My M&P Shield pics, internals, compare to Kahr CM9, M&P9c, Aprex sear, safety info

[Titan]

I doubt it, think I read someone's review saying it didn't look like it. The bottom line, if you don't want it, don't use it. It's not going to set itself, just ignore it. I like the option, I have it on my BG380 and on my *** LC9, sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't and neither one has ever set itself..

I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but if so many folks fear that the mechanical internal lock will malfunction at a critical moment (on most new S&W revolvers) , isn't it reasonable to assume that a mechanical safety on an M&P could also?

I would think there'd also be an even greater risk that the safety could be inadvertantly turned on (handling, holstering,etc.), because it's external.

My rule of thumb has been, if I don't need it, and can't remove it, it's a no go for a defensive handgun.

 

[Cervantes2010]

I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but if so many folks fear that the mechanical internal lock will malfunction at a critical moment (on most new S&W revolvers) , isn't it reasonable to assume that a mechanical safety on an M&P could also?

I would think there'd also be an even greater risk that the safety could be inadvertantly turned on (handling, holstering,etc.), because it's external.

My rule of thumb has been, if I don't need it, and can't remove it, it's a no go for a defensive handgun.

AMEN! One reason I've liked the M&P line is that you had a choice - external safety for those who want one, and NO external safety for those who feel the best safety is the one between your ears. Like I've said elsewhere, even if the odds are 1 in a million that it might go on 'safe', that one chance could get someone killed on the street. And, yes left-handed shooters can usually learn to disengage it, but it will be slower and more awkward. Slower is not better if it's not necessary.

 

[turbo38gn]

AMEN! One reason I've liked the M&P line is that you had a choice - external safety for those who want one, and NO external safety for those who feel the best safety is the one between your ears. Like I've said elsewhere, even if the odds are 1 in a million that it might go on 'safe', that one chance could get someone killed on the street. And, yes left-handed shooters can usually learn to disengage it, but it will be slower and more awkward. Slower is not better if it's not necessary.

there's at least a 1 in a million chance you'll pull the trigger on your carry gun and it won't go bang, guess you won't be carrying anymore...

 

[turbo38gn]

I'm not trying to be a wise guy, but if so many folks fear that the mechanical internal lock will malfunction at a critical moment (on most new S&W revolvers) , isn't it reasonable to assume that a mechanical safety on an M&P could also?

I would think there'd also be an even greater risk that the safety could be inadvertantly turned on (handling, holstering,etc.), because it's external.

My rule of thumb has been, if I don't need it, and can't remove it, it's a no go for a defensive handgun.

Ditto to this too.. there is always the chance of a misfire, guess you better not carry either..

 

[EvilBetty]

Wonder why Smith is discouraging using this with a pocket holster? Want to replace my LC9 with one.

Anyone? I can't find this addressed anywhere.

 

[tgmorris99]

Wonder why Smith is discouraging using this with a pocket holster? Want to replace my LC9 with one.

Anyone? I can't find this addressed anywhere.

Where did you actually see this? It seems to fit fine in #4 Blackhawk. Although I think it's a bit big for me to pocket carry the same as an LC9. At least it would really depend on the pants being worn at the time.

 

[EvilBetty]

I can't find the other SW Forum thread, but here as well.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm review | Gun Nuts Media

S&W recommends that the Shield be carried in a holster and not as a pocket gun, unless you have large pockets.

Ok that article must have been edited after I read it. The "unless you have large pockets" part was not on the article right after it was posted.

 

[tgmorris99]

I can't find the other SW Forum thread, but here as well.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm review | Gun Nuts Media



Ok that article must have been edited after I read it. The "unless you have large pockets" part was not on the article right after it was posted.

I can certainly agree with the "large pockets" part. Plus, I don't think S&W is marketing it as a pocket gun based on all the promo material. This way they can't take any heat over the sizing.

 

[EvilBetty]

I had my hands on one yesterday in my LGS. Went back to my truck and unloaded the LC9 and was able to compare them side by side. I was allowed to pocket the both and other than the poor fit in my Desantis pocket holster I couldn't tell the difference.

Now because of the poor holster fit I couldn't really test draw. That's the only area I might be able to see the M&P having a "from the pocket" disadvantage.

 

[tgmorris99]

Well, my LC9, which is a bit more svelte than the Shield, will fit in a #3 Uncle Mike's whereas the Shield will not without really jamming it in. But then it doesn't want to come out

As noted earlier, the Shield fits fine in a #4 Blackhawk, as does the LC9. However I much prefer the handling and the feel of the Shield to the LC9.

 

[EvilBetty]

How's the pocket draw with the shield w/ short mag in comparison to the LC9 w/ short mag?

Does the gun want to hang up from the tang area more?

 

[tgmorris99]

No idea about the draw as the only pants I've tried it with are jeans - which is a definite no-go for me unless I leave part of it sticking out. I'm pretty sure dress khaki's are out as well. Pleated dress pants may be OK and certainly cargo shorts would be no problem.

In any event, I've ordered an IWB holster for the Shield. BTW - the Shield fits snugly in my MTAC for my 9C but it's a bit bulky for the smaller gun.

 

[Titan]

Ditto to this too.. there is always the chance of a misfire, guess you better not carry either..

Leaping to a hysterical conclusion, may not be the answer.

As I indicated, my rule of thumb is if I don't need it (mechanical safety), I choose a different gun to buy.

It really has nothing to do with whether or not to carry.

 

[turbo38gn]

Leaping to a hysterical conclusion, may not be the answer.

As I indicated, my rule of thumb is if I don't need it (mechanical safety), I choose a different gun to buy.

It really has nothing to do with whether or not to carry.

not a wise guy... or hysterical here....

 

[HokiePS7]

Leaping to a hysterical conclusion, may not be the answer.

As I indicated, my rule of thumb is if I don't need it (mechanical safety), I choose a different gun to buy.

It really has nothing to do with whether or not to carry.

Picked up mine yesterday. Trust me when I say you won't accidentally engage it. It takes a very deliberate movement to engage/disengage the thumb safety with it being recessed. I've carried a variety of guns (1911s, Glocks, HKs) and have no problem whatsoever carrying this safety off. Obviously YMMV, but it's honestly a non-issue. If you haven't handled one, definitely do so. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Stay safe.

 

[Cervantes2010]

Even if the chance of the safety engaging by accident is small, it's still just something else that could malfunction. On a DAO, striker pistol, an external safety is unnecessary solution to a non-existent problem.

 

[turbo38gn]

Even if the chance of the safety engaging by accident is small, it's still just something else that could malfunction. On a DAO, striker pistol, an external safety is unnecessary solution to a non-existent problem.

Ok, Thanks for sharing that.

 

[107main]

Darn! And I was looking forward to picking one up. Looks like S&W is ignoring the 16% of the population that is left-handed. I'll wait a while and see if they do something about this. If not, for the first time I'll have to buy a pistol that's not a S&W.

Skip

Walther PPS has this little problem solved.

 

[Titan]

not a wise guy... or hysterical here....

If I misunderstood your suggestion that I give up concealed carry because I don't like mechanical thumb safeties, then I apologize.

 

[Titan]

Picked up mine yesterday. Trust me when I say you won't accidentally engage it. It takes a very deliberate movement to engage/disengage the thumb safety with it being recessed. I've carried a variety of guns (1911s, Glocks, HKs) and have no problem whatsoever carrying this safety off. Obviously YMMV, but it's honestly a non-issue. If you haven't handled one, definitely do so. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Stay safe.

Thanks. I absolutely will get hands on, before making a final decision. Other than the safety, I like it a lot.