Slide stop lever on a pump action.

[emilianoksa]

I notice that this is also often called the slide release lever.

My problem is that I'm not entirely sure when it should be used.

I understand that when the gun is loaded and cocked, the slide will not release unless the lever is pressed.

But what other purpose does it serve? Under what other circumstances should the lever be used?

And I'd be grateful if somebody could tell me which of the two strokes of the slide cocks the gun: the first one to the rear which opens the action, or the second one which closes the action?

[rcmodel]

The slide release has to be used any time you want to open the gun with it cocked.

That can be to load the first shell.
Or unload one in the chamber when you don't want to shoot it.
Or to safety chamber-check to see if it is loaded.
Or to get it open to clean it.
Or to store it empty with the mag tube loaded and keep it from falling open due to slide weight. (Cruiser Ready in LE speak)

Hammers are cocked on the opening stroke on almost every repeating firearm made today.

rc

[emilianoksa]

Thanks a lot rc.:)