My question was largely rhetorical. I do not, and never have, understood why anybody would refuse to purchase a gun because it has a feature which is not required for its use, and which will probably never interfere with the gun's use if it is not used.

My BG380 has a safety which I've not used even one time. I knew I wouldn't use it when I bought the gun. <Shrug> I don't get it.

Oh Chuck... You see the former Marine Force Recon operators and current mall security consultants over at mygunistacticool.duh have been studying the effects of gun features as they pertain to the art of ninjitsu. Based on their research and input from almost every forum commando and internet assassin they could find it was determined that safety levers get you killed. That is why we almost lost WWII and nearly every LEO from 1985-2000.

The info I received is that today's announcement was for the release of the Shield model for commercial & sporting goods dealers, not the LE version. The LE version won't be released for another 1-2 months. I didn't get any further details, but I'd suspect the LE model will probably have night sights (standard), a 3rd mag and naturally a LE price break.

I'll probably order one in 9mm as soon as the LE distributor can place an order for the LE version.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

After seeing the Bersa BP9CC I was expecting a similar version with the Shield even before the unveiling today.

BP Concealed Carry

What I didn't expect was it to have a safety. Bersa's from what I've seen are the ones with safeties, but this time around they switched it up to confuse us.

The one review I read did positively state that there was no realistic way of activating the safety accidentally so I agree that it's a totally preferential thing if you want it or not.

The other thing I noticed was no equipment rail for the Shield vs. the Bersa, which for its intended use is again, a preferential thing. I think most would say that it's something else for your clothes to catch on.

Interestingly I went to the Accessories Page for the Shield and OH MY MY, the folks at S&W sure have been busy to make sure there are plenty of them for this puppy even at the day of launch!!

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore...ccessories.pdf

I especially like that Crimson Trace is coming out with one for it and Laserlyte already has one for it.

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Live For Today Not Tomorrow

Personally, I don't want to rely on "probably". Thumb safety = deal-breaker, for me.

The safety does NOT interfere with the gun in any way. It recessed enough that you won't even notice that it is even there. But, it was designed to be there because of some fool who will shove it into a pocket with lack of due regard. IMO it should not be a deal breaker. I suspect some are using that as an excuse why to not buy. A low priority when you look at the positives of the Shield .. it's *functionality* and quality.

I saw one this afternoon. MY LGS got eight of them in today they said. They had five left. I put one of those on layaway.

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John 3:16 .

You guys are killin' me, I may have to take a look at one.

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Sure you did