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Semi auto slide stop/release
gundummy
Member Posts: 254 ✭
This is a topic that was started from another so lets try not to stray again. Should one use the slide catch lever to release the slide to chamber a round, or should one pull back on slide and let it snap back forward to chamber a round? To clarify, we are talking about a loaded mag here and not an empty one.
This will draw mix responses, but for me, I use both methods. I normally go to the range every week and fire 300 to 500 rounds thru my P220 since it's my carry gun. There's a lot of responsibility with carrying a gun, so I take practice very seriously. When practicing for a shoot out, I will use the lever only to release slide when changing mags. There would be no time for pulling slide back, even if it's only a split second. When I am practicing for accuracy, I will pull slide back (relieving catch lever from slide) then release to let slide slam forward to chamber a round. This minimizes wear between slide catch lever and slide. Pulling slide back IS NOT necessary, but I choose to do it. I pull back all of my semi auto slides on all of my non carry guns simply for that reason.
Some people think that you can't have wear by releasing slide with lever only. That cannot be true. I've replaced a couple of slide stops already because previous owners chose to use lever as the only method of release. IMHO, both methods are acceptable, but use of lever only WILL have more wear.
I've been into guns for only a couple of years now and have shot thousands of rounds, but I am no expert. The above is only my opinion based on my very short experience with firearms, so any objections is welcomed if I need to be corrected by the REAL experts. Thanks, GD
This will draw mix responses, but for me, I use both methods. I normally go to the range every week and fire 300 to 500 rounds thru my P220 since it's my carry gun. There's a lot of responsibility with carrying a gun, so I take practice very seriously. When practicing for a shoot out, I will use the lever only to release slide when changing mags. There would be no time for pulling slide back, even if it's only a split second. When I am practicing for accuracy, I will pull slide back (relieving catch lever from slide) then release to let slide slam forward to chamber a round. This minimizes wear between slide catch lever and slide. Pulling slide back IS NOT necessary, but I choose to do it. I pull back all of my semi auto slides on all of my non carry guns simply for that reason.
Some people think that you can't have wear by releasing slide with lever only. That cannot be true. I've replaced a couple of slide stops already because previous owners chose to use lever as the only method of release. IMHO, both methods are acceptable, but use of lever only WILL have more wear.
I've been into guns for only a couple of years now and have shot thousands of rounds, but I am no expert. The above is only my opinion based on my very short experience with firearms, so any objections is welcomed if I need to be corrected by the REAL experts. Thanks, GD
Comments
Interesting question...
On the other hand, pulling back the slide to release the slide stop, if done correctly, gains a tiny bit of slide travel, which may slightly increase the slide velocity and slightly increase the likelyhood that the round will be fully chambered. The danger with that method is that some may tend to "ride" the slide closed a bit, and thereby be counterproductive in the search for a more forecful slide closing.
Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
He's the guy that taught me to shoot pistols almost 30 years ago. Right wrong or whatever, I will continue to handle my firearms the way he taught me....Heck I have been doing it that way for so long, even if it was wrong, I am not sure I could retrain myself this late in the game.
On the flip side, I think the Judge is right, there should not be any friction once the stop is released...To each his own I guess....
Per my agencies policy for the reasons giving by JudgeColt, I instruct my officers to pull back and quickly release the slide.
And Cliff, I think the stop is there to hold the slide open (to stop the slide from going forward). All the different gun manuals I have either calls this lever a "slide catch lever" or a "slide stop". None of the ones I have actually calls it a "slide release". My Sig manual actually says you can use lever to release slide or pull back slightly then release, so either way is acceptable to Sig. Sounds like it really does not matter and is a personal preference. Keep it coming, however, some of the reasonings are very interesting. GD
Ultimately if you shoot, or fire your weapon and hurt an unintended
target, you are the one responsible. Find the way that works best for you and practice it on the range so if the gun accidentally discharges no one gets hurt.
As far as the "slide stop" not being a "slide release," the brakes on a car are not identified as "car release" either, but, to let the car go forward (or backward), they are released. The purpose of the slide stop is to release the slide when desired. If it were not so, all guns would be like a PPK or other guns with no external slide stop release.
Edited by - JudgeColt on 05/01/2002 13:33:06