Comments on: Smith and Wesson M&P Pistols with Thumb Safety http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/ Guns Holsters and Gear provides comprehensive news & reviews on firearms, gun gear and holsters Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:38:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Uber http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-45357 Uber Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:28:45 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-45357 BTW - didn't see anyone else mention 'situational awarness' (SA) and it's worth calling out. Developing and maintaining good situational awarness is a critical skill for anyone especially firearms owners. Soild SA perception can indicate to you when it's time to drop the safety, even if discharging a round is not called for. No safety (or other mechanical aid) in the world can compensate for lack of SA skills. If you're new to firearms and want to read read up on it, Massad Ayoob was mentioned above (he's a great trainer, had him for a couple of classes and many at FAS), but also checkout "States of Awarness, the Jeff Cooper Color Codes". This is taught by Massad, FAS and Gunsite Ranch. This is possibly more relevant knowledge and practice, than whether you have a safety on your gun. It might just help save your life or someone you care about. BTW – didn’t see anyone else mention ‘situational awarness’ (SA) and it’s worth calling out. Developing and maintaining good situational awarness is a critical skill for anyone especially firearms owners. Soild SA perception can indicate to you when it’s time to drop the safety, even if discharging a round is not called for.

No safety (or other mechanical aid) in the world can compensate for lack of SA skills. If you’re new to firearms and want to read read up on it, Massad Ayoob was mentioned above (he’s a great trainer, had him for a couple of classes and many at FAS), but also checkout “States of Awarness, the Jeff Cooper Color Codes”. This is taught by Massad, FAS and Gunsite Ranch.

This is possibly more relevant knowledge and practice, than whether you have a safety on your gun. It might just help save your life or someone you care about.

]]> By: Uber http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-45356 Uber Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:05:50 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-45356 I've carried various 1911's for over 20 years (with safeties) and never had any problem with the fractional second it takes to disengage. A few years back I purchased an M&P .45 from a local shop w/an ambi-safety and it performed as expected, but yes, it did seem a little less 'positive' compared to my 1911's, but still stayed up or down as needed. I gave that gun to my son who is a lefty and a novice shooter - since all M&P's are accomodating for left handed shooters and a safety is something shooters need to learn regardless of preference (in my view). He did fine in his 2 day course. I missed the M&P 45 so much, I decided to buy a 4" in 40 S&W, which didn't come with the safety. No big deal, I adjusted well and have had no issues with it. Having trained my wife on 38/357 compact revolvers - she just completed an intro training using my M&P/40 and liked it (except I forgot to change the plalm grip down for her), so I'm about to get an M&P/40c - the compact version for her. But again - I expect to get the safety version since as commented above, I thinks (a) safetys are fine and (b) every shooter should learn how to operate one. As someone else mentioned regarding officers - I've never heard of anyone (trained) being shot because of a safety on situation - maybe it happens, but I've not heard about it - seen it in the movies, but that's like saying 'I read it on the internet' so it must be true...(yeah-right) I’ve carried various 1911′s for over 20 years (with safeties) and never had any problem with the fractional second it takes to disengage.

A few years back I purchased an M&P .45 from a local shop w/an ambi-safety and it performed as expected, but yes, it did seem a little less ‘positive’ compared to my 1911′s, but still stayed up or down as needed. I gave that gun to my son who is a lefty and a novice shooter – since all M&P’s are accomodating for left handed shooters and a safety is something shooters need to learn regardless of preference (in my view). He did fine in his 2 day course.

I missed the M&P 45 so much, I decided to buy a 4″ in 40 S&W, which didn’t come with the safety. No big deal, I adjusted well and have had no issues with it.

Having trained my wife on 38/357 compact revolvers – she just completed an intro training using my M&P/40 and liked it (except I forgot to change the plalm grip down for her), so I’m about to get an M&P/40c – the compact version for her. But again – I expect to get the safety version since as commented above, I thinks (a) safetys are fine and (b) every shooter should learn how to operate one.

As someone else mentioned regarding officers – I’ve never heard of anyone (trained) being shot because of a safety on situation – maybe it happens, but I’ve not heard about it – seen it in the movies, but that’s like saying ‘I read it on the internet’ so it must be true…(yeah-right)

]]> By: Ken http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-4438 Ken Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:02:49 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-4438 Cary Good advise---I have been debating which firearm to go with regarding having a thumb safety or not. A friend of mine with over 30+ years as an officer has basically told me how "accidents" can happen no matter how much experience one has....and unfortunately it only takes one accident to happen to ruin ones day. Cary
Good advise—I have been debating which firearm to go with regarding having a thumb safety or not. A friend of mine with over 30+ years as an officer has basically told me how “accidents” can happen no matter how much experience one has….and unfortunately it only takes one accident to happen to ruin ones day.

