Racking the slide

[SDBlaster]

So the lady and I are doing a handgun course at fs in a few months and I was getting her to decide on which handgun she wanted to use today so I can make sure to have holsters, mag punch, etc. I figured she would like my vp9 bc of the front slide serrations over my glock but she was having difficulty racking the slide fully to the rear. I showed her what Isreally grip (I think that's what it's called) and a few other techniques but she was still having trouble and it was getting her frustrated. I'm sure others have had the same issue and was wondering what my best options are. The vp9 is new and I'll make sure to put some rounds thru it prior to the class to see if that helps but would she be better off with a different gun? I have heard that m&ps are easier to rack but I'm still not sure and with chamber checks etc, and I want her to focus on learning rather than get frustrated bc she can't maipulate the firearm. Any suggestions, Thanks!

[ElDub1950]

Yes, the vp9 will problem soften up after some use, but really, she needs to go to training with a gun she can easily manipulate. If she can't rack the slide and lock the slide back consistently, and often, she, the other trainees and the instructor are going to have, at least, an unpleasant training experience.

Have her train with something she's familiar with and save the getting-used-to-a-new-gun for random range days.

[OUTLAWZ]

Have her go to your Glock. Done

[David13]

A revolver?
It really doesn't take much force to do it.
I think the big issue is getting a grip on it.
I have certainly seen enough little kids, both male and female do it, so I think it's just a question of, grab it, use the grip that she likes, then give it the old heave ho.
I don't think it's really a muscle issue. She just has to be aggressive with it. Give it a good pull.
dc

[Ragnarok043]

I find it easiest to rack the slide by placing the palm over the slide griping the rear serration then pushing the lowers receiver forward instead of trying to pull the slide back.

[Garv]

There are a few techniques to try. Hit up Youtube for some visuals.

If she truly has "anorexia of the arms/hands", like a friend does, gotta find a gun that can be used easily.
My friend got a Sig 226, but after practicing more can now work my Glock and M&P.
She still can't do the BHP since there is not much serration.

Good luck and final report please.

[sholling]

I think Glock 17/19s and S&W's SD9VE are the easiest to rack pistols left on the roster.

[seal20]

I find it easiest to rack the slide by placing the palm over the slide griping the rear serration then pushing the lowers receiver forward instead of trying to pull the slide back.

THIS^^^^

[saudadeii]

Ah... I wouldn't let her shoot the VP9. She'll want it one afterwards and they're too expensive now.

My M&Ps were a bit stiff too when new. My FS slides like butta now.

I always thought Hickok45 has gorilla hands since he can rack just about any pistol with his finger tips.

[Librarian]

Try Kathy Jackson's method - http://www.corneredcat.com/article/r...ack-the-slide/

But, some folks are just convinced it doesn't work; the answer there may well be a revolver.

[2761377]

the comment about you tube is right on- "racking slide" is your search.

-the chick in the pink sweater on the National Association for Gun Rights video has the answer.

[CIimaX]

Have her shoot smaller gun like Shield.

[boopiejones]

i find that the slide on my shield is much more difficult to pull back (especially more difficult to lock back) than my full size m&p

[Lead Waster]

My suggestion is she just practice. Do it quickly and with authority, don't be gentle and it'll be easy. Doing it slow takes more effort and trying to do it gingerly will not get it done.mits a hunk of metal and steel get her to just practice.

[ElDub1950]

Have her shoot smaller gun like Shield.

Shields being hard to rack, and especially hard to lock back is one of the most common complaints about them.