What is your preferred method of field stripping SFA pistols?

[GLOOB]

I have never been in a major hurry to disassemble a handgun. I prefer there be less chance for losing or damaging parts, and less complication for complete detail strip. When the pistol field strips, I prefer to have only two parts. No extra pin in the handle of an M&P, no lever that slides out. And preferably a captive recoil spring.

M&P pin is ok, because it's optional, but I don't even like having that option floating around. It's like having a sardine can with a key taped to the side.

While we're nitpicking (because any of the above compared to, say, a 1911 is really nitpicking), I prefer to not have a swing up/down lever, mostly because it could be damaged if dropped. Also, it's just another drag on what could be a more streamlined shape.

And since we're nitpicking, I don't like how the mak field strips for two reasons. The trigger guard has to have slop in order sit to the right or left of the slot. And it has to be spring-loaded, which makes disassembly of the trigger a bit of a pain. At least that's how it is on a PA63. Removal/insertion of the trigger guard pin is one of the biggest P's ITA I've ever encountered.

 

[ddc]

Old school: Browning Hi Power

1. Push slide to rear and engage the safety lever into the disassembly notch.
2. Wiggle the slide stop lever as you push it out.
3. Holding the slide to the rear disengage the safety lever and allow the slide to come forward.
4. Remove the slide and then do whatever you needed to do...

I've written it up as 4 steps but it is so freakin easy... it takes about 5 seconds and there is no drama. I get pissed every time I have to strip anything else while looking at my Hi Power and wishing somebody other than Browning/Saive had half a brain. (Yeah that's a little too harsh and an over reaction but still... shouldn't ease of field stripping be part of the upfront engineering equation?)

 

[silicosys4]

Of all my guns, I prefer the P229.
Since you have to pull the slide back anyways to clear the gun... lock the slide back, flip the lever, release the slide, and she's apart.