XDs 3.3 .45 opinions?

[awp101]

Handled one at my local place this afternoon, thinking about it as an alternate to the G43 or Shield (9 or .45). Doesn't feel as good as the Shield but I like the trigger set up better.

I found some older threads with new owners but nothing recent so I thought I'd see what the general consensus is on them.

[zeus]

On small 45s, I love the Kahr PM45. Extremely accurate for a gun that small

[hughree]

I have a lot of range time with the 45 caliber XDS, both 3.3 and 4 inch models. Two early examples were returned for safety upgrades during the recall. They had very good triggers before; not as good after the upgrade. The 4" is a post-recall model and, unfortunately, shares the same rough trigger that was absent on my pre-recall examples. Reliability has been great on all models. They have readily digested thousands of lead SWC reloads that choke their bigger brother XD's. Accuracy is up to me - the little pistols will ring steel at surprising distances if I have the sights on the target when I break the shot. It takes more effort to shoot them accurately - a VERY firm grip and solid technique is necessary - but the design isn't the excuse for missing at distances that are often addressed with a carbine. The thin profile fits my hand, much like a Shield, and the XDS grip angle points naturally. The Shield requires a conscious adjustment to my natural grip to align the sights. The 3.3 is a very versatile pistol. It can be easily concealed in most clothing and, when equipped with the extended magazine and a TLR-3 light on the rails, makes a nifty nightstand pistol. If pocket carry is not a consideration, the 4 inch model is more of a good thing. Thinner than the time honored 1911, it still packs 8 rounds with the extension mag and allows a white light in a thin, controllable, reliable package with excellent, high visibility sights. Magazines are robust and relatively inexpensive compared to CZ and Sig. A wide range of replacement sights are available although removal and installation can be frustrating without the proper tool. Springfield Armory has a great lifetime warranty with shipping, both ways, on their dime.

I have purchased several over the years. Both 9mm and .45. Most recently a 4" .45 with the Essential package for $399 shipped from Gunbuyer. The 3.3"s are even less now, and Springfield is currently running its annual promotion that offers the purchaser another 4 free magazines, a holster and mag carrier. That's a screaming deal and the 6 magazines offer 5, 6, and 7 round options. All fit flush with the frame via sleeves that match the backstrap chosen by the user. It's a very versatile platform.

I am a huge fan of CZ 9mm's and they are my favorites when high capacity is a priority. I have carried Springfield XD's in .45 ACP and they suit me just fine. Neither are slim, however, and there are times when a thin .45 is what I need. In those times, my XDS sacrifices capacity but not capability and my decision to shoot or carry an XDS is, IMHO, a reasoned choice, not a compromise.

Best,

Hugh

[ezekiel38]

Their triggers are gritty, rough and heavy! I prefer the Kahrs in CW45 and CM45. They have a long smooth trigger at 5-6 pds and I've been shooting Smith&Wessons double action for 52 years. A Kahr is a square gun with the smoothest and lightest double action trigger found on a K frame Smith and Wesson. And a fast reload! Old DA shooters take to the Kahrs rather quickly.

[ezekiel38]

Their (XDSes) triggers are gritty, rough and heavy! I prefer the Kahrs in CW45 and CM45. They have a long smooth trigger at 5-6 pds and I've been shooting Smith&Wessons double action for 52 years. A Kahr is a square gun with the smoothest and lightest double action trigger found on a K frame Smith and Wesson. And a fast reload! Old DA shooters take to the Kahrs rather quickly.

[AxeHandle]

We have a XDs 45 on the range. It has been a tough reliable little gun. Kahr, Springfield, Glock, Star, etc.....No rights or wrongs here. Apples and oranges. My primary concealed carry 45 is a Glock 36. Stuck in a little locally made kydex IWB for quick on/off and in a Crossbreed Supertuck for all day wear.

