Thumb safety or NO thumb safety ??
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Hunter8282
US Veteran
My first one had a thumb safety as that was the only option at the time. When they came out with the 10086 version (no thumb safety and night sights) I bought one and am in the processing of selling my original Shield.
For me, if that gun comes out of the holster, I have every intent to use it, and I want nothing between me and trigger. Others have different opinions which I respect and understand.
My procedures allow me to holster the gun and then insert holstered gun into my waistband. The entire time the trigger is covered. If I have to draw, I only have to attain the sight picture and squeeze the trigger.
This is just my opinion and you have to decide for yourself want you are comfortable with.
For me, if that gun comes out of the holster, I have every intent to use it, and I want nothing between me and trigger. Others have different opinions which I respect and understand.
My procedures allow me to holster the gun and then insert holstered gun into my waistband. The entire time the trigger is covered. If I have to draw, I only have to attain the sight picture and squeeze the trigger.
This is just my opinion and you have to decide for yourself want you are comfortable with.
True!! Some folks say a thumb safety only gets in the way but when your new at constantly carrying a gun daily it can be different than just having one at home for self defense. After our daughter was robbed and beaten in broad daylight we all will be carrying a gun. So in this case I wouldn't have wanted her to have a safety. But for now she's almost 21 and I was with her but didn't have my gun with me at the time. I had got out of the car to go in the store and a guy jumped in her car. Thank god she is alive!!!
Arik
Member
You must be new to guns!
I prefer without unless it's absolutely necessary for function.
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Thank God indeed!
The thumb safety on the Shield is very low profile. It won't get in the way if you choose not to use it but if you do, it is easy to engage/disengage with a swipe of your thumb. You just need to train for it. Since I am still a newbie with guns I want thumb safeties on my guns.
Old and Grumpy
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You can always flip it off , nice to have the option
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I really don't like it, don't' need it, and don't use it, so I prefer not to have it. when I got my shield that it was the only option but when the no thumb safety came out I sold it and got me one without. I plan to do the same for my next purchase the shield 45.
Arik
Member
Ah... gotcha! I have a 1911 which obviously requires a safety. I also have guns with safeties but they are optional. I like the gun so I just don't bother with the safety. The gun I carry has no safety
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CBStuard
Member
I don't like safeties for the same reason as hunter8282. However, while I have been shooting for about 17 yrs, I just started carrying about 2 yrs ago. So my answer has been to install an Apex duty/carry trigger spring in my M&P9 compact. This makes the initial trigger pull heavier so I have that relatively long, and now more noticeable, pull to help make sure I don't screw up.
I agree and I'm not new to guns as someone suggested above, that because someone is considering one with a safety, they must be a rookie.
I chose the safety model because all my CZ's and Beretta's have thumb safeties so no big deal to me as I have used them for years.
I have no intentions to use it when holstered up as a CCW but like you said it's nice to have at times, say like when/if a new to handguns person wants to try your Shield and you can flip it on while in the process of handing over to them and setting them up to fire.
I have absolutely zero concern of it "accidentally" flipping on, at the worst possible time, scenario....
Bonephish
Member
I don't subscribe to the cult of "Experienced shooters don't need no stinkin safety."
Being used to the 1911 SAO platforms, I want a thumb safety unless the pistol is DAO with a fairly long trigger pull, as LCP's or Kahr's... M&P's and Glocks have short, crisp triggers and really should have external safeties (especially with aftermarket Apex or Ghost triggers.
I installed the thumb safety in my M&P 9C after installing a Apex FSS trigger kit and bought my .45 Shield with safety.
Being used to the 1911 SAO platforms, I want a thumb safety unless the pistol is DAO with a fairly long trigger pull, as LCP's or Kahr's... M&P's and Glocks have short, crisp triggers and really should have external safeties (especially with aftermarket Apex or Ghost triggers.
I installed the thumb safety in my M&P 9C after installing a Apex FSS trigger kit and bought my .45 Shield with safety.
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Arik
Member
I agree and I'm not new to guns as someone suggested above, that because someone is considering one with a safety, they must be a rookie.
I only suggested it because 99% of new gun owners are the ones who ask about safeties. Typically gun owners have a good understanding of which do what and what they like. New gun owners don't have experience to realize that some safeties are essential while others are just added insurance. For instance, you need to use the thumb safety on a 1911 or a hipower but you don't need to use it on a Beretta 92 or a S&W 5906 or the M&P. Some safeties are optional, some are not.
Get it now?
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quicksilver
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I personally see NO reason NOT to have a safety on a shield. I load, un-load, chamber and holster with the safety on. Once securely seated in my holster I switch the safety off.
