Extended Mag Release

[jak77]

I was doing some practice reloads and I very quickly found out that I need an extended mag release for my SA Loaded. Im having trouble reaching it and pushing it all the way without releasing the proper grip on the gun.

So, Im open for suggestions on what you guys (and gals) like and prefer. It seems to be something that a company cant really fudge up, but Im sure there are some that the majority of you prefer. So spill the beans

Wilson Combat?
Nighthawk?
Les Baer?
EGW?
Ed Brown?
Cylinder and Slide?

[Chief-7700]

https://www.brownells.com

[jak77]

Just ordered a Wilson Combat extended slide release. Well see how that works out.

[OldLincoln]

I got the Wilson Combat extender and it works well but doesn't look so good. I expect my STI extender to arrive tomorrow. It is just the button so I still need the Wilson for the post. I am holding my breath that all fits well.

[calishine]

You may also consider grips with thumb relief to make it more accesible:

http://www.10-8performance.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21_33&products_id=50

[OldLincoln]

Grips. I can say that the Wilson extender sticks way above the thin grips as shown here:



and here:


They do NOT stick up like that on regular grips but do still clear them. The height makes it easier for me but it looks better with full sized grips so one with a channel may work for you like what calishine pointed to or this:

[LowSpeedHighDrag]

You cannot have a "proper" grip on the gun while doing a speed reload, unless you're Andre The Giant. You're going to have to shift the pistol in your hand, so you're thumb can get enough leverage to fully depress the mag release. If you get an extended mag release you may run into bigger problems, i.e., your support hand may depress the longer mag release, you may have problems with low light techniques, like the Rogers/Cigar technique, etc. Changes to your weapon and kit is like chess, you have to think several moves ahead.

I read that you ordered a extended slide release. Which thumb hits the slide release/slide stop, your primary or support hand? If you're right handed, your support thumb should be the one that hits the slide stop on a 1911.

[The DRis]

If you watch any of the Magpul Dynamic Handgun, you will see that it is completely normal to need to pop the gun to reach the mag release, especially on a 1911. On my XD 45 I can reach it, granted I also have an extended release, but I don't on my 1911.

Keep it up in your "workspace", pop it to the left, hit the release, index a mag, insert, either slingshot or hit the slide stop, and get back in action.

And I shoot pretty regularly in USPSA so I am familiar with quick reloads.

[OldLincoln]

I respectfully disagree with your statement that "your support thumb should be the one that hits the slide stop on a 1911." That is a work around that slows down mag changes. Also, my other carry gun, PM9, has the mag release right where it should be and my strong thumb has no issues with it. Why should I train one way for one gun and a different way for the other?

[OldLincoln]

It may be "normal" to shift your grip on 1911's but that doesn't make it right, or the only way to do it. I have a lot of respect for John Browning's invention, but you know even the venerable B-52 that's been in operation for over 50 years gets regular updates. It's no slam on the inventor to make functional changes that improve the product.

I have this notion that changing your grip while getting shot at is a bad idea, especially if you are doing it while scrambling for cover banging into stuff and stumbling around.

So we may respectfully disagree, but I'll continue with my way and respect your right to do it your way.

[LowSpeedHighDrag]

I respectfully disagree with your statement that "your support thumb should be the one that hits the slide stop on a 1911." That is a work around that slows down mag changes. Also, my other carry gun, PM9, has the mag release right where it should be and my strong thumb has no issues with it. Why should I train one way for one gun and a different way for the other?

Because the 1911s slide stop is too far forward to hit it with your firing hand thumb. With a Kahr, Glock, and other modern semi autos, the slide stop is further backwards towards your firing hand, and it's much easier to hit the slide stop with your firing hand thumb.

Yes, I 100% completely agree, "Why should I train one way for one gun and a different way for the other?" That's why I sling shot the slide with my support hand while doing speed reloads. It would be the same motion for clearing type 1,2,and 3 malfunctions. I'm a believer in the KISS principle as well.

P.S. If you think using your support thumb is too slow, then maybe you should make up the time in the actual reload. Use a timer, you should be able to accomplish a speed reload under 2 second, even while using the support hand thumb.

[The DRis]

You cannot have a "proper" grip on the gun while doing a speed reload, unless you're Andre The Giant. You're going to have to shift the pistol in your hand, so you're thumb can get enough leverage to fully depress the mag release. If you get an extended mag release you may run into bigger problems, i.e., your support hand may depress the longer mag release, you may have problems with low light techniques, like the Rogers/Cigar technique, etc. Changes to your weapon and kit is like chess, you have to think several moves ahead.

I read that you ordered a extended slide release. Which thumb hits the slide release/slide stop, your primary or support hand? If you're right handed, your support thumb should be the one that hits the slide stop on a 1911.

Well said brother.

[The DRis]

Because the 1911s slide stop is too far forward to hit it with your firing hand thumb. With a Kahr, Glock, and other modern semi autos, the slide stop is further backwards towards your firing hand, and it's much easier to hit the slide stop with your firing hand thumb.

Yes, I 100% completely agree, "Why should I train one way for one gun and a different way for the other?" That's why I sling shot the slide with my support hand while doing speed reloads. It would be the same motion for clearing type 1,2,and 3 malfunctions. I'm a believer in the KISS principle as well.

P.S. If you think using your support thumb is too slow, then maybe you should make up the time in the actual reload. Use a timer, you should be able to accomplish a speed reload under 2 second, even while using the support hand thumb.

Slingshot is the ambi-all around-one answer solution to the problem. I don't know why, but I have always trained to hit the slidestop. I don't know why, its just how my brain wants to do it.

So what I do, I shoot right handed, is what I do with my AR-15. I drop the mag, and when I index the new mag, as I insert it into the magwell, it positions my left hand them perfectly to hit the slide stop/release and get back into action.

I'm pretty sure its not the "right way" but it works for me.

[OldLincoln]

Look guys, I said I respect your positions (and all others) however I believe in the mag release being where I can reach it with my strong thumb, period. I cannot help that Browning put it where he did but he did. If it was the only right place to put it I would suspect Glock and the others would have it out there also.

So how about peace to all, and to all a good night.

[himurax13]

Do you shoot IDPA at all? If so, extended mag releases are not legal.