Shield: Thumb Safety Or No Thumb Safety?

[Smoke]

When I was researching the Shield I watched a video on YouTube in which the videographer inadvertently engaged the safety on his Shield while he was showing it at different angles and didn't realize it.
I don't think that only happens in YouTube videos. A safety is a mechanical device and mechanical devices malfunction .
I've had to draw a gun exactly one time in self defense in my life and that one time was enough to convince me that I don't want to have to add any unnecessary steps (AKA opportunities to screw up) to the process.

It's your life and your choice. You make the decision and you live with the consequences

 

[ultratec00]

For continuity, all my M&Ps have the thumb safety, to include my recently acquired Shield 9mm. It's second nature to automatically disengage the safety before firing. I'm a little surprised there are no aftermarket safeties out there. The design is pretty straight forward. I tweaked all my safeties to be more positive. Works good, lasts long time.

 

[Justin69]

The shields ts always looks like it would dig into my side when cc. Is this a problem for anyone or am I over thinking??

 

[delphidoc]

Mine has a safety. I carry appendix in a holster. You can easily find more than a dozen reports of people accidentally shooting *themselves* with guns that don't have safeties- DEA agents and cops included. I have never seen a report of somebody getting injured or killed by *another person* because they used their own gun's safety.

 

[RubenZ]

I prefer the safety because i have kids and spend a lot of time putting them in car seats etc, there is a chance someone could get drop on me and pull my gun out. Instict will be to yank my gun and pull trigger. If they dont know to use thumb safety i have a fighting chance.

 

[RussC]

I've been seriously contemplating getting a Shield in 9mm. The biggest question I have is whether to get it with the thumb safety.

Currently, my primary purpose for the Shield would be to have gun that's enjoyable to shoot. I find the Shield fits me really well, and I like trigger.

It's possible that a Shield could end up being a concealed carry gun for me in the near future. If that happens, I'm unsure about the question of a manual safety. I have read/heard a lot of debate on both sides of the issue. I'm wondering what folks here think about that?

Ditto

I did not have a choice when I purchased my Shield 9mm in 2012.

The safety may prevent a young child from accidently discharging the weapon if it is carelessly left accessible to the toddler.

I would not be too concerned with the safety. You can glue the safety in the firing position if you are concerned.

Russ

 

[only2hands]

The shields ts always looks like it would dig into my side when cc. Is this a problem for anyone or am I over thinking??

The slide release and take-down lever actually stick out farther than the safety switch. No issues with mine.

 

[gunfighter48]

For the last 20 years or so my carry guns have all been 1911 45ACPs with safeties. So when I bought my Shield 9mm, I got it with the thumb safety. When I draw the gun my thumb swipes the safety off. It's no problem and it's an automatic reaction. You won't be reading about me shooting myself in the leg or other parts of my body!!! And yes you shouldn't put your finger on the trigger until your ready to shoot but accidents do happen to the best of shooters!!!!

 

[bigsteve113]

One of the big selling points for me getting my Shield 9mm was the fact that it had a safety. I like the safety on some of my guns, particularly, a small gun with a light trigger, such as the Shield, that may be carried in a pocket (in a pocket holster), or in some other hidden spot.

I carry Glocks 23/27 daily at work. My main off-duty/CCW carry is my LCR .357, none of which have safeties. It is no problem at all for me to transition to a gun with a safety on it. Of course my prior training with the 1911 may have helped me with that. But my point is, during stress training, I never forget the safety if a gun has one on it, never have to give it a conscience effort to remember it.

So for me, give me the safety. And if I ever decide I didn't want it.....I'd just switch it off!!!!

 

[Muss Muggins]

I've been seriously contemplating getting a Shield in 9mm. The biggest question I have is whether to get it with the thumb safety.

Currently, my primary purpose for the Shield would be to have gun that's enjoyable to shoot. I find the Shield fits me really well, and I like trigger.

It's possible that a Shield could end up being a concealed carry gun for me in the near future. If that happens, I'm unsure about the question of a manual safety. I have read/heard a lot of debate on both sides of the issue. I'm wondering what folks here think about that?

A completely individual choice. Whatever makes you feel comfortable with the pistol is the right choice for you . . .

 

[alleycat7002]

Love the safety..

 

[Silverlobo]

I traded my NTS in for a TS. My other main is a Browning Hi Power with that big ambidextrous safety and I'm used to it. I'm more comfortable with the TS. The only issue will be when I'm shooting off-hand and learning to release it, but, since the slide release is on the same side, it shouldn't be much of a problem.