Show up at a shoot and ask if your equipment meets the requirements. I'd carry it unloaded in a case. When new folks show up at a shoot I'm at and don't have the proper equipment I usually have an extra gun that I loan so they can shoot with me. Just go and ask questions and watch for the first time. We're nice to the new guys. When you start to beat us then we will razz you some.
No, your pistol does not have to have a MANUAL safety. There are thousands of Glocks, also Plastic M&Ps and XDs, that require only pulling the trigger. All modern guns have some sort of internal safety and those must be present and working.
S&W m&P 9mm with safety. Just got it and going to the range tomorrow. Going to watch a IDPA shot tomorrow night. Hopefully will get some info from the guys there.
You do not need a manual safety on most striker-fired guns like, and including the M&P. If a gun of that type does have a manual safety, you have the option of engaging it, or not.
S&W m&P 9mm with safety. Just got it and going to the range tomorrow. Going to watch a IDPA shot tomorrow night. Hopefully will get some info from the guys there.
You may be in for a surprise, because the M&P is a great IDPA pistol!
I used my M&P9 full size with the safety just like yours in my first IDPA a couple of years ago and my first shots were right on target. Very surprising because I was a new shooter at the time.
Have fun and be safe at the IDPA. its a great event to get involved in esp if you are into SD and CC.