As pointed out in discussions of our Comparative Standards, the goal was to compare equipment – guns by type and format, carry gear, even ammunition – and as a personal skills check. The idea that gear should ‘fit’ the user is the reason for the test and helps us analyze the context of the carry guns and gear within a user’s skill set.
We can compare guns of a similar envelope – say the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 9mm, discussed here, and the M&P 380 Shield EZ, shown here and here. The guns have a different audience: I see the role of Smith & Wesson’s slightly oversized M&P 380 for people with compromised musculature, joint issues and for those who won’t put in the time for brisker artillery. It seems to fit that role in a magnificent fashion. Further, it handles so well and shoots well enough (under three-inches at 25 yards from a rest), that it’s a fine compromise and was the first gun shot over the new Comparative Standards – this was back in July.
The Springfield XD-S Mod.2 9mm is another compromise: small for caliber (traditionally), it was a question how well and how comfortably it could be handled in classes where you might consume 200-300 rounds per day or more – as well as it’s practicality for primary carry. It’s one of the more recent guns fired over the course.
The S&W M&P 380 Shield was drawn from the front inside the waist rig made by Zulu Bravo Kydex. Made for the standard S&W Shield, this sample was one of the first with an extended muzzle. The idea for the longer holster is to help stabilize shorter guns (3” barrels) and reduce the tendency for short barreled guns to tip out from the waistband. It also made it a fair fit for the non-standard M&P380 Shield.
The XD-S Mod.2 9mm was drawn from the Safariland Model 571 GLS Pro-Fit Concealment Paddle Holster -- made to fit small semi-autos generally. It’s for “sub-compact, single-stack pistols” and uses a micro paddle to attach to the waist. It features the Grip Lock System retention device, which is released by the middle finger upon the draw. Made of “SafariSeven” Dupont blend material, it’s made to fit the XD-S line, the Glock 43 and the S&W Shield.
While none of my times were sterling, I found that the S&W M&P380 Shield was in the same company, time-wise, with service-compact guns – including Glock 19s, M&P9 M2.0 Compacts, and an expensive service-compact 1911 pistol in 45 ACP! There were no points down, the course shot clean by this 380 pistol and, thus far, no other. While that may mean something critical, I’m still studying the issue; it certainly means I could have shot faster but it still matches the best times recorded and that’s against larger guns with greater recoil.
As to the XD-S? It too matched “service-compact” standards. I didn’t shoot it clean, with one tragic trigger clutch up close that gave me a “-3” on the barn-sized ATI TQ-15 from Action Targets. The remarkably smooth-shooting pistol gave me “Wizard Drill”-passing performances at 10 and five yards, a sub-one second hit from guard at fifteen yards and a sub-3 second failure drill at seven yards. The reload stage was right at five seconds, not great for a larger, more easily handled service-compact but not bad for a small gun and small magazines.
The clustering on the center hits for both guns was tight – not something that’s required. Some “spot-shooting” is in order. The Comparative Standards are a work in progress.
The Springfield XD-S Mod.2 9mm handles wonderfully, shoots smoothly and without inducing user-discomfort. It certainly can hit what you need to hit. It’ll be interesting to see how it works over the long term.
The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ is just great: it’s low cost, ease of use and maintenance, superior handling, decent accuracy and applicability for a large segment of the gun-owning population make it a hit.
- - Rich Grassi