[seeker_two]

When I began shooting autos, I always had a problem w/ releasing the slide after reloading. On my first auto (Tok 9mm), the slide release was almost impossible to release w/ either hand when you had a firing grip. My next auto (Taurus PT-908) was easier, but still easy to miss when reloading for speed.

About that time, I read an article about one PD's training program. One of the things taught was to release the slide a-la Walther-style (grasp the rear of the slide, pull back, & release). One of the advantages was speed and the ability to be used on any model of auto. I started practicing this method & found it advantageous. My speed improved, and I never had to change my firing grip. I've used this on Glocks, SIG's, & 1911's w/ success.

Out of curiosity, I was wondering how many THR's use either of the two methods & why. Any other Walther-styles out here? :cool:

[10-Ring]

I voted other.

[Handy]

I don't understand the speed comment. A well placed slide release makes reloads faster since inserting and releasing are done with different hands.

[kalibear45]

coz thats what its for

[honocor]

I use the slide release, and have never had a problem. Even being unexperienced at shooting semi-autos, and being left handed, I have always been asle to reach it, and push it with my index finger without a problem. And shooting competivly, speed is always an issue. Is this because I am left handed, and have to make an effort to remember what I am doing, I don't know.

[Blackhawk]

Pull back & release.

However, I tune all my pistols that HAVE a slide release lever so that I can release it with my thumb without upsetting my grip all that much. Never can tell when I might need to do that without the other hand....

[Lexter]

Pull back and release (sling-shot style)

I had 2 SA Ultra Compact's (stainless) that developed problems from using the slide release...they sort of rounded off (in the notch)and wouldn't stay in the locked-back position with the slide stop engaged.

I've always used the slide stop on my Rugers and recently adopted the pull-back-and-release method.


Lexter

:cool:

[John Forsyth]

Both.

[Sisco]

Can't reach the slide release lever without turning the gun sideways so I pull 'er back.

[NJ3]

It depends on the pistol. I sling-shot the slide on my Glocks. But on my Kahr I use the slide release.

[sm]

Both.
pull/release method for loading up,
mag changes/reload use release.

My guns fit, so I can do this either handed.

[sturmruger]

I will sometimes use the slide release on my Stery M40, M9 and S40. If I am trying to go fast for a drill or something I will just ram the mag in as hard as possible. The Steyr guns are designed to release the Slide when a mag is jammed into the grip. If I just put the mag in with little to no force then I would use the slide release to chamber a round. I usually do it this way for safety reasons. When I am at my private home range I will load it by shoving in the mag. It is allot easier.

[M1911]

One of the advantages was speed and the ability to be used on any model of auto. Slide stop is faster. Use your left thumb (assuming you are right-handed) for the slide stop.

And no, you can't pull back on the slide for any auto. Won't work on a 1911 with shok-buff :p

[Kahr carrier]

BOTH.:)

[Boats]

For me it depends on the pistol:

Since I am left handed, if the slide release is too far aft or too small as to be comical for my trigger finger to reach or hit reliably, such as on a Glock, XD, Sig, etc., I slingshot. On the 1911 I tend to use the slide release, but have slingshot during competitions, especially when on the move and I don't want to mess around with my trigger finger and the controls. On Berettas or Smiths or anything else with slide mounted safeties it is slide stop all the time.

I carry only 1911s so I practice both methods on speed reloads because you never know. . . .:uhoh:

[PCRCCW]

I prefer to use my right foot big toe..but got way too many strange looks at the range :evil:
I use both...usually the slide release...its faster because I have big hands....Insert mag with left...let er rip with right thumb...SEE YA..BOOM!
It situational...Shoot well

[mark mcj]

I grab the slide and let it go.
***WARNING****THIS NEXT LINE MAYBE SUBJECTIVE!!!!!!!
In a real life situation with adrenalin flowing, confusion, and tunnel vision the first thing to go will be fine motor skills. That little slide stop might be kinda hard to find. Where the slide is rather big and easy to grasp.
That's my own little way of doing it. It might not really be what others like, yet I fell it's the right way to train.
By the way it's a slide stop, not a slide release.

