I love my XDs...it has just become a daily part of my life. I feel naked with out it. It has a great feel in my hand and shoots very well! I have ran about 200 rds thru mine in just a few short weeks. Mine has been nothing but deadly accurate out the high-end case it came with.
I think "long distance shooting" with a .45ACP through a 3.3 in barrel will be a "challenge" to most folks. I shoot milk jugs at 25 meters without fail, but to be honest, I can't hit em at 50 meters
every time, rounds fall short and to the right. FWIW...milk jugs at 50m is something I can do with my Taurus 92 in 9mm with a 5 in barrel. FYI...fill the jugs full water...make for a fun show!!!
The XDs is a concealed carry purpose built gun. I would concentrate more on "assured" handling, proper presentation and gaining an adequate sight picture from your concealed carry position. Most of my pistol work is done at 10 meters or less with a B27 target. With the XDs, you only got 5 shots...so make em count! (I want to get a 7 rd mag but haven't looked that hard for one yet.)
I do have one gripe about the XDs, as a left hand shooter, I just wish that my XDs had a right side slide release...one day somebody will build a gun right!
These guys make a great IWB holster for the XDs
http://www.whitehatholsters.com