The longer this thread goes, the more I think I made a GOOD decision buying the Shield. All things considered, I do think the Kahr is in the same "league" with the Shield, but at the same time the Shield does have a few things going for it.

The Shield does not compare to the Kahr in terms of trigger pull, but even I have been the "victim" of the long reset on the Kahr. Also, while the Shield does have a perfectly servicable trigger out of the box, I don't like the grit on take up. I don't care about light, I care about smooth. After having S&W models:

10, 13, 19, 28, 29, 34, 629, 631, 642, 310, 5906, 910...and a couple more I can't remember...

I would expect something better triggerwise from a pistol from a stalwart like S&W.

I do like the Shield. I may be getting a little too critical.

As far as the thumb safety is concerned, I could never really see the point on a striker-fired pistol.

I'm gonna give it a few more months and shots...I guess my biggest problem is I didn't warm up to it straight away like I did my full-size M&P's...