If you have an external manual safety on a pistol and don't routinely train with it, one day Murphy will raise his ugly head, and you will be standing there with a safety that somehow got pushed ON, wondering why your gun won't shoot.
When it all goes south, we do not rise to the level of our expectations, but fall to the level of our training....at best.
Because they know the above is true, no serious competitor would have a gratuitous safety that they sometimes use or not on a handgun they use for any serious purpose.
When it all goes south, we do not rise to the level of our expectations, but fall to the level of our training....at best.
Because they know the above is true, no serious competitor would have a gratuitous safety that they sometimes use or not on a handgun they use for any serious purpose.
Ballistic147
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This topic has been discussed at least weekly here if not more often and it always comes down to personal preference.
My opinion and preference is without the safety. Here's the deal, the M&P line is completely safe without a safety providing you always follow the 4 gun safety rules and carry in a quality holster that was specifically designed for the gun. Again, this gun simply will not "go off" unless you start messing with the trigger at which point all bets are off.
If you feel more comfortable with the safety then by all means get one with the safety. Otherwise just pick up the no safety model and go shoot. It's all up to you.
My opinion and preference is without the safety. Here's the deal, the M&P line is completely safe without a safety providing you always follow the 4 gun safety rules and carry in a quality holster that was specifically designed for the gun. Again, this gun simply will not "go off" unless you start messing with the trigger at which point all bets are off.
If you feel more comfortable with the safety then by all means get one with the safety. Otherwise just pick up the no safety model and go shoot. It's all up to you.
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Bill Bates
Member
I'm in the no safety camp...can you feel the but coming...but with the Shield I just don't think I care either way. Both my Shields 9mm & .45acp have safeties. The safeties are small and very positive in switching on and off. I leave the safeties off and just ignore them.
In hundreds of rounds down range never once have I inadvertently pushed the safety. Really with the Shield I would buy which ever I could find at the right price and not worry about it unless you're a "I want a safety" person.
In hundreds of rounds down range never once have I inadvertently pushed the safety. Really with the Shield I would buy which ever I could find at the right price and not worry about it unless you're a "I want a safety" person.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
And there lies the dilemma that caused me to buy several types of guns (including the Shield w/safety) before I determined that for me, a DA/SA, w/decocker, wo/safety, ticks all the boxes.
I determined I did not want a safety on my carry, since I was not going to train with enough reality to know for sure what I'd do with it when the adrenaline flows.
Even though you could flip the safety off, the slight possibility exists for it to become engaged.
Without a safety, I wanted a safer and heavier first trigger pull than most striker guns offered.
With double action guns, I had a tendency of short-stroking the trigger on rapid follow-up shots.
Finally discovered an action type that provided what I sought. A small subset of pistols, DA/SA, w/decocker, wo/safety.
A safe, long and heavy first pull, with a short reset and light pull for followup shots. No safety to ever get in the way.
Back to the Shield. With a safety, it adds an action you must complete before you can use it. Without a safety, the relatively lite trigger demands more discipline to avoid an accidental discharge (Google Glock Leg).
There's nothing "wrong" with whatever you choose, it's just a matter of what you prefer. In my case, it took a couple of years and several guns before I determined my preference. On the bright side, I now own several alternate carry choices.
I determined I did not want a safety on my carry, since I was not going to train with enough reality to know for sure what I'd do with it when the adrenaline flows.
Even though you could flip the safety off, the slight possibility exists for it to become engaged.
Without a safety, I wanted a safer and heavier first trigger pull than most striker guns offered.
With double action guns, I had a tendency of short-stroking the trigger on rapid follow-up shots.
Finally discovered an action type that provided what I sought. A small subset of pistols, DA/SA, w/decocker, wo/safety.
A safe, long and heavy first pull, with a short reset and light pull for followup shots. No safety to ever get in the way.
Back to the Shield. With a safety, it adds an action you must complete before you can use it. Without a safety, the relatively lite trigger demands more discipline to avoid an accidental discharge (Google Glock Leg).
There's nothing "wrong" with whatever you choose, it's just a matter of what you prefer. In my case, it took a couple of years and several guns before I determined my preference. On the bright side, I now own several alternate carry choices.
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edubbie
Member
Does your revolver have a safety? That was the 1st question the LGS asked me when I bought my Kahr several years back and was concerned about a safety or rather the lack there of. Before that, I was only familiar with 1911 and Colt Mustang .380s. Never thought about it that way but do now.
Personally I agree with quicksilver. My Shield 45 has a safety but once holstered, the safety comes off.
gwpercle
Member
No one is going to force you to put the safety on if you don't want too ! If the gun has a safety , it's use is optional !
I typically pin the grip safety down on my 1911 Colt 45 acp's. My first 45 , a Star model PS had no grip safety at all and I came to like that arrangement .
You don't like the safety....don't engage it.
