I am planning to buy another full size M&P 9mm in the near future to build up. This gun will sport a milled slide to accept a Trijicon RMR red dot sight. I plan to use Apex trigger parts, to possibly include their FSS trigger. This gun will likely become my primary carry gun as well as a gun for shooting steel and USPSA open (minor).
My question has to do with whether or not I should get the model with the thumb safety or not. The first handgun I ever owned was a 1911, and I still shoot it (and my 2011) a lot. So, I am extremely used to the operation of a thumb safety on that design. (I say this so that I don't get responses about possibly forgetting to disengage the thumb safety or other such nonsense!). This has never been a problem for me. Why would I want a thumb safety for this gun? For a few reasons, I like light trigger pulls, I may experiment with appendix carry with this gun.....the additional thumb safety may help make me feel more comfortable with this, and, if I am already used to the safety.....why not? It certainly doesn't slow me down and may enhance my own safety.
Since I have never shot the M&P with the thumb safety (they are pretty rare), I would like to know your opinions on their use. Particularly, for those 1911/2011 guys out there, does the M&P safety have a similar feel and ergonomics as the 1911? I have only handled them in the store, they seem like they are positioned slightly farther back and/or higher than on a 1911. They are also made of plastic.