I have been involved in the shooting sports for the past 55 years, experience includes semi auto pistols with and without a manual safety as well as revolvers. Before retiring from law enforcement I was the department firearms instructor and armorer, and no one I had trained ever had an accidental discharge or negative incident involving a firearm. I well understand the pros and cons, if there are any, of a manual safety. I am now contemplating a purchase of another compact 9mm to give my CS9 a break and seriously considering the Shield, one of the reasons being the availability of a manual safety, I prefer it. As others have stated in this thread, it is my life, my money buying the firearm, and my preference, no other explanation is necessary.