Manual safety modification

[fullmetal1911]

I just picked up my new-to-me M&P40c last night after work, immediately went home and installed an APEX FSS kit in it, using the heavier trigger return spring in the kit. This gun is going to replace my G27 as my primary carry gun. It does have the manual safety, which was a must for me considering how short the trigger pull is with the FSS installed, plus it makes the gun feel like a plastic 1911.

What I ask wondering is if any companies market a single sided safety lever for the M&P. It's just a simple matter of not liking ambi-safeties. I don't want to be sliding out of my seat and accidentally have the safety disengage. Plus I'm concerned with the safety lever sticking out enough to print against my shirt.

If nothing is available I am comfortable with cutting the lever off of the right side myself. Does anyone have a source on frame plugs? Last I heard S&W doesn't sell them to individuals anymore.

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[PAFMAN3]

while I have not seen a single sided saftey, i would think cutting off the side you wish would be acceptable. check with Welcome to Speed Shooter Specialties
They should have all the parts you need.

 

[mkbruce]

You can cut the right-side lever off, but it is not possible to use the Smith & Wesson frame plug to cover the hole - it won't fit unless the entire safety lever is removed.

 

[fullmetal1911]

Thanks mkbruce. Saved me a lot of hassle, seems like they don't have the frame plugs in stock anywhere.

It's not like I don't clean my carry weapons regularly, so I'm not worried about anything getting in there, was more concerned about aesthetics, which aren't really important in a carry gun anyway.

Going to shoot the little bugger in about 30 minutes, then when I get home I'll strip it down and get the Dremel out.

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[SpringGunTunes]

I cut mine off both sides and cut off the blocker. I like it much better.

 

[mkbruce]

I cut mine off both sides and cut off the blocker. I like it much better.

Why not remove the lever altogether?

 

[PAFMAN3]

I would Guess that the sear housing may be a different size(width) with manual safety vs the std sear housing . So the side portions may be needed. to control side to side movement.

 

[mkbruce]

I would Guess that the sear housing may be a different size(width) with manual safety vs the std sear housing . So the side portions may be needed. to control side to side movement.

Sear block is the same and won't move side to side without the safety lever. You can cover the holes with frame plugs available from SW and online retailers.

Removing the lever is as easy as removing the slide, pushing out the rear roll pin and removing the lever, and lever detention and spring.

 

[PAFMAN3]

I just had mine apart to install a APEX trigger all in all it is a pretty cheap safety, Not sure how much I trust it.

 

[JM4151]

Manual Safety on M & P 9 C

Let me start by saying that I was a law enforcement officer for 35 plus years. I am retired now but I still qualify with my weapon once a year, to keep my permit up to date. I believe in safety's on handguns. They could save your life. I bought a M & P in the 9 MM C version, with a safety, and I started carrying it. I noticed that the safety is very easy to move on and off, too easy! Often during qualification, the safety would change positions during recoil. I send S & W a letter about the problem and they sent me a new spring, the small block and the safety lever itself. I immediately installed them but the safety was still too easy to move on and off.
I tried purchasing parts from Brownells to make the safety stiffer but they referred me back to Smith. I checked several other gun shops and the M&P's that they had in stock were the same way. I wrote Smith a letter on May 12 explained the problem and the fact that a potentially dangerous situation could occur if the lever ended up in the wrong position during an emergency situation. I suggested making the safety lever much smaller, like the safety on the shield. That is tight and doesn't change position from recoil or wearing it in a holster. I am still waiting to hear from them, in fact today June 13, I wrote them a follow up letter asking if they received my letter from May 12. I believe that this is a defect that should be addressed, and they could be loosing business with large PD's that want a safety on their service weapons, but one that doesn't cause problems. If I wanted a service gun without a safety I could have bought a Glock, but I have always been loyal to Smith & Wesson. I hope that they come up with a solution to this problem.

 

[Doug M.]

