M&P compact 9mm- without thumb safety?

[KathyFG]

Hello everyone:

I am about to purchase an M&P compact 9mm. It has a version with, and one without, thumb safety. I would prefer without, I think. Can I assume that since it is DAO, I am still "safe" to carry it (if I decide to conceal carry)--meaning no accidental discharge--if I get the one without the thumb safety? (Please don't rage on me, I am new to concealed carry, though an experienced shooter (military). THANKS.

 

[chuck s]

When forced to carry the M9 I carried it with the chamber loaded and the safety off. NO difference here with the M&P9. The long trigger pull ensures you don't fire before you're ready.

-- Chuck

 

[dmar]

When forced to carry the M9 I carried it with the chamber loaded and the safety off. NO difference here with the M&P9. The long trigger pull ensures you don't fire before you're ready.

-- Chuck

I agree, while the M&P trigger is not nearly as 'long' as the M9, the concept is the same. To me, the slide safety on a DA (or, striker-fired like the M&P) pistol is not necessary, and can just confuse things in a stressful situation. Just use a good holster, and keep your finger away from the trigger guard until you need to shoot... Keep it simple.

 

[Jeff Lynch]

The M&P 9c is available with no internal lock, no thumb safety and no magazine safety which is (in my opinion) the best model for a concealed carry gun. All M&Ps come with a trigger safety built-in.

Per S&W: "After firing you must allow the trigger to move forward fully before you can fire another shot. Failure to do so will prevent the lockwork from fully cycling and will prevent your being able to fire the next shot."

I carry my M&P 9c with 11 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber, ready to fire, in a Desantis OWB holster which covers the trigger completely, preventing it from snagging on my shirt.

Here's the link to the exact model - Product: Smith & Wesson M&P9c - Compact Size

 

[mack63]

The M&P 9 and 40 are available with a thumb safety.
I bought my 40 with one because thats what they had in stock and I dont mind it. You dont have to use it if you dont like it. I use the safety when its out of its holster.

 

[OKFC05]

The only way to get the M&P to fire is to pull the trigger. You can throw it fully loaded and the internal safeties will prevent accidental discharge.

Using a holster that covers the trigger and keeping the finger out of the trigger guard until the target is acquired are vital to safety.
Also, avoid any holster with a retention strap, as the strap can get inside the trigger guard when reholstering. The kydex Comp Tac and Blade Tech holsters are optimum for the M&P, being adjustable for retention force and allowing quick draw.
Unlike some designs like the 1911 where the thumb safety is an integral part of the design, the thumb safety on the M&P is simply an add-on for those that require/want an exteral thumb safety.

 

[chuck s]

The safety in this pistol can be removed during detail cleaning and just not put back in. Pistol functions perfectly without it. There will be little holes in the frame where it was, but fillers are available.

If you have a firearm with a safety you must put it on FIRE every time, even if you never, ever safe it. Mister Murphy will ensure it's on SAFE during moments of crisis so don't ignore it. With the M&P the best way to avoid this is to just not have the unnecessary safety in the first place.

-- Chuck

 

[KathyFG]

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone- that's what I thought- I will get it without the thumb safety (unless they only have the one with the safety- they had both last weekend).

Q for Jeff: Do you have the DeSantis with or without the thumb strap?

PS- What ammo brand is recommended? (want "regular" ball/FMJ rounds, not hollow point or anything like that).

Thanks again for all the helpful advice.

 

[Jeff Lynch]

No thumb strap on any of my DeSantis IWB or OWB holsters. The M&P fits these holsters perfectly and there is a tension adjustment screw if you want a tighter or looser fit.

For practice I shoot Winchester 9mm luger "white box" FMJ 115 gr or Winchester 9mm luger "Nato" FMJ 124 gr rounds. When I carry I load the Winchester PDX1 bonded JHP 124 gr rounds.

 

[mgo]

Hello everyone:

I am about to purchase an M&P compact 9mm. It has a version with, and one without, thumb safety. I would prefer without, I think. Can I assume that since it is DAO, I am still "safe" to carry it (if I decide to conceal carry)--meaning no accidental discharge--if I get the one without the thumb safety? (Please don't rage on me, I am new to concealed carry, though an experienced shooter (military). THANKS.

A good decision. I too have the S&W M&P compact, and it is my choice for concealed carry. The pistol is small, light weight and easy to shoot competently.
My attached picture shows my preferred holster for this gun. With the differences in body shape between male and female, it is easy to conceal this pistol by carrying it at the "5 o'clock" position, at least that is what one experienced woman friend tells me.
The Kydex holster grabs the trigger guard when inserting it, making that "thwick" sound to tell us that the pistol has been properly seated in the holster. That's better that the frequent guesswork when using a leather or nylon holster.

 

[remat457]

+1 to what MGO above said. Just get a good holster that doesn't collapse and covers the trigger guard. Here is mine (no manual safety) in a Crossbreed holster.

 

[john bh]

I just picked up my M&P 9 w/out thumb safety. I have basically only shooting my 1911 w/ thumb safety. I was a little hesitant at first but adjusted to M&P just fine. Great gun I also got it to carry.

 

[spirit4earth]

A good decision. I too have the S&W M&P compact, and it is my choice for concealed carry. The pistol is small, light weight and easy to shoot competently.
My attached picture shows my preferred holster for this gun. With the differences in body shape between male and female, it is easy to conceal this pistol by carrying it at the "5 o'clock" position, at least that is what one experienced woman friend tells me.
The Kydex holster grabs the trigger guard when inserting it, making that "thwick" sound to tell us that the pistol has been properly seated in the holster. That's better that the frequent guesswork when using a leather or nylon holster.

Which Galco holster model is that?