[awp101]

Apr 7, 2017 6:17:58 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

Kahr, Springfield, Glock, Star, etc.....No rights or wrongs here. Apples and oranges.

Thanks, this is pretty much what my reading and searching has turned up. It's more about how the individual pistol fits the individual but I still like to ask just in case there's been a major development I missed.

My current IWB or pocket carry alternates between a S&W 442 and M&P .380 and I want to step up in oomph and capacity somewhat. I've carried a G30S and G19 in the past but my current rotundness and style of dress prevents me from carrying anything like that right now so I'm looking at plastic single stacks that work with medium size hands and stubby fingers. (I'm in shape. Round is a shape...)

[AxeHandle]

Sounds like you have some work to do. Don't forget that Kimber revolver. Not a bad size for a 6 shot 357...

[Thumper]

I've had my XDS 3.3 since June 2012. I've shot it a lot, before and after the safety recall. It shoots much better than I would expect a small pistol to. Had both been on the market, I would have bought the 4" over the 3.3". The 3.3 is a great size, but ballistics on a .45 with such a short barrel are pretty anemic. My 1911 Commanders are a good bit faster with the same ammo. The limited selection of ammo intended for short barrels helps close the gap some, but it just that, limiting. From a carrying and practicing standpoint, I can't recommend it highly enough.

[awp101]

Apr 8, 2017 5:51:39 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

Sounds like you have some work to do.

More like working out to do...

The KS6 is interesting but if I go with a small .357 it'll most likely be another J Frame.

I may talk to my place later this week about a 4" model if SA is still running their sale. Actually the price on the 3.3 is the same as the sale price (it does come with the full kit but it's still used) so I might play that card. Either get the 3.3 for a better price or order a brandy new 4" for the same money.

[AxeHandle]

S&W is running $75 rebates on a bunch of guns. The Shield is included but I'm not sure the 45 Shield is. Locally after the rebate for sure the 9mm shield is $249.

[crazycarl]

I was really hoping Ruger would release a SR45C, as I'm a big fan of the SR9C. Don't see that happening with the new Ruger American Pistol in the lineup. I need to go fondle the 3.75" .45. I like my G26 a lot, but I prefer Ruger's striker trigger & could easily be persuaded into coming back to a .45 for carry.

[awp101]

It may be damning with faint praise, but I prefer the Glock and XD trigger to the S&W. My only experience with Ruger's plastic trigger is a mag or two through The Old Man's LC9s so I can't really judge it.

[cas]

I don't think mine has ever jammed.

(I write that laughing as the last time I shot it I was shooting up the culls from case gauging my match ammo. So I had many many malfunctions, but it's because the ammo was so funky it wouldn't fit in the chamber. ) With real ammo it's never jammed.

I liked the trigger better before the recall, but what I have now is still usable, just different. It shoots better than it has any business doing. I've shot the 8" plate rack out past 60 yards with it with little trouble.



Here's one time from a few years ago I've posted before, just a couple rounds. I was testing the camera, not the gun. Says 50 yards, but was 55+, but I didn't want to look like a jerk. lol (the delay is me waiting for the shadow from an airplane.) It was my car, I'll shoot past it if I want. Targets are a ways past it.

youtu.be/oDBbeHFyNpg

[98redline]

I bought my XDs 3.3 45 shortly after the post recall versions came out. Echoing the others, for such a little pistol it is surprisingly accurate. Reliability has been stellar and has fed and fired everything from lower powered SWC lead to full power +P SD loads. Never once has it failed to eject or feed.

The stock triggers are a little lacking in the smoothness category however they do smooth out over time. A better option is the Powder River spring and sear kit. Improves the trigger markedly and lightens up the weight.

The 4.0" version will give you about 60fps more velocity with a 185gr SD (930'ish vs 995'ish) load so there is that, but I think either barrel length is more than adequate.

I carry my XDs significantly more than any of my other CCW guns. If it fits your hand and points naturally I don't think you can go wrong with it.