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  #1  
Old 06-17-2014, 12:35 PM
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Default M&P Shield Safety vs. No Safety

Aside from the obvious, is there a difference between the Shield with a manual safety and the new Shield without?

I've heard people that are excited for the new Shield without the safety b/c they don't like a gun with a manual safety. Couldn't a person just not use the manual safety???

What's the difference?


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  #2  
Old 06-17-2014, 12:45 PM
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There is no difference, and that's what I do with mine - simply IGNNORE the safety.
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Old 06-17-2014, 01:00 PM
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Personal preference. I leave mine off. It's very simple to do. Some people think it might actually engage or disengage when unholstering. I haven't had it happen.
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Old 06-17-2014, 01:08 PM
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Edit. The link I had must have been old. Nevermind.
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Old 06-17-2014, 01:10 PM
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Supply & demand?????
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  #6  
Old 06-17-2014, 01:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Atticaz View Post
What is like to know is why is S&W's MSRP $120 higher for a gun that has one less feature. It's not like a complete re-design. Lol.
Where are you seeing that? LGS? They are the same price where I live. The msrp is the same on the S&W web site.
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Old 06-17-2014, 01:31 PM
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Personally, the safety doesn't bother me. I just leave it off.

I think the safety thing is a much bigger issue for southpaws though.
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Old 06-17-2014, 03:14 PM
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I kinda like the safety. Shield is the only one I own that has a safety. I guess the short trigger on the shield makes me feel safe with the safety as all my other handguns have a longer/stiffer trigger pull and no thumb safety. Like they say....just leave dang thing off if it bothers you. The guy I buy some guns thru said it could be removed. Not sure tho.
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Old 06-17-2014, 03:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishoot View Post
Personally, the safety doesn't bother me. I just leave it off.
I think the safety thing is a much bigger issue for southpaws though.

Not a bit. I'm a lefty and I don't even notice it. I believe it was installed to make the gun saleable in states that require it. That's why it's so small.
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Old 06-17-2014, 04:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by agksimon View Post
I believe it was installed to make the gun saleable in states that require it. That's why it's so small.
My sentiments exactly! My Shield 9mm should be here before the week is out and I intend to leave it off, too!
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Old 06-17-2014, 04:25 PM
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One of the reasons I wanted this gun was the presence of the safety. I plan to cc with one in the chamber and I'm not a fan of AD. I'll practice sweeping the safety even knowing it will cost me a few seconds.
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Old 06-17-2014, 05:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fbcmrjrtykr View Post
One of the reasons I wanted this gun was the presence of the safety. I plan to cc with one in the chamber and I'm not a fan of AD. I'll practice sweeping the safety even knowing it will cost me a few seconds.
Probably more like milliseconds on the safety, finding front sight can take longer. But both safety and sights are/can be desirable on a carry gun.

Last edited by Kitgun; 06-19-2014 at 03:17 PM. Reason: cosmic boredom
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  #13  
Old 06-17-2014, 07:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fbcmrjrtykr View Post
One of the reasons I wanted this gun was the presence of the safety. I plan to cc with one in the chamber and I'm not a fan of AD. I'll practice sweeping the safety even knowing it will cost me a few seconds.
Like mentioned, with practice, clicking off the safety becomes a routine part of drawing the gun. Basically, taking no additional time. I like the idea of the additional safety even if it is just for mental assurance.
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Old 06-17-2014, 09:41 PM
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All of my other pistols have no safety. If I bought a Shield with a safety I'd have to train myself to use it, which I was going to do and then they came out with a non safety model which I now have on order.

I don't believe in ignoring a safety just because it hasn't yet inadvertently been activated. If I subscribed to that line of thinking I could do away with practicing malfunction drills since none of my M&P have ever malfunctioned.
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Old 06-17-2014, 10:09 PM
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I have two Shields, both with the universally ignored/despised safety. I guess those of you raised on Glocks wouldn't like anything external to the "safe action"...speaking of which...

If the "safe action" is so safe, why do I hear so many media reports about people accidentally shooting themselves - with Glocks? Is this a competition in which S&W is trying to be a viable contender?

I use the safety on my Shields; I don't ignore them.

I came from 1911's, and I didn't ignore those safeties either.