I typically pin the grip safety down on my 1911 Colt 45 acp's. My first 45 , a Star model PS had no grip safety at all and I came to like that arrangement .
You don't like the safety....don't engage it.
jstanfield103
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I prefer the safety. I like to throw mine in my pocket sometimes without a holster. If I IWB carry I just leave the safety off.
Some people like safeties, some don't. The revolver safety question isn't exactly fair, because revolvers generally have 10-12 pound DA trigger pulls, while striker fired pistols with or without safeties are in the 5 to 7 pound range.
I've got pistols with and without safeties. There's no big elephant in the corner reason for or against a manual safety. It's all in what you are comfortable with regarding that particular pistol. Make a choice and run with it. Your mind may change over the years . . .
I've got pistols with and without safeties. There's no big elephant in the corner reason for or against a manual safety. It's all in what you are comfortable with regarding that particular pistol. Make a choice and run with it. Your mind may change over the years . . .
Ranger17
Member
My Shield PC has a safety, my other MP 9's do not. While only used at the range, the safety isn't a concern. But when i'm at the point of buying a holster and actually training to carry the Shield, then I will have that as part of the training and practice.
Only been a gun owner for 4 yrs so while i've shot thousands of rounds at the range I dont have all the experience many others here do for carrying, safety use, etc. But i can understand how being newer to this that a safety could give me some piece of mind in certain circumstances.... knowing that it has to become an integral part of any training i am to do
Only been a gun owner for 4 yrs so while i've shot thousands of rounds at the range I dont have all the experience many others here do for carrying, safety use, etc. But i can understand how being newer to this that a safety could give me some piece of mind in certain circumstances.... knowing that it has to become an integral part of any training i am to do
ChiefStealth
US Veteran
My Shield has the safety. I like it. I want it. I use it. All my guns have thumb safeties. YMMV.
My Shield 9mm did have the safety.
My Shield 45 has the safety.
I don't use them (one exception) and the Shield 45 safety lever is stiff enough that it is not going to be engaged accidently.
The one exception is after cleaning the weapon I will engage the safety to insert the mag and rack one in the chamber then the safety is released, the gun is holstered and remains holstered until it needs to be fired. (that includes the range).
Some however, feel more secure with the safety engaged and as long as they train in that mode that's fine and not a problem.
To each his own...but for me no big deal either way
My Shield 45 has the safety.
I don't use them (one exception) and the Shield 45 safety lever is stiff enough that it is not going to be engaged accidently.
The one exception is after cleaning the weapon I will engage the safety to insert the mag and rack one in the chamber then the safety is released, the gun is holstered and remains holstered until it needs to be fired. (that includes the range).
Some however, feel more secure with the safety engaged and as long as they train in that mode that's fine and not a problem.
To each his own...but for me no big deal either way
kthom
Member
I've carried a Shield 9 daily pretty much since they were introduced. It has the safety. I don't use it. I have operated it a few times just to satisfy myself that it is VERY unlikely to be operated unless a deliberate attempt to do so occurs. I have NEVER had the safety lever move from either position to the other while carrying. I also have a Shield .45 that has the safety. I can actually operate it fairly well with my thumb both ways, but it to requires a very deliberate action to move the safety. I've been carrying the .45 daily for about a month now. The safety has been in the "off" position during that time, as is the one on the 9 for the duration. I have no concerns about accidental activation or deactivation of the safety on either gun. I don't use it! I'm comfortable with that (I'm an old long time revolver man). So I care less whether or not the gun has one. Had the no safety model been available when I purchased either on, I'd have bought the one with no safety. But that was not the case so mine do have the safety in place. For me, it simply makes no difference. I do not mind having the safety since there could possibly be some time when I might use it for a specific reason, but otherwise, it simply stays in the "off" position. That's my decision for me, but my experience tells me that it will not be a problem. I will not say that moving the safety unintentionally is not possible. Very few things in life are totally impossible! But I will say that it is extremely unlikely to happen unintentionally. That works for me. You have to decide for yourself what you are comfortable with.
Rastoff
US Veteran
This is a misnomer. Thumb safeties do not make the operation of the gun safer. It matters not if you're new to guns.
Why obviously? The 1911 was originally designed without a thumb safety. The thumb safety was only added because the military demanded it.
I refer you to rule #2.
You may switch it off once holstered, but if it inadvertently gets switched on, unlikely I know, it would be a bad day if you needed it.
People say this a lot when this discussion comes up. However, it's an apples to oranges comparison. Unless you carry your revolver cocked, it's completely irrelevant.
The thumb safety on any M&P is superfluous. They only added it because of public desire. All it does is block the movement of the trigger. If you carry properly, with the trigger covered, the thumb safety serves no purpose.
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