View Full Version : M&P Shield 9MM - with or without thumb safety?
I finally got my wife out for another round of shooting at CGC, as we try to pick her handgun before she registers for her CCW class. She's been out shooting with me a couple of times, and she also went to one of the Ladies Nights, so she could try a few models.
We've focused on the "concealed" aspect for 9MM, so subcompacts all the way. She shot the Shield, Glock 43 and 26, and the Sig P938. This time around, she focused on the Shield, G43, and P938...and continued to shoot my G19 for reference.
I kinda hoped she would choose the P938, so I could also work with that 1911 style vs just my G19 - don't have budget to keep picking up interesting guns. However, she liked the Shield better...and she definitely shot more accurately with it vs the other two guns (noticeably better).
My question: For a new shooter, where self-defense in street situations and perhaps even running into 4-legged aggressors on a hiking trail, is it best for her to get the model with the thumb safety or not? I think she might have a better peace of mind knowing she had a safety, but I wonder how much that will limit response time when adrenaline is high.
What's the consensus?
Oh, and I *might* have to get one more handgun...want at least one larger caliber. Would have liked subcompact, for conceal since my G19 is too large in my opinion, so I'll probably be looking at .45s in the next few months. I just keep reading about .40s being too "snappy". Of course, perhaps anything is snappy in a small frame/larger caliber combo, right?
Mod edit. - title edit
My shield has the safety... what can I say I won it.. and it's so small and out of the way I don't even use it. It's not like the safety on a 1911, or the 938. It actually takes quite a bit to flip it on or off IMO.. it's not the best design, but I've never flicked it on safe by accident in all the carrying I've done with it. Yes I look.
I'd say it's pretty much useless and a feel good measure.
hurley842002
09-08-2016, 10:02
It's really a personal preference, but I prefer the safety, I certainly don't rely on it as a 100% safety measure, but when I put my Shield in the gym bag with the trigger guard cover, it's a nice secondary safety. When I carry it in my smart carry, it's a nice measure. When I carry it holstered, I don't use the safety.
Personally I'd buy whichever one I could get cheaper.
Thanks @monky and @hurley842002 - that was my hope. Get the safety for that extra "feel good measure", and you can always choose to not engage it as a preference. I've checked prices at Cabela's and CGC, and I'll probably go through GunBroker like I did for my G19.
bellavite1
09-08-2016, 10:27
No safety on mine or my wife's Shield.
I don't like having an extra step or relying to a mechanical safety.
You don't want to shoot, don't pull the trigger, it is that simple.
FINGER STAYS OUTSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL SIGHTS ARE ON TARGET AND YOU DECIDED TO SHOOT.
The way I see it a person is not ready to carry until he/she can follow this simple rule.
I agree - and it is shocking how you can get a CCW with virtually no range time. I've been working that rule, as well as always pointing down range, because that novice trigger finger just wants to sneak into that trigger guard. But, she is getting much better (I've worked dry-fire, and stance/grip basics with her, outside the range). I also like the SERPA holsters because it even helps train the finger to stay outside the trigger guard when working the holster release.
Mine has the safety. When the gun is on my hip it is always off. This is mostly because I'm a lefty but that doesn't really matter here. It never feels in the way and won't change unless switched intentionally.
When it's in a bag the safety is on. If your wife is going to carry in a purse it might be good to have. For that extra piece of mind I also flip the safety on when I'm loading and unloading it. Just part of my routine.
The bottom line for me is that the safety is low-profile and out of the way when you don't want it but easy enough to switch off when you do. I see no reason not to have it.
I hate safeties, but I dont mind my shield with one. Typically if carrying it's off. But if I leave it in the holster around the house safety on. Or in the rare rare while I stuff it in a pants pocket sans holster answering the door or something.
.....I also like the SERPA holsters because it even helps train the finger to stay outside the trigger guard when working the holster release.
These type of holsters have been blamed for a significant amount of AD/ND's and are banned from usage by many Firearm Schools and Academies for both LE and Civilians. Do a bit of Google-fu if your inclined. I used to be a fan till I saw some of the negatives.
Back on track with the subject, if you have a safety on your Shield USE it or lose it (as in have it professionally disabled or removed by a Smith-Smith ;) this applies to all firearms.
If you prefer a firearm without a mechanical external safety than buy the factory model sans-safety.
Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi
Surprised about the AD issues - that release just encourages to keep the trigger finger alongside the barrel as you draw. Or, at least it did for me?