I have no intention of replacing my Shields with those new-fangled Schlocks (or Ghields)...
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Old 06-17-2014, 10:32 PM
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If I could have gotten a Shield with the same manual of arms my M&Ps have, I'd probably have one. The safety caused me to select another single stack 9mm pistol. I'm left handed and definitely will not use a right hand only safetied pistol. I know some people are okay just leaving it off, but I'm not willing to tempt Murphy. I think the new option is great for anyone who feels like I do, but I'll stick with my current pistol now.
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  #17  
Old 06-17-2014, 11:56 PM
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Six of one, half dozen of the other. Doesn't matter, especially now that both configurations are available, pick what suites ya.
I already own a Shield 40, and had a 9 on the way when I saw the new NS models would be available. I will probably try to trade/sell them to get NS models, so they are like all my other M&P pistols. But it won't be a priority unless I decide to use them for concealed carry, then would much prefer the NS Shield models.
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Old 06-20-2014, 12:44 PM
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I have two with safeties (one being sold to a friend), and just purchased but not taken possession of a no-safety model. I always leave the safety off anyway. Never had a problem with finding the safety in the on position when drawn. It is a bit too small for my taste to be carried in the on position, even having grown up with and carrying a 1911 for the past 30 years. If it was made a bit bigger, I might carry it on.
Now, there is no sense in modifying the safety so that it cannot be activated (not to mention the possible legal ramifications of deactivating a safety device on a carry gun).
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Old 06-21-2014, 05:49 PM
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Mine takes both hands to put on, so I ignore it
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Old 06-21-2014, 10:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dullh View Post
I have two Shields, both with the universally ignored/despised safety. I guess those of you raised on Glocks wouldn't like anything external to the "safe action"...speaking of which...

If the "safe action" is so safe, why do I hear so many media reports about people accidentally shooting themselves - with Glocks? Is this a competition in which S&W is trying to be a viable contender?

I use the safety on my Shields; I don't ignore them.

I came from 1911's, and I didn't ignore those safeties either.

I have no intention of replacing my Shields with those new-fangled Schlocks (or Ghields)...
I agree
I fail to see how carrying these guns with no thumb safety is different than carrying a 1991 cocked but not locked
These guns are COCKED you just can't see the striker

IMHO
Semiautos should all be designed with DA triggers like on a revolver
Then you wouldn't have to worry about safeties

Last edited by rcp1936; 06-21-2014 at 10:25 PM.
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  #21  
Old 06-21-2014, 10:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rcp1936 View Post
I agree
I fail to see how carrying these guns with no thumb safety is different than carrying a 1991 cocked but not locked
These guns are COCKED you just can't see the striker

IMHO
Semiautos should all be designed with DA triggers like on a revolver
Then you wouldn't have to worry about safeties
The Shield also has a six+ pound trigger pull. I'm sure most 1911's cocked are somewhat less than that. Also my Shield sear has a slight hook on it, so it's not 100% cocked; close, but a very slight amount to cock before firing.
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Old 06-21-2014, 10:52 PM
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As a lefty, the non-ambi safety isn't wanted and isn't very easy to flick-off if it is accidentally engaged.

I would be happy if they kept both the safety and the yellow take-down lever. I find both are useless and a waste of effort on my gun. However, many things today are designed by marketers and lawyers.

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Old 06-21-2014, 11:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by agksimon View Post
The Shield also has a six+ pound trigger pull. I'm sure most 1911's cocked are somewhat less than that. Also my Shield sear has a slight hook on it, so it's not 100% cocked; close, but a very slight amount to cock before firing.
That 6.5 lb is not like the long pull on a DA revolver But just like the let off on a 1911 with slightly more force
Would you carry a 1911 with a 6.5 lb pull cocked but not locked
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Old 06-21-2014, 11:25 PM
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My base is a 1911, cocked and locked.

If you know how to use a 1911, the thumb safety isn't a problem: you disengage it in the process of presentation: no extra time involved.

If you're a lefty, it's somewhat more time consuming


On the shield, the thumb safety adds nothing but it's absence isn't an advantage.

I suspect that most folks who buy the Shield don't have much handgun experience so the average consumer of this product hasn't mastered the use of a thumb safety

That said, the Shield thumb safety is pretty miserable and unpleasant to use so it doesn't impress me as a desirable feature

However, telling a jury why you didn't use a safety mechanism is tough going at best.

Just my opinion, of course.
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Old 06-21-2014, 11:57 PM
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To me the safety is a nice feature for when you may want to use it. I carry with the safety off, and it has never came on by accident, so that is a nonissue to me.

I like the safety mainly for loading/unloading the gun. In my opinion it just adds another level of precaution.
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Old 06-22-2014, 07:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rcp1936 View Post
That 6.5 lb is not like the long pull on a DA revolver But just like the let off on a 1911 with slightly more force
Would you carry a 1911 with a 6.5 lb pull cocked but not locked
In addition to my Shield with a 6.5lb trigger, I also carry my M&P9c, with a 6.5lb trigger, that doesn't have a manual safety and as long as I, or anyone else with an M&P without a safety doesn't pull the trigger, it won't go off.
There are millions of M&P's out there without a manual safety, that don't go off on their own. I wonder how many M&P's have had a ND, because of a lack of a manual safety.
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Old 06-22-2014, 05:26 PM
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This new no safety stuff is just hilarious. As if accidental shootings dont already happen with guns that have safeties.

