In the category of 'knowing-how-a-firearm-was-intended-to-be-used', the July 2012 issue of G&A has a full page ad for the Shield, in which the "flat profile slide release" is touted. Assuming its not a typo (a dangerous assumption no doubt), S&W itself may be a little "murky" on the purpose of this particular lever.

That said, we can never take too many courses on firearms use/safety.

If you haven't taken a police/security firearms course, give it some thought, even if you're not LEO/military. It will open up a whole world of techniques and possibilities and tactics that the basic courses and manuals don't even hint at. They can be pricey, and often a serious time commitment, but I promise you'll walk away even more proficient with your firearm.

(For example, I learned in one of my many courses that throwing a Colt pistol at the enemy is often more effective than actually firing one at him.)

Red