do they offer the .45 without the safety? I’m considering one but I WILL NOT buy one if I can only get it with a safety.
Yes. I have a full size 45 without the thumb safety. Now all of the FDE 45s have a thumb safety
Your best bet is to contact S&W’s customer service people. They can send you a new lever (if you’re comfortable installing it yourself) or make arrangements for you to return the gun for modification at their shop.