S&W M&P pistols now with thumb safety
S&W have launched a series of polymer M&P pistols with a thumb safety. The non-thumb safety models are still available.
From the press release:
“Soon after the introduction of the full-size and compact M&P45 pistols, we began receiving requests from law enforcement professionals and recreational shooters asking for a frame mounted thumb safety on other M&P calibers,” said Leland Nichols, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “The optional external safety provides an even broader range of choices to the M&P line, adding flexibility in order to meet the needs of our customers.”
The M&P9 (9mm full size) thumb safety model has an MSRP of $719 and the non-thumb safety is going for $679. That is a $40 premium. I suspect many will pay the premium.
UPDATE: To clarify, I think all the models (calibers) now can be bought with a thumb safety.
I was looking at the S&W M&P, and considering the purchase of one chambered in 9mm.
Two issues held me from doing so.
The first was the lack of a manual safety on the 9mm. It was available on the 45. And I found it very easy to operate. It was almost natural for me the way I gripped the gun and flipped up the manual safety.
The second issue was the discovery that flipping up the safety made the gun “safe”, instead of ready to fire. And with my short stubby hands, I’d have repeatedly engaged the safety – not good.
So if S&W will release a M&P in 9mm with a reversed function on the manual safety – I’ll buy one. But I wager that’ll never happen.
This not new, check your info, When they introduced the m&p line they had thumb safety models
In reference to N.u.g.u.n’ s comment about the operation of the safety, I prefer to have the safety flip down to fire, it seems to be more natural, just like the 1911. I never liked having to flip the safety up to fire, just like the S&W models 39/59 series or the walther pp/ppk/ppks. I am glad S&W is providing the option to users, just like springfield is doing on there XD’s.(which also flip down to fire like the 1911) I guess manufacturers are trying to court all us 1911 owners I guess.
I’m interested in a M&P Compact in 40 S&W as a carry alternative. Any experience out there that can shead some light on the issue. I currently carry a 9mm Kahr and want to step up to a compack 40. Glocks don’t fit my hand and my Sig (239) is only 7 shots, and my 250 is a bit big for summer carry. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
jim
Where do I get the thumb safety for my gun
I’m a Glock and XD user and had no issues with a sans-safety, but when I felt the S&W I actually wanted a manual safety. This is a nice option!