pretty good for only $580. No Gander's in North Texas, though.

The above link is to Bud's Gun Shop in Kentucky. I find their site useful to research handguns.

They usually have pretty good prices, but they want $649 for an XDS. That's $69 more than you lucked into.

SIA

I cancelled an order with grabagun.com a couple weeks ago, 610 for a bitone xds.
Decided that a) id rather have black and b) looks like i can get a good deal on the black if i just wait for the dealer im talking with to get stocked.

580 is a good price, grabagun is about that for the black...but ive seen them at around 600

Thank you all for the posts and reviews. Just ordered one through GT Distributors for around $530 and it should be in next week.

What is the current summary on the reccommended ammo for the gun?

tamc9395 wrote:Thank you all for the posts and reviews. Just ordered one through GT Distributors for around $530 and it should be in next week.

What is the current summary on the reccommended ammo for the gun?

is GTdist leo only on the xds? I know they are leo on their springfield line

surprise_i'm_armed wrote:http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... 3%22+Black

Well, Gander seems to have done pretty good for only $580. No Gander's in North Texas, though.

The above link is to Bud's Gun Shop in Kentucky. I find their site useful to research handguns.

They usually have pretty good prices, but they want $649 for an XDS. That's $69 more than you lucked into.

SIA

Ummmm..........isn't there a Gander Mountain in Sherman, TX? There used to be, but it may be closed now.

Joe