what do yall think is the best between xds 9mm or shield 9mm? looking for help. thanks

I just made this exact decision myself about a month ago. You honestly can't go wrong with either and will just need to go handle/shoot them both. The two are identical in size (literally no difference when stacked), but the XDs is slightly heavier. That said, I picked the XDs. I was already very familiar with Springfield guns and I liked the trigger on the XDs over the shield. Also, the fiber optic front sight on the XDs is nice. The XDs is usually a little more expensive than the shield so I don't know if that factors in for you. Good luck!

shield

me no likey million safeties.

The XDs has 1 extra safety over the NTS shield and you don't even have to think about it. Grip safeties have been a non issue for 100 years now. I will never understand how the people with the "more moving parts equals more malfunctions" mentality drive a car or get on an airplane.

Personally, I like the addition of the grip safety.  When re-holstering, I can move my thump up onto the back of the slide and it is just enough to active the grip safety.  Even if something happened to find it's way into the trigger guard, it still can't fire.

Have both. Started out with the Shield. Too many stoves pipes for my liking, reliability was just not there for CCW. Still have it, but went with the XDs in 9mm. No problems period. Like I figured an XD to be. (Own 3-All failure free.)