Method for releasing a slide...

[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?

 

[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]

Slide stop...

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

 

[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]

Steyr Pistols

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

 

[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. . . .

 

[PCRCCW]

I prefer to use my right foot big toe..but got way too many strange looks at the range
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]

Shok-Bufs

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.

 

[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.