I just got an email from S&W customer support telling me that "because of liability issues" they no longer sell or ship ambidextrous safeties even for pistols that were designed with the optional safety in the first place. The only way to return the pistol to the original condition if you removed the safety is to send the pistol back for a $75 dollar charge (what a rip!!!) Replacing the safety is really pretty easy to do so I can't figure out what S&W is worried about. Has anyone been able to order one ambidextrous safety from a different source? If so, where and how much are they asking for this little part? Oh... I almost forgot to mention, this is for a 9mm M&P compact designed w/ the thumb safety.

Thanks

The pistol originally had a thumb safety and it was removed, or you're trying to add one? Unless the frame cutouts are there the part won't help you.

Of course this begs the question "Why do you want a safety on this pistol?" it ain't needed.

-- Chuck

Yes. It originally had the safety. I'd like to get a spare ambi safety in case i need to return the gun to its original configuration. I thought S&W would sell the part but the insist on my returning the pistol and charging me for it. I don't mind paying for the part but I dont want to pay for something I can do myself and also pay the cost of shipping.

I bought a manual safety lever for my 40c, when I wanted to cut off the right side to enable use of crimson trace grips. I bought it from speed shooters specialties, I think it is still listed on their website for $10, I asked S&W when I wanted one, and was told it is only sold as factory installed part.

Thanks I'll see if I can find it at their website.

I just received the Thumb Safety Lever from Speed Shooter Specialties. It only took two days to deliver from the date I placed my order. It took me a little while to find the part on their site but yep, they have it!!!

Thanks for the tip!!! (Only cost me 10 bucks plus 2 bucks for shipping)

so you cant add the safety to a pistol that didnt already have one ?
i was thinking of adding one to mine

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

As regards the M&P.

1. I have the safety now but would like to eliminate the right side. Why can't I just cut it off with a Dremel Tool (after removing it from the gun of course)?

2. Why do some people dislike the safety? I have a 9mm without it and it doesn't bother me, but my 45 does have it and I do like it. It can be left in the off position when carrying, but flipped on when in my truck or baggage (not on airline of course), for an added measure of safety. I know I could unload if I wanted to be completely safe but that adds problems too.

BTW I just got my 45 yesterday and absolutely love it. Am selling my beloved Kimber for it with no regrets, but am keeping my S&W 1911 PD. It of course has the thumb safety which I believe most sane people would be hesitant to eliminate.

__________________
Nearly Normal Mike, NRA Lifer

I cut all my safeties off to have just a single sided safety. I use the Crimson Trace on my so makes it perfect, I have the CT and the thumb safety.

I've gone back and forth on this issue and while I understand that the safety is really not necessary, I thought it was better to err on the side of having a safety. I think it can help prevent an accidental or negligent (depending on your point of view) discharge, especially when holstering the weapon. Of course, it would take additional practice to make sure disengaging the safety is an automatic action and yes, accidents can still happen as we can forget to engage the safety or do something extra stupid in a moment of stress. In the end, it is a personal preference thing. I decided that the safety gave me a bit of an edge and I am willing to practice and train with it. Now I have two safeties: One ambidextrous and one I cut down in case I decide to get a grip laser.

Actually an unnecessary safety is a liability as it will be on Safe when you need it on Fire. Even if you never, ever put it on Safe it'll be there when you least suspect it. Merely an embarrassment at the range, but ...

If you have one you must depress it during your draw stroke and keep it depressed (for the same reasons). With a M1911, sure. Not with an M&P.

-- Chuck