David,

Here's hoping you friend makes a speedy recovery.

As someone that just ditched an M&P 9mm because it lacked a thumb safety (and had a mag disconnect) for an M&P40 with the safety (and no mag disconnect) that is the action I'd recommend. As a 1911 shooter, the manual safety gun suits me perfectly. It matches my 1911s and my M&P22. I applaud S&W for giving us the choice.