Walt Sherrill
Member
I'm referring to "old-style" SLINGSHOT, grasping the rear of the slide LIKE you would grab the pocket of a slingshot.
For this discussion, I think the term can apply to the overhand method, too. The Overhand method COULD lead to the same problems as the older slingshot method -- in that you must PRECISELY release the slide using the overhand method to avoid the problems described in my earlier response; with heavy gloves or a non-optimal release, etc., there could be issues.
That said, the Overhand method CAN let you keep the gun positioned on target, so that's a big plus over the older style.
I have been a big CZ fan over the years, and because of the slide-in-frame design and went to the overhand method; CZs give a bit less slide to grasp otherwise. Using that method I found I sometimes had problems when doing clearance drills - as my hand got in the way of the rounds that needed to be cleared. I think smaller guns present a problem with the overhand method, too: your hand just COVERS to much! I pinch the rear of the slide when I do a clearance drill, now, if only because I want to SEE what's going on, too, and don't want my hand getting in the way.
All of these methods discussed -- including using the slide release -- have drawbacks. But, if you hit the release/stop lever, it will give you a uniform, crisp, and technically sufficient release. And THAT, I think, is what's behind the US military's training change.
As I said, folks should try each of these methods and see what works best for them. I think too many folks read or participate in these discussions, say "that makes sense" and pick one based on the "theory" -- but never try to see if theory and reality really agree.
For this discussion, I think the term can apply to the overhand method, too. The Overhand method COULD lead to the same problems as the older slingshot method -- in that you must PRECISELY release the slide using the overhand method to avoid the problems described in my earlier response; with heavy gloves or a non-optimal release, etc., there could be issues.
That said, the Overhand method CAN let you keep the gun positioned on target, so that's a big plus over the older style.
I have been a big CZ fan over the years, and because of the slide-in-frame design and went to the overhand method; CZs give a bit less slide to grasp otherwise. Using that method I found I sometimes had problems when doing clearance drills - as my hand got in the way of the rounds that needed to be cleared. I think smaller guns present a problem with the overhand method, too: your hand just COVERS to much! I pinch the rear of the slide when I do a clearance drill, now, if only because I want to SEE what's going on, too, and don't want my hand getting in the way.
All of these methods discussed -- including using the slide release -- have drawbacks. But, if you hit the release/stop lever, it will give you a uniform, crisp, and technically sufficient release. And THAT, I think, is what's behind the US military's training change.
As I said, folks should try each of these methods and see what works best for them. I think too many folks read or participate in these discussions, say "that makes sense" and pick one based on the "theory" -- but never try to see if theory and reality really agree.