]]> By: Pat H http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-4042 Pat H Sat, 10 Apr 2010 03:40:38 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-4042 Just purchased the M&P with magazine safety. Like it a lot. As for a holster, the Blackhawk convertible is really nice. Can be belt or pancake. Mine is 9mm and shoots excellent groups even with my limited practice schedule. Less money than a Glock and better performance and feel, IMHO. Like several have stated the interchangable backstraps closed the deal, I have small hands it made a larger gun feel much more comfortable and easier to handle. By the way it came with 2 magazines, the backstraps, lock and real nice plastic case. PLH in VA Just purchased the M&P with magazine safety. Like it a lot. As for a holster, the Blackhawk convertible is really nice. Can be belt or pancake. Mine is 9mm and shoots excellent groups even with my limited practice schedule. Less money than a Glock and better performance and feel, IMHO. Like several have stated the interchangable backstraps closed the deal, I have small hands it made a larger gun feel much more comfortable and easier to handle. By the way it came with 2 magazines, the backstraps, lock and real nice plastic case.

PLH in VA

]]> By: Cary http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3613 Cary Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:10:03 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3613 To those who don't like manual safeties. I will say this I have been a law enforcement officer for over 25 years and when you carry a weapon everyday it is different than just going "shooten" the majority of accidental discharges occurs when you are reholstering your weapon (after your well practiced draw and fire drills) or when unloading it at home. Glock type safe triggers are not like carrying a double action revolver because of the light trigger pull. I don't know of any law enforcement officer who carried his revolver with the hammer pulled back so it would fire singe action which is the more accurate comparison. Having the added security of a manual safety is a small price to pay because I have personally witnessed many career ending accidental discharges (the majority being Glocks) but never seen or even heard of an incident where a manual safety caused harm to an officer. Like people say if you practice, practice practice using a manual safety will become instinct and give that extra level of safety needed when you are dealing with human beings. As they say one ahh Crap wipes out a life time of at boys… To those who don’t like manual safeties. I will say this I have been a law enforcement officer for over 25 years and when you carry a weapon everyday it is different than just going “shooten” the majority of accidental discharges occurs when you are reholstering your weapon (after your well practiced draw and fire drills) or when unloading it at home. Glock type safe triggers are not like carrying a double action revolver because of the light trigger pull. I don’t know of any law enforcement officer who carried his revolver with the hammer pulled back so it would fire singe action which is the more accurate comparison. Having the added security of a manual safety is a small price to pay because I have personally witnessed many career ending accidental discharges (the majority being Glocks) but never seen or even heard of an incident where a manual safety caused harm to an officer. Like people say if you practice, practice practice using a manual safety will become instinct and give that extra level of safety needed when you are dealing with human beings. As they say one ahh Crap wipes out a life time of at boys…

]]> By: Michigan Mike http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3522 Michigan Mike Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:45:44 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3522 Richard, Thanks for the tips & pointers. Your blog is great and I find it very helpful. Mike Richard,

Thanks for the tips & pointers. Your blog is great and I find it very helpful.

Mike

]]> By: Richard http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3497 Richard Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:06:22 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3497 Mike and Jon, If you keep your finger outside the trigger guard when holstering, the gun should not discharge. I've carried all sorts of guns, including a great many Glocks, without any external safety. With literally thousands of draws and re-holsters, I've never had one go 'bang' without me putting my finger on the trigger and pressing rearward. External safeties have uses, but for the purposes of holstering the firearm, they are not needed if you follow the fundamental rules of gun safety. I hope this helps. --Richard Mike and Jon,

If you keep your finger outside the trigger guard when holstering, the gun should not discharge. I’ve carried all sorts of guns, including a great many Glocks, without any external safety. With literally thousands of draws and re-holsters, I’ve never had one go ‘bang’ without me putting my finger on the trigger and pressing rearward. External safeties have uses, but for the purposes of holstering the firearm, they are not needed if you follow the fundamental rules of gun safety. I hope this helps.

