I'm new to handgun ownership (less than a year). Bought my M&P 9 FS last November and have had a blast with it.

Anywho, it doesn't have a safety and I sorta thought I wouldn't really want a safety after practicing with this pistol.

Then recently bought the 22 which of course comes with the safety. I didn't think I'd like it but after quite a bit of shooting and handling, I really do.

So for me it really doesn't matter if it has a safety or not and I can see benefits from both sides of opinion. If in a defensive situation I don't think the safety would be any problem at all to disengage.

Just a few thoughts from a new shooter who is trying to continually get better

(Gotta run, heading to the range for more practice!)