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Tinelement
09-08-2016, 17:52
I carry the safety model daily. I don't think it has ever been on whilst carrying. I ran some drills early on with the safety on and it's just to dang small for me to work. So I just leave it off.
I vote for the no-safety model. If she ever has to use it things are going to happen quick and stress levels will be through the roof. While I fully believe training and repetitive actions become second nature after a while, if she doesn't shoot it often or a lot taking the safety off might not be so automatic for her.
Pretty much every modern firearm is designed so that the only way it will discharge is when the trigger is fully pulled. I'd put extra effort into making sure she understands to always pay extra special attention when handling any firearm and make sure she knows to keep that finger off the trigger until she wants it to go off. If she can get that down 100% of the time she should be good to go. Having a small external safety is not a substitute for poor handling skills or trigger discipline.
I have the safety model....when I carry it is off. Any other time it is on as additional safety measures...in a bag or in the safe, or laying on the table for cleaning.
It doesn't seem intuitive to me have it on, and then flick it off...I carry it how I feel comfortable with it
I think the "safe" option is to let her get the safety version, build confidence through training and reps, and then she can determine whether to carry with safety off later. I want that extra protection if she carries it in a purse. We also have grandsons, under 4 years old, and I want every possible safety measure I can get. In fact, when at home, that gun is not likely to have a loaded magazine...but have a loaded magazine readily available.
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hurley842002
09-08-2016, 20:02
I think the "safe" option is to let her get the safety version, build confidence through training and reps, and then she can determine whether to carry with safety off later. I want that extra protection if she carries it in a purse. We also have grandsons, under 4 years old, and I want every possible safety measure I can get. In fact, when at home, that gun is not likely to have a loaded magazine...but have a loaded magazine readily available.
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Sounds like a good plan, you can't choose an option your gun doesn't have. The safety on these Shields is small and stiff (unlike a 1911), so I'd hardly worry about accidentally engaging it when you don't want to.
I have the safety on mine. I happen to like having it on when holstered . . . just personal preference as I am used to using one with my other guns. It's very easy to sweep off. But the way it's designed (small and does not protrude), it's nearly impossible to accidentally engage it. You have to make a definitive effort to do it. So if you buy one with the safety and decide you don't want to use it . . . the Shield design makes it very easy to operate as if it's not there.
I would point out theres a reason why majority of LEO also if using guns with safeties carry them off.
Rucker61
09-10-2016, 08:11
I have the safety on mine. I happen to like having it on when holstered . . . just personal preference as I am used to using one with my other guns. It's very easy to sweep off. But the way it's designed (small and does not protrude), it's nearly impossible to accidentally engage it. You have to make a definitive effort to do it. So if you buy one with the safety and decide you don't want to use it . . . the Shield design makes it very easy to operate as if it's not there.
Same here. With practice it's intuitive to sweep off but difficult to engage on. If I had to buy a new one I'd likely pick whare very is cheaper, for my use.
http://youtu.be/NDx0HXowWqw
Reid breaks it down on the safety vs. no safety on a defensive handgun.
Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi
Aardvark
09-10-2016, 10:40
All this time, the FRENCH had it right: keep your finger off the trigger. My sister is in the same situation: new, untrained, nervous. For redundancy, specially where there is little chance or need to worry about using the pistol, a safety is nice. When in carry mode, she can leave the safety off. Either way, it all comes down to training, familiarity, peace of mind.
alan0269
09-10-2016, 19:26
I personally prefer my pistols to not have a safety, unless they have a light single action as in 1911's. If she ends up with a safety model, make sure she trains with the safety on before the first shot so that she becomes accustomed to taking it off before firing. Whether she decides to carry it with the safety on or off later, it will be second nature to flip it off if she has it on or if it inadvertently gets flipped on by accident if she didn't intend to have it on.
http://youtu.be/NDx0HXowWqw
Reid breaks it down on the safety vs. no safety on a defensive handgun.
Velocitas, Opprimere,
Violentia Operandi
Just got a chance to see the video...liked his style (and the message)!
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liberty19
09-15-2016, 08:22
I got mine without the safety since I also carry Glocks. I like that the operation is basically the same between the two. Secondly, I feel the safety on the Shield is too small to be able to manipulate during stress without a lot of training and practice. Just my $.02.
I had the same thoughts and bought the same one (no manual safety) - great little BUG that you can feel confident carrying as your primary when clothing options require.
I got mine without the safety since I also carry Glocks. I like that the operation is basically the same between the two. Secondly, I feel the safety on the Shield is too small to be able to manipulate during stress without a lot of training and practice. Just my $.02.
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