I've seen other threads where people discussed the thumb safety on the Shield, and how small and hard to use that it is. I have solved that problem on mine. I put a piece of 3/16" diameter heat shrink tubing, with a built in adhesive, on the thumb safety lever. This make it a bit fatter and gives it a grippier texture. Attached are some pictures. The shrink tubing is cut so that it over hangs the front and rear edges of the lever a tiny bit, then while it is still warm, the edges are mashed down with a thumb nail or knife blade. This, along with the adhesive inside the shrink tubing makes it stay on very securely. I didn't disassemble the pistol to add this. It just slips onto the safety lever, and is then heated using a BIC lighter. It doesn't drag or otherwise interfere with the operation of the lever. It just makes it fatter and easier to grip with my thumb.

The pictures showing the green shrink tubing show better how the tubing was cut. But I re-did it using black tubing so it would look better.

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I've never had an issue with mine, but this seems like a really clever, affordable, and easy solution for those that want it a bit larger.

Looks like that mod works and is comfortable and cheap! I went with an aftermarket thumb safety, and it works great...although a little pricey.

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If it works for you! I like having the safety but I use it mostly for holstering when already wearing the holster. I then disengage the safety. I don't acrually carry it with safety on unless handling the grandbaby. So for my use I like the small safety.

Being an old 1911 guy the thumb safety is a must for me. But being able to easily flip it to "fire" (like with a 1911) is also a must. The original Shield thumb safety is so small, it's like S&W put it on only grudgingly, maybe to appease the CA market.

So far, after about 800 rounds, my Shield Plus, has proven to be ultra reliable, comfortable to shoot, accurate, and easily hidden for concealed carry. It seems pretty indestructible too, with the excellent finish.

While a 1911 shooter so used to a safety after so many years comes naturally. My M & P's have safeties, ride the safety on the standard M & P's like 1911's. As far as the Shield use my knuckle to push off the safety when drawing out of the holster, after several years becomes muscle memory.

Great idea. I may try that on my Ruger MK IV. It is thin and wears on my thumb if I put in a long session.