Just another, lets make more money off an old design and call it new. Good marketing strategy thats for sure.
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Old 06-22-2014, 08:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by agksimon View Post
In addition to my Shield with a 6.5lb trigger, I also carry my M&P9c, with a 6.5lb trigger, that doesn't have a manual safety and as long as I, or anyone else with an M&P without a safety doesn't pull the trigger, it won't go off.
There are millions of M&P's out there without a manual safety, that don't go off on their own. I wonder how many M&P's have had a ND, because of a lack of a manual safety.
You didn't answer my question
Would you carry a 1911 with a 6.5 trigger cocked but not locked
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Old 06-22-2014, 09:02 PM
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Quote:
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You didn't answer my question
Would you carry a 1911 with a 6.5 trigger cocked but not locked
I've never even picked up a 1911, much less shot one. I'd have to look it over to answer your question.
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Old 06-22-2014, 09:30 PM
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Quote:
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You didn't answer my question
Would you carry a 1911 with a 6.5 trigger cocked but not locked
Grip safety no fair.

Last edited by Smitty357; 06-22-2014 at 09:32 PM.
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Old 06-22-2014, 09:45 PM
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Grip safety no fair.
Which would actually make the 1911 safer to carry cocked unlocked than an MP
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Old 06-22-2014, 10:14 PM
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Quote:
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There is no difference, and that's what I do with mine - simply IGNNORE the safety.
^^^^ Me too.
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Old 06-22-2014, 10:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RLee View Post
Couldn't a person just not use the manual safety???
You could, and many do. Taking it completely off the pistol, however, makes it no less "safe" than the compact or full size M&P without an external safety, and many just want their compact pistol to function the same way WITHOUT the risk that an external safety can be activated accidentally. And some have reported such.
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Old 06-28-2014, 03:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dullh View Post
I have two Shields, both with the universally ignored/despised safety. I guess those of you raised on Glocks wouldn't like anything external to the "safe action"...speaking of which...

If the "safe action" is so safe, why do I hear so many media reports about people accidentally shooting themselves - with Glocks? Is this a competition in which S&W is trying to be a viable contender?

I use the safety on my Shields; I don't ignore them.

I came from 1911's, and I didn't ignore those safeties either.

I have no intention of replacing my Shields with those new-fangled Glocks (or Ghields)...
People who shoot themselves with any firearm have their FINGER ON THE TRIGGER...period...an AD/ND is when a trigger is pulled other than for the purpose of shooting, dry fire, practice, demo or function test....
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Old 06-28-2014, 05:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skip4309 View Post
People who shoot themselves with any firearm have their FINGER ON THE TRIGGER...period...an AD/ND is when a trigger is pulled other than for the purpose of shooting, dry fire, practice, demo or function test....
is not necessarily true...can a trigger not be manipulated by some other device other than a finger...such has a button or string on a cover garment or a snap on a thumb break style holster?
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Old 06-28-2014, 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by skip4309 View Post
People who shoot themselves with any firearm have their FINGER ON THE TRIGGER...period...
"It got tangled in my clothing," Counceller said of his weapon. "I was wearing a sweatshirt and a fleece jacket. I felt (the gun) [Glock] go in the holster and I pushed it, but it was tangled in the material which caused it to discharge. The bullet went into my leg and then into the floor."

Ind. police chief accidentally shoots self at gun shop
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Old 06-28-2014, 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by JohnSW View Post
"It got tangled in my clothing," Counceller said of his weapon. "I was wearing a sweatshirt and a fleece jacket. I felt (the gun) [Glock] go in the holster and I pushed it, but it was tangled in the material which caused it to discharge. The bullet went into my leg and then into the floor."

Ind. police chief accidentally shoots self at gun shop
Cordlocks on jacket drawstrings have also been known to cause this problem. That Indiana police chief is probably not the person to cite, since he makes a habit of shooting himself, and his story(ies) have been a little suspect.
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Last edited by Muss Muggins; 06-28-2014 at 05:40 PM. Reason: typo
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Old 06-28-2014, 06:11 PM
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I thought that the "safe" trigger was designed to prevent an AD if the weapon were to be dropped with enough force that inertia would activate a standard trigger. This isn't a safety which will prevent or block the firing mechanism (that also could fail).