[Walther P99]

Now I pull the slide back and release. Used to use the slide-stop until gun dealer said the part will eventually wear after a while; said they changed the name from slide-release to slide-stop because of the wear issue. Don't know how accurate he is, but I've been just pulling the slide and releasing.

[yzguy]

I use the pull back method normally. I did some smoothing on my slide stop (slide stop, not slide release) so I could release it with my thumb (no way I could when it was new). I don't use it because of the possibility of it wearing the stop and the slide to the point of it not locking back on an empty mag.

[goon]

I just yank back on the slide. It is easier to do quickly than looking for that little lever.

[EJ]

I use shok buffs-----------SO-- I pretty much have to use the release-

But I think it's better anyway--

[blades67]

Depends, I use both methods from time to time.

[larryw]

Hmmm, I have Shok Bufs in a 1911, and I slingshot everything. I must be doing something wrong. :neener:

[Shaughn Leayme]

I use the grasp and pull method mostly, with some practice put toward the slide release. I also practice racking/releasing the slide using inanimate objects (hard surfaces) to simulate having only one good hand to use or even if it is injured, never know.

I have a .200 shock buff, 20 pound recoil spring and a heavy mainspring, FL guide rod and I have no problem slingshotting the slide and my pistol is fitted rather tightly. (1911)

Maybe, my pistol and myself are an exception to the shock buff rule?

[Shmackey]

I haven't used a slide stop for anything but stopping the slide in a very long time.

[Erick Gelhaus]

Overhand grip on the rear of the slide & sling-shot to send the slide on its way.

Why? For me...
- Its the same physical skill used to clear a malfunction (The rack part);
- Its easier to find the slide than it is to find that little lever.

I've tried both ways over the years and am happiest with this.

[Frohickey]

1) Weak hand inserts magazine, strong hand thumb releases slide via slide release

Probably the fastest way, but you have to be coordinated, or else you could send the slide forward with an empty chamber. Also, if you have small hands there is the time to get a proper grip again after you shifted the gun on the strong hand

2) Weak hand inserts magazine, weak hand thumb releases slide via slide release

A little slower than #1, but less chance of sending the slide forward on an empty chamber. Grip on the gun isn't changed, so you don't have to reacquire the proper grip

3) Weak hand inserts magazine, weak hand release slide by pulling back on the slide

Slowest of the 3 methods. Even less chance of sending the slide forward on an empty chamber. Grip on gun isn't changed.


I do #3, though, #2 sounds promising.

[Kevlarman]

Having a G30, it takes a pretty beefy thumb to relase the slide with that tiny slide lock, so I pull the slide back when and rack it when reloading.

[New_comer]

I voted other.

Although I have always favored pulling the slide back to release, I find it easier nowadays to simply 'jar' the slide of my USP9F to release whenever I forcefully reload a mag. :D

And in the heat of competition, the second or two that this surprising action saves really matters in the end. It is not as consistent as I would have preferred, but when it does so, it feels like I'm cheating... :cool:

[MoNsTeR]

I always use the slide release, I've found very few autos it was reasonable for me to "slingshot". Anything with a slide-mounted lever (Beretta), adjustable sights (CZ-85 Combat), sharp slide serrations (Steyr M9), or a heavy recoil spring (1911) usually results in bleeding fingers. What's worse, half the time it will just fail, as I didn't get a firm enough grip when pulling back to actually let the slide stop disengage. So, at least in my experience, the idea that the slingshot release takes less concentration and fine motor skills than hitting the slide release lever is ludicrous.

The worst would probably be a CZ with adjustables and a nickel slide, between the sharp sights, low slide profile, conservative serrations, and slick finish, I think just about anyone would have difficulty yanking the slide back quickly. It would also be silly to even bother, since CZ's have huge honking slide stops.

[The Silver Bullet 1719]

Slide Release for the most part, but will pull back on slide every now and then.

[boing]

Both.

With a approriately designed lever (1911, CZ), I thumb it with my weak hand after driving the mag home. Fastest and least fumble prone. No need to 'find the little lever', it's right there and it's big, mash thumb down, slide goes forward.

With a dinky little lever (Glock, KelTec), I overhand the slide. The stamped sheet metal doesn't hold up to wear, IME, and slide lock failures can occur.

None of this applies to the SIG, of course. :cool:

[LIProgun]

Pull back and release.

