Questions Re. Thumb Safety M&P's

[BillLester]

I'm considering the thumb safety variant of the M&P, mainly because I like having the device and am so darned used to 1911's that my thumb ends up hunting for that ledge no matter what autoloader I fire. But I do have a few questions that hopefully aficionados of the design can answer.

• Does the thumb safety adversely affect trigger pull weight or smoothness?
• Any reliability issues vs. the standard variant?
• Are there any compatibility issues with Crimson Trace LaserGrips?
• Any holster compatibility problems?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[FilmMkr]

1. No
2. No
3. I don't know, I don't use lasers.
4. No more than a 1911.

 

[mcracco]

Any reliability issues vs. the standard variant?

Could be, the TS is so easy to toggle it could easily be off when you think it is on and vice versa...esp. if you carry. That would be my concern.

 

[10mm Sonny]

^^^ I agree. A flea fart can knock the M&P's safety on or off compared to the 1911.

 

[BillLester]

...the TS is so easy to toggle it could easily be off when you think it is on and vice versa...esp. if you carry. That would be my concern.

Could you elaborate? Easier than the typical factory 1911? Is it still drop proof in the event that the TS disengages?

The pistol will definitely be carried IWB, OWB and shoulder holster as dress/weather dictates.

 

[BillLester]

^^^ I agree. A flea fart can knock the M&P's safety on or off compared to the 1911.

Oh that doesn't sound good at all.

 

[Dick Craig]

I agree that the thumb safety is easily knocked off but that should not be an issue with proper gun handling and having the finger off the trigger until ready to fire. The other factor that induced me to the TS was that the gun will fire with the magazine removed. A feature I like.

 

[BillLester]

I agree that the thumb safety is easily knocked off but that should not be an issue with proper gun handling and having the finger off the trigger until ready to fire. The other factor that induced me to the TS was that the gun will fire with the magazine removed. A feature I like.

Indeed, proper gun handling prevents a heckuva lot of problems. As for the mag safety, I'm the exact opposite. I like it as a kill switch and was the one reason why I was still thinking about a standard M&P. Now with everyone's comments on the TS, the original variant is looking better and better.

 

[T-BoneFL]

I'm considering the thumb safety variant of the M&P, mainly because I like having the device and am so darned used to 1911's that my thumb ends up hunting for that ledge no matter what autoloader I fire. But I do have a few questions that hopefully aficionados of the design can answer.

• Does the thumb safety adversely affect trigger pull weight or smoothness?
• Any reliability issues vs. the standard variant?
• Are there any compatibility issues with Crimson Trace LaserGrips?
• Any holster compatibility problems?

Thanks in advance for your help.

2. I would say Yes only because it it a small flimsy version, and nothing like the TS on a 1911.
3. Yes. CT Grip will not work with the thumb safety. You can keep the thumb safety on, but you'll have to file off the one on the right side

 

[FDE]

I think 10mm sonny is grossly over exaggerating the feel of the m&p thumb safety. I agree it is easier than a standard 1911 thumb safety to engage/disengage but not to the point it is easily bumped while in a holster. As far as the crimson trace you will have to remove the right side safety lever (easily done) so hopefully your not left handed. I personally like the thumb safety m&p's and if you decide you don't like it, it is easily removed.

 

[FilmMkr]

^^^ I agree. A flea fart can knock the M&P's safety on or off compared to the 1911.

Maybe on some older models, but not on my new 9mm full size.

I own and shoot a bunch of 1911s - a single-sided Ed Brown Kobra, a Wilson CQB, a Springer Loaded with ambi, and my carry pistol is a Volkmann Combatant Carry - so I know how a high end safety feels. While shopping for an M+P (my first poly gun) and reading all the comments here on this board I expected the M+P safety to flop around all loosey-goosey like, but some folks here tend to exaggerate.

The safety on my M+P 9 is firm and secure, and locks and unlocks with a positive feel. No, it's not a steel 1911 safety, but it's plenty secure. I've taken the sear block completely out of the pistol, including the safety. It is well-made and I have no problem carrying it.

Most 1911 shooters that I know naturally click the safety off after the draw, and rest their thumbs on the safety upon presentation. If you're used to a 1911, you will have no problem. If you grew up with plastic guns and are not used to running a safety, I can see where you might have problems.

This nonsense about flea farts is just not accurate on the newer M+Ps. Go to a gun show and try it, then decide for yourself.

 

[dannybot]

I'm considering the thumb safety variant of the M&P, mainly because I like having the device and am so darned used to 1911's that my thumb ends up hunting for that ledge no matter what autoloader I fire. But I do have a few questions that hopefully aficionados of the design can answer.

• Are there any compatibility issues with Crimson Trace LaserGrips?
  

Thanks in advance for your help.

If I got the quote right....

Yes there is a problem with the Crimson Trace laser grip and thumb safety. The right side of the safety lever is where the laser emitter would be, so they are mutually exclusive. It is too bad, my wife was going to get one, but alas, they don't make it, because they CAN'T make it.

 

[vista461]

The thumb safety 9c I tried out at Cabela's ( which the guy behind the counter tried to tell me was the only way they come, yeah right) was very positive, this was back around November.

 

[Atulip]

I bought my 9c with the safety. Didn't like it, luckily it takes 10mins to remove it. Racking the slide knocked the safety off, it also felt awkward for me to engage/disengage, my holster would knock the safety off too. But I'd say go with the safety since it's simple to remove if you decide you don't like it.

 

[VMaxSplat]

Any reliability issues vs. the standard variant?

Could be, the TS is so easy to toggle it could easily be off when you think it is on and vice versa...esp. if you carry. That would be my concern.

Most 1911 shooters trained to use the high thumb hold almost can't draw a gun without disengaging the safety and once it is disengaged, the thumb is on top of the lever at all times. This prevents the safety from being inadvertently engaged during fire.

As a long time 1911 shooter (lover), the M&P manual safety feels just fine to me.

To the OP, of the 45 versions with a thumb safety that I have handled, all have horrible (heavy) triggers. That isn't the case with the 9/40 format guns. Maybe the heavy 45 trigger is a military contract spec requirement...not sure.

 

[Jeb21]

I have a thumb safety on both my M&P 9 and my M&P 45. I really like the feature.

 

[ejeli]

Are there any compatibility issues with Crimson Trace LaserGrips?


I thought I read that people were removing the right side safety lever to allow use of the CT LaserGrip

 

[ThePhotog]

My opinion is let Crimson Trace address the problem.

 

[Atulip]

Are there any compatibility issues with Crimson Trace LaserGrips?


I thought I read that people were removing the right side safety lever to allow use of the CT LaserGrip

If you want the CT and thumb safety, you'll need to chop off the safety lever on one side. The safety will work fine still. Unless you order a CT model from S&W, with the thumb safety option. That should already be chopped.

 

[vstromrider]

I have 6 M&ps 4 with and 2 without the Thumb safety. I prefer the thumb safety. I am much more secure in the knowledge when I holster my weapon and the safety is on i will not get shot in the leg. folks that insist just keep you finger/ shirt tail/ insert here, out of the trigger guard thats fine but clik on safety and keep your finger out out the triggerguard is a much better idea. reminds me of folks who ride motorcycles with me and tell me they dont need gear " just dont fall off " they say.
I wish my 357 had safeties could not find one with a thumb safety.