I automatically sweep any semi-auto as I draw it out of the holster before my finger is even near the trigger guard as I was taught 45 years ago. Also DA revolvers with transfer bars were considered the only safe gun to carry back then.
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Old 06-28-2014, 09:06 PM
Jekyll2000 Jekyll2000 is offline
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I was debating which version to buy since my 9c doesn't have a thumb safety. The only ones in stock were the ones with a safety so I bought one. I'm not too concerned with the safety being accidentally engage or disengaged. Its pretty stiff on the one I purchased.
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Old 12-15-2014, 08:44 AM
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Not to bring back an old dead thread, but I just purchased a Shield without the safety. As a lefty, most smaller guns like the LC-9 and the shield have a right hand ONLY safety. I would have absolutely considered a shield with an ambidextrous safety, but a safety I can't operate with my strong hand that has even a 0.5% chance of accidentally being engaged isn't something I would carry.
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Old 12-15-2014, 11:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hAkron View Post
Not to bring back an old dead thread, but I just purchased a Shield without the safety. As a lefty, most smaller guns like the LC-9 and the shield have a right hand ONLY safety. I would have absolutely considered a shield with an ambidextrous safety, but a safety I can't operate with my strong hand that has even a 0.5% chance of accidentally being engaged isn't something I would carry.
Hope you really like your new Shield... Have fun and be safe!
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Old 12-15-2014, 11:23 PM
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My first semi auto was a S&W 457 45ACP with a decocker. All of my SD firearms have had safeties. For over 15 years my SD guns have all been 45ACP 1911s. The Shield that I have operates pretty much as a 1911. I sweep the safety off as I draw the gun. It's not a big deal, just takes a little time to train that way. Some say that you won't remember to take the safety off in the heat of the moment. BS, it is second nature after a very short time of training with the safety. It becomes an automatic reflex action. But it is a personal preference and I won't have a SD semi auto pistol without a safety.
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Old 12-15-2014, 11:27 PM
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I hate safeties on self-defense pistols. Just another thing to mess up when you need it. I will actually consider buying a Shield now that they ship models without safeties.
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Old 12-28-2014, 07:44 PM
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I use the safety and don't mind it one bit. If it bothered me then I just wouldn't use it. As it is, I practiced sweeping it off with my thumb at the draw when I first got it and it feels normal and natural to me. I don't believe it adds any time to the draw for me. It's really no big deal.
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Old 12-31-2014, 11:29 PM
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Woman shot by toddler called responsible gun owner by friends, family | North Idaho - KXLY.com

This is terrible and was tough for me to read. I posted it because it is relevant to this thread. The handgun involved was a 9mm Shield. A handbag holster inside a zipped handbag was not sufficient to prevent an accidental discharge in this case. I suspect that the safety, if present, was not engaged.
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Old 12-31-2014, 11:36 PM
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I have one on mine and use it. I have one in the chamber and the safety on. If you shoot enough at the range and practice taking it off over and over then I will do it when needed. The rest of the time I will be one step safer. But that's me everyone makes their own choices.
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Old 01-03-2015, 01:58 PM
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I got my first gun operated by burning powder 58 years ago. It had a safety. Every gun since has had a safety. I always use the safety. I now have a 40 Shield and use the safety. This from a guy who never ever will wear a seat belt, disables every screaming so called safety device in a home, and replaces all GFCI circuits. However, I always wear a helmet on a motorcycle. Some things make sense, others are just foolish.
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Old 01-03-2015, 08:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by agksimon View Post
I've never even picked up a 1911, much less shot one. I'd have to look it over to answer your question.
Most of these comments on this subject are made by new gun owners that have never had anything but a glock or one of the plastic guns. If you dont know about a 1911, you are not very experienced in the gun world. Ever seen a model 19 or 66, what about them. I will take the safety every time, and I have owned firearms for over 60 years.
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Old 01-04-2015, 01:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emory View Post
Woman shot by toddler called responsible gun owner by friends, family | North Idaho - KXLY.com

This is terrible and was tough for me to read. I posted it because it is relevant to this thread. The handgun involved was a 9mm Shield. A handbag holster inside a zipped handbag was not sufficient to prevent an accidental discharge in this case. I suspect that the safety, if present, was not engaged.
I read the article too. There's the possibility the 2 year old watched the mother placing and removing that gun numerous times. Toddlers learn a lot by observing. She likely never gave it a thought when she was getting ready to leave home. "Mama unzips
the hand bag like this...........and takes it out like this.......?"

( my wife never leaves her purse in the cart while shopping)

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
-- George Orwell
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Old 01-04-2015, 09:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AR-Getsome View Post
Personal preference. I leave mine off. It's very simple to do. Some people think it might actually engage or disengage when unholstering. I haven't had it happen.
I do the same, those who believe it will engage are well....idiots. I believe S&W deleted the safety for one reason, to make the Shield more appealing to Law Enforcement Agency's who only authorize DAO firearms like the Glock, M&P FS and like guns.
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