+ Only one technique to master regardless of which pistol I'm using. [Some have usable slide lock release controls (e.g., 1911 pattern); some have small controls (e.g., Glocks) and some have no controls (e.g., Walther PP; Heritage Stealth, etc.).]

+ No need to shift the firing grip once it is acquired, as sometimes happens when reaching for the release control.

+ Pulling back and releasing may be more positive than releasing from slide lock. During the firing sequence, the slide travels all the way to the rear before starting back forward. Releasing from slide lock may not always feed as reliably as when the slide moves from the full distance. Of course, this is gun specific.

+ Pulling and releasing with the hand is a gross motor skill more conducive to a stressful situation than a fine motor skill like pressing a lever with the thumb.

+ Pulling and releasing uses same motion as required to clear malfunctions.

+ Some shooters do not have the finger strength to depress the slide lock. I have had female students who could not depress the release on a S&W 908 and a Colt Commander with the thumb who had no problem releasing the slide by pulling back. I'm not sure if it was the recoil spring tension or the mag spring tension (or both) that caused the problem, but they couldn't do it.

[Stealther]

Just squeeze the grip of the P7M8 and you're all set! With any other pistol I'd pull the slide back.

[seeker_two]

More "slingshotters" than I thought...

Thanks for the info...:D

[krept]

sling shot...

why fiddle with a lever?

[voilsb]

most of the time I release the slide via a tactical re-load. I just slap the new mag in hard enough it causes the slide to shut, and I'm ready to go again.

after that, I usually use the slide release.

I rarely slingshot the slide to release it. I do sometimes, but not often at all

[M1911]

sling shot...why fiddle with a lever?I don't fiddle with it, I depress it with my left thumb as it regains the grip, following insertion of the new magazine. For me, it's quite a bit faster than sling shot. There's no need for me to rearrange my grip after the shot -- my right hand stays in its firing grip during the entire reload process.

There certainly are some guns that have small or oddly placed slide stops. If I carried one of those, I'd use the sling-shot method. But some guns (e.g., 1911s, Kahrs, HK USPs) have large, well-placed slide stops that I can easily hit with my left thumb.

[bigjim]

Anyone that uses the sligshot method does not own a TRP Operator. That rear sight will slice your fingers to the bone.

[cratz2]

Assuming we're talking about 1911s, I was always taught that the slide stop was intended to let you know that the magazine was empty in case you forgot to count your rounds while being shot at with German machine guns. They are checkered (or serrated) for use when your left arm had been shot off.

It's a slide stop, not a slide release. If you have two arms, you are supposed to pull the slide back with your left hand.

[Triad]

It's a slide stop, not a slide release. If you have two arms, you are supposed to pull the slide back with your left hand.
If I'm not supposed to use it the manufacturer shouldn't put it there. They don't need to put a lever there to stop the slide, just the stop inside the frame.

[Ted Bell]

I second Stealther's method -- just squeeze the grip of my P7m8 and I'm good to go.

[dfrog]

Pull back and release. Pulling the slide back will give you more force to drive the bullet into the chamber. I know it's not normally a factor, but who knows when you are going to get a round that does not go into battery?

[ENC]

I may be a bit confused but you still have to manually disengage the lever when using the slingshot method correct?

[boing]

Nope. Pulling the slide back will cause the lever to drop, unless there's an empty magazine locked in the mag well.

Usually. I suppose there may some designs that operate differently, but I'm not aware of any in the "combat pistol" genre.

[cratz2]

If I'm not supposed to use it the manufacturer shouldn't put it there. They don't need to put a lever there to stop the slide, just the stop inside the frame.

Well, of course, on a military arm, the manufacture can only assums that you will be trained on the proper manual of arms. It's exposed so you can use it if you need to use it.

[Cruiser]

I voted other, because even though I pull back on the slide to release it, I don't use the slingshot method. I reach over the top rear of the slide with my left hand so the thumb is on the left side of the pistol & the fingers are on the right side behind the ejection port. This is a stronger grip than the slingshot grip & works well under stress.

Using the slide release lever is more of a fine-motor skill & while it is normally very fast, you can miss the small lever under extreme stress. That negates any speed aspects.