I just purchased a FDE 5 inch M&P 2.0 with the manual thumb safety. I love the pistol. Here is my issue. As a long time 1911 shooter, I like to use the high hold thumb over the safety grip. On standard M&P's without the grip safety I just can not get a comfortable grip. After handling the 2.0 with the thumb safety in the store, it felt perfect, so I bought it.

Here is the issue I am having. When shooting, my thumb is making contact with the slide. During recoil, as the slide retracts, it is sliding right across the side of my thumb. This could be problematic. It could cause malfunctions as well as being uncomfortable.

Why S&W did not put a lip on the safety is beyond me. A small shoulder would ensure there is no slide contact. If I grip under the safety, during rapid fire my thumb makes contact under the safety and inevitably engages the safety during the firing string, which is no good.

Does anyone make an aftermarket thumb safety for the M&P that is more user friendly? If I conscientiously move my thumb over during shooting there is no problem but in a crisis situation I am sure I would revert back to my typical grip that I have used on my 1911's for years.

"Does anyone make an aftermarket thumb safety for the M&P that is more user friendly?"

No, but we are hoping that Apex or someone else will make a lower lever. I cut the right side lever off with a cutting wheel because I'd bump it with my strong hand when going for a super high grip. I can ride the left side but it's not as comfortable as I'd like.

I’ve been waiting, too. Seems like a logical place for an aftermarket safety lever, to get rid of the canoe paddles. I cut my roght hand lever off, too, amd it helps a lot. No suggestions for the left side, though, sorry.

Back in the day, before extended thumb safeties were readily available, 1911 factory thumb safeties were routinely modified by gunsmiths to enlarge and extend them.

Check with your gunsmith to see if you can get a little work done on the Smith thumb safety.

It works great for me, I ride the safety with my thumb and it is very comfortable. I have small hands though. Maybe a different grip size would help?

I don't use this grip style with either my 1911 or the Shield 45 (mine has the thumb safety.) Once I've taken the safety off, I find it more comfortable to lower my thumbs (strong and support hand) to the level of my other fingers. That's just me, of course, but have you tried adjusting your grip?

After years of using the same grip, I can adjust it, but I am sure that in a critical defense situation I would resort back to what is natural for me.

You are right, your muscle memory would probably take over, unless and until you trained extensively to "re-educate" your memory. I don't have any suggestions for you, but I do hope you find a solution to be able to enjoy your new gun.

Could be problematic, could cause malfunctions, but have you had any problems or malfunctions?

I use the same grip. It's just natural to me because, like you, I'm a 1911 shooter. I'm sure my thumb touches the slide a little, but I don't notice it, never had a malfunction and never had any injury to my thumb.

I say just shoot it. Report back when you actually have a problem.

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Just practice more, you will adapt. Also you might experiment with different size back straps, my M&P came with several options and they swap out easily.