–Richard

]]> By: Richard http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3496 Richard Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:02:43 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3496 Hi Mike, I'm actually working on an article about finding a good trainer. I suggest taking at least two classes initially. First a CCW class and secondly a shooting class. The CCW class should give you the legal guidelines on use of force and your state's laws on when deadly force is permissible. The second class should be on shooting in a defensive situation. Look for someone that has a good reputation in your area. Ask around at the local gun shops, gun clubs, etc. Google can also help out. A good instructor will have a wide base of knowledge and will be willing to work with you until you are comfortable with what you are learning. Someone who gets upset if you ask questions is probably not a good person to train under. If you have the money and time, no one beats Massad Ayoob for learning what you need to know about when you can and can't use force. Even if you can't afford one of his classes, please read In the Gravest Extreme and watch the video Judicious Use of Deadly Force. They should open your eyes a little. Again if you have the time and money, try to get to Gunsite, the Firearms Academy of Seattle, Rangemaster or a few of the other highly regarded schools. Folks like Dave Spaulding, Tom Givens, Clint Smith, and Rob Pincus are all excellent instructors who each bring something different to the table. Good luck, Richard Hi Mike,

I’m actually working on an article about finding a good trainer. I suggest taking at least two classes initially. First a CCW class and secondly a shooting class. The CCW class should give you the legal guidelines on use of force and your state’s laws on when deadly force is permissible. The second class should be on shooting in a defensive situation. Look for someone that has a good reputation in your area. Ask around at the local gun shops, gun clubs, etc. Google can also help out. A good instructor will have a wide base of knowledge and will be willing to work with you until you are comfortable with what you are learning. Someone who gets upset if you ask questions is probably not a good person to train under.

If you have the money and time, no one beats Massad Ayoob for learning what you need to know about when you can and can’t use force. Even if you can’t afford one of his classes, please read In the Gravest Extreme and watch the video Judicious Use of Deadly Force. They should open your eyes a little.

Again if you have the time and money, try to get to Gunsite, the Firearms Academy of Seattle, Rangemaster or a few of the other highly regarded schools. Folks like Dave Spaulding, Tom Givens, Clint Smith, and Rob Pincus are all excellent instructors who each bring something different to the table.

Good luck,

Richard

]]> By: Richard http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3495 Richard Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:44:01 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3495 Brittany, I've really come to like the M&P series of pistols. I've got a M&P 9 and my zone partner recently picked up a M&P 40. They are great guns. As far as the duty holsters, check out Safariland's stuff. I've carried all of my duty guns in the SSIII 070 holster, which they make for the M&P line of pistols. Many women like the low-ride version of the holster (the 0705), which is also made for the M&P: http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=0705 If you have a mounted light for the M&P, take a look at the Safariland ALS series of holsters: http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6365 Good luck on the new career and stay safe! --Richard Brittany,

I’ve really come to like the M&P series of pistols. I’ve got a M&P 9 and my zone partner recently picked up a M&P 40. They are great guns.

As far as the duty holsters, check out Safariland’s stuff. I’ve carried all of my duty guns in the SSIII 070 holster, which they make for the M&P line of pistols. Many women like the low-ride version of the holster (the 0705), which is also made for the M&P: http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=0705

If you have a mounted light for the M&P, take a look at the Safariland ALS series of holsters: http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=6365

Good luck on the new career and stay safe!

–Richard

]]> By: Brittany http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3494 Brittany Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:32:06 +0000 http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2009/01/19/smith-and-wesson-mp-pistols-with-thumb-safety/#comment-3494 I just bought a S&W MP 40 w/ the thumb safety.. 4" I Love it! Since I'm a girl w/ small hands, a lot of ppl suggested a Glcok 23 40 cal. but the SW MP came with a choice of small, medium & large grips. I loved the way it felt in my hands. My question is this...Does anyone know of a good duty holster that will work for this gun. I recently graduated from the police academy- so I'm kinda new to this duty gear stuff. I heard it might be tricky to find a holster that will work for the sw mp... any suggestions? I just bought a S&W MP 40 w/ the thumb safety.. 4″ I Love it! Since I’m a girl w/ small hands, a lot of ppl suggested a Glcok 23 40 cal. but the SW MP came with a choice of small, medium & large grips. I loved the way it felt in my hands. My question is this…Does anyone know of a good duty holster that will work for this gun. I recently graduated from the police academy- so I’m kinda new to this duty gear stuff. I heard it might be tricky to find a holster that will work for the sw mp… any suggestions?

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