[GeePlate]

Specifically, the Sheild since I have one.

The Glock has 3 safeties. Trigger, firing pin block and a drop safety which prevents the trigger bar from dropping down and releasing the firing pin unless the trigger was pressed and the firing pin is in full cock.

The Sheild has the trigger safety and the firing pin. Unlike the Glock, it is in full cock when you load a round to the chamber.

If I drop it, what's to prevent the sear from moving under the momentum of hitting the ground and releasing the firing pin? I know the firing pin block will probably prevent a discharge but it seems that it is a possibility.

Did anyone do a drop test on an M&P? I assume they all have the same trigger mechanism.

 

[High Altitude]

The sear isn't going to move if the pistol is dropped. No way that little sear moves enough with all that pressure on it. The sear itself is very small and light, pin is in the middle, has a sear spring, and has to compress the firing pin spring a little before it can release the firing pin given the shape of the sear against the firing pin. These pistols are definitely drop tested.

S&W wouldn't release it if is wasn't drop safe.

 

[TxGlock9]

Specifically, the Sheild since I have one.

The Glock has 3 safeties. Trigger, firing pin block and a drop safety which prevents the trigger bar from dropping down and releasing the firing pin unless the trigger was pressed and the firing pin is in full cock.

The Sheild has the trigger safety and the firing pin. Unlike the Glock, it is in full cock when you load a round to the chamber.

If I drop it, what's to prevent the sear from moving under the momentum of hitting the ground and releasing the firing pin? I know the firing pin block will probably prevent a discharge but it seems that it is a possibility.

Did anyone do a drop test on an M&P? I assume they all have the same trigger mechanism.

You just answered your own question.. What makes you think S&W's safety will work any less effectively than a Glock?

 

[RON in PA]

The firing pin safety is the drop safety on both the Glock and the M&P as well as most other modern semi-autos. The trigger has to be pulled for the firing pin can go forward.

 

[CAcop]

You just answered your own question.. What makes you think S&W's safety will work any less effectively than a Glock?

Yup. As far as the firing pin/striker is concerned they all work the same.

 

[BuckyP]

Since California submits guns to a drop test, you can find your answer here:

http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

In short, The Shield is on the list.

As for GLOCK's drop safety, I think it's a bit oversold as a safety "feature". It's nothing more than a guide to keep the trigger bar from moving in a direction it's not suppose to go. I consider it more "proper design". :dunno:

... apparently the propaganda works.

 

[Bruce M]

I am much more worried about damaging the gun when I drop it than it going off.

 

[DonD]

Dropping any gun ruins my day, so far it's never happened in decades of shooting. Don

 

[Iceman cHucK]

The Glock and S&W striker systems are indeed different. The Glock striker is only partially cocked in the ready to fire position and if dropped and if the firing pin safety were inoperable, the pin would most likely not have enough energy to fire. The S&W firing pin stiker is fully cocked in the ready position and would fire a round if the pin safety were not operating. I consider the S&W single action and the Glock double action.