^ I am aware that there is a way to make the safety feel more positive, but I don't know the details. I believe you might find some info on that at Modern Service Weapons (dot) com.

 

[dullh]

I got in trouble with management for speaking my mind the last time someone inquired about mutilating a safety device, so I'll just say this...

If you don't like the safety, sell that gun and buy one that doesn't have one - as shipped from the factory.

 

[Rastoff]

I cut mine off both sides and cut off the blocker. I like it much better.

Why not remove the lever altogether?

I am wondering the same thing.

Here is a pic of how the safety works:

The red arrow is pointing to the "block" that stops the trigger bar from moving. The green arrow is point to the bend in the trigger bar that contacts the block.

If I were to cut off the right side safety, I would cut it flush with the top of the blocker. If I were to cut off the left side, I would go at least 1/16" in from the outside of the frame.

 

[fullmetal1911]

Let me start by saying that I was a law enforcement officer for 35 plus years. I am retired now but I still qualify with my weapon once a year, to keep my permit up to date. I believe in safety's on handguns. They could save your life. I bought a M & P in the 9 MM C version, with a safety, and I started carrying it. I noticed that the safety is very easy to move on and off, too easy! Often during qualification, the safety would change positions during recoil. I send S & W a letter about the problem and they sent me a new spring, the small block and the safety lever itself. I immediately installed them but the safety was still too easy to move on and off.
I tried purchasing parts from Brownells to make the safety stiffer but they referred me back to Smith. I checked several other gun shops and the M&P's that they had in stock were the same way. I wrote Smith a letter on May 12 explained the problem and the fact that a potentially dangerous situation could occur if the lever ended up in the wrong position during an emergency situation. I suggested making the safety lever much smaller, like the safety on the shield. That is tight and doesn't change position from recoil or wearing it in a holster. I am still waiting to hear from them, in fact today June 13, I wrote them a follow up letter asking if they received my letter from May 12. I believe that this is a defect that should be addressed, and they could be loosing business with large PD's that want a safety on their service weapons, but one that doesn't cause problems. If I wanted a service gun without a safety I could have bought a Glock, but I have always been loyal to Smith & Wesson. I hope that they come up with a solution to this problem.

I've personally had no issues with either of my manual safety m&p pistols. I have no worries about the safety coming on as I use the same hold I do with a 1911 on these guns, and ride the top of the safety with my right thumb. Highly unlikely the safety would engage while being actively held in the fire position. As far as being bumped off, with a crossbreed style holster that shouldn't be an issue, especially if the safety on the wrong-handed-person side of the gun is removed.

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[ginzo]

I bought my .40's both w/safety as I was a newb and wanted the piece of mind that it would take me one more step to make a mistake. I trained with them, no issues and got used to them.

I found that through normal everyday activities (at least for me) ie. enter/exit car, sitting in recliner etc. I spent more time checking the position of it, as it was 50/50 where it would be.

Removed them both and now it's 100% ready as am I with proper training.

 

[JM4151]

Smith & Wesson M & P Safety question

Thank you for all your suggestions. I am going to work on this problem a bit, before I sell the gun.

 

[PAFMAN3]

Please keep us informed as the situation progresses.

 

[CommonCents]

I like the prominent thumb safety that makes it very easy and reliable to sweep off w/ a draw etc... I did cut off the right side lever tho. It was very easy to do. Just cut it off flush w/ outside of frame and not too short. There are procedures on this forum, net, and youtube video if you search.

 

[rcp1936]

Well I have the Apex FSS and feel a thumb safety is needed as MY MP9C now is no different than my SR1911
In fact the break is lighter
I contacted a local S&W armorer who is ordering the parts

However my Crossbreed IWB came today and I am worried about the safety rubbing against the holster and coming off

I may cancel the safety and carry without a rd in the chamber and rack after drawing

 

[Rastoff]

rcp1936,
Have no worries about the safety being switched off by the holster; it won't.