M&P 40 Thumb Safety VS No Safety

[nmisteve]

Hello All, I'm planing to buy a M&P 40 but still not sure which model. Is the thumb safety the only difference between the one without the safety or are there other differences? Also some are listed with magazines of 15 or 15+1. I would they would all be able to be +1.
Steve

 

[AGoyette]

They should all be +1. Meaning 15 in the mag and one in the chamber. I bought a 9c and I specifically got one with a thumb safety. I am used to 1911's and while I do have polymer guns w/o a thumb safety, I feel better carrying a gun with a thumb safety. That is just my 2 cents worth. Others will tell you no thumb safety because it is just one more thing you have to remember to take care of before you shoot. I am so used to thumb safeties that I automatically push it down as I am bringing the gun up. I don't even think about it. So, get what is comfortable for you. If you decide to get the 40 with a thumb safety and you are not used to one, practice, practice, practice. In no time it will be second nature for you to.

 

[shawn mccarver]

There are 3 features available or not in combination on an M&P. They are (1) magazine safety; (2) thumb safety; and, (3) internal lock.

The most popular version of these pistols, regardless of model or caliber, is the one with NONE of these features.

The S&W catalog available in the download section (not the M&P pistols section on the web site) has a big chart with SKU numbers so you know which SKU to order.

Plus 1 means full magazine plus one round in the chamber. So, 15+1 means a 15 round magazine plus one in the chamber. It does not mean you can force an extra round in the magazine. Doing so will damage the magazine.

 

[zacschmuk]

I put an order in at my LGS for one this morning. I chose with thumb safety, no magazine safety or internal lock. It's the only one that seemed beneficial for me.

Sent from my SPH-M820-BST using Tapatalk 2

 

[carpriver]

I just got a M&P 40 in compact, with the thumb safety it came with two 10 round mags. I took it for is' first outing yesterday. fine pistol. I like the safety, as I also have carried a 1911 and am use to disengaging the safety when drawing the firearm.

 

[timn8er]

When I bought my 40c, I didn't even know a thumb safety was available, or I would have opted for that. I too prefer a thumb safety. I don't carry the 40c so much any more since I have a .40 Shield, but I still wish I had bought one with a thumb safety. I was looking at a very reasonably priced 40c with safety on one of the auction sites, but a 3rd Gen came a long that demanded my attention. One of these days...

 

[MSG Glenn]

I wouldn't have a striker fired pistol manufactured by a reputable gun company with a safety installed. If I got a good deal on a gun with a safety or bought a gun that only came with one I wouldn't use it. In my opinion that's one more moving part that can go bad & besides, it's a split second added to my draw & fire time.

 

[nmisteve]

There are 3 features available or not in combination on an M&P. They are (1) magazine safety; (2) thumb safety; and, (3) internal lock.

The most popular version of these pistols, regardless of model or caliber, is the one with NONE of these features.

The S&W catalog available in the download section (not the M&P pistols section on the web site) has a big chart with SKU numbers so you know which SKU to order.

Plus 1 means full magazine plus one round in the chamber. So, 15+1 means a 15 round magazine plus one in the chamber. It does not mean you can force an extra round in the magazine. Doing so will damage the magazine.

Thanks, I downloaded the catalog and it is much more clear on what is what. I understood what 15+1 means it's just the the web site has one with 15 and another with 15+1. Had me wondering if maybe one model wouldn't let you leave one in the chamber.

 

[Rastoff]

The thumb safety is relatively superfluous on M&P guns. All it does is block the trigger from moving. It doesn't block the sear or disconnect the trigger like some do.

It has some value by blocking the trigger. If an article of clothing, or something else, gets inside the trigger guard while re-holstering it will prevent a negligent discharge. Other than that, I see little value to it.

 

[nmisteve]

The thumb safety is relatively superfluous on M&P guns. All it does is block the trigger from moving. It doesn't block the sear or disconnect the trigger like some do.

It has some value by blocking the trigger. If an article of clothing, or something else, gets inside the trigger guard while re-holstering it will prevent a negligent discharge. Other than that, I see little value to it.

I guess I don't see any reason not to have the safety and at least one to have it. I'll have to handle one closely to be sure it's comfortable and user friendly. I've had 1911 style guns before so the safety isn't a problem for me. So it seams; "to have or not to have that is the question".

 

[The Viking]

I don't like the thumb safeties. I find my thumb is not comfortable either on top of them ( which is the way you should shoot if you have one), below them, or on them. If my thumb is below the safety, all the recoil is on my wrist. They also eat into my hand when I shoot a lot. None of the polymers ( S&W, FNS, FNX, HK ) have them very well located. I vote for ditching them.

 

[Rastoff]

I guess I don't see any reason not to have the safety and at least one to have it.

This is a good summation.

While the thumb safety on an M&P is marginal, it does serve a function. With proper practice, it is not a detriment to using the gun for self defense.

On that same note, the M&P is a very safe gun. Not having the thumb safety doesn't really make the gun less safe, it just requires a tiny bit more attention which is something everyone should do anyway.

 

[Matthew7654]

The thumb safety is relatively superfluous on M&P guns. All it does is block the trigger from moving. It doesn't block the sear or disconnect the trigger like some do.

It has some value by blocking the trigger. If an article of clothing, or something else, gets inside the trigger guard while re-holstering it will prevent a negligent discharge. Other than that, I see little value to it.

I think that preventing an accidental discharge is a fine reason to have a thumb safety...especially if the gun is carried AIWB.