Does using the slide release on a empty gun damage it?

[FlyingPen]

I was helping a friend buy a Sig P229R with night sights in 9mm today and we stopped by Southern California Gun on Convoy to see their collection.

I was looking over a OD P229 and when I used the slide release to release the slide, the clerk seemed a bit peeved and asked me not to do that as it damages the gun.

I just said I did not know that and thinking about it, I don't see why it would? When you fire the gun, doesn't it apply a much greater force on all parts of the gun than simply releasing the slide via the lever?

I can possibly see the argument be made that when it strips a round, it slows down the momentum of the slide thus applying less force.

[donger]

Yes, by causing accelerated wear.

[hawk1]

I can't see it doing any extra damage to the pistol. Possibly because it was new he didn't want any extra wear to show on the lugs or stop. Tough to sell a pistol as new that shows wear.

[double_action]

I always heard it was bad for the extractor to drop the slide on an empty 1911. I don't know that for a fact. Anyone know?

[virulosity]

Using the slide stop does cause wear, but I wouldn't use the word damage. I would understand his concern if it is a new gun. I always rack the slide to close it with other peoples weapons as a courtesy, but most probably don't even think about it.

[JTROKS]

Dropping the slide on an empty chamber does cause accelarated wear on the barrel lugs. On 1911s with high priced very light trigger jobs, dropping the slide on an empty chamber may jar the hammer off the sear, due to the sear not being disconnected when a slide is dropped from locked position. What happens is, the carfully stoned sear meets the safety notch of the hammer causing damage to the highly stoned/polished sear. You want a 1911 bullseye shooter scream mad, drop his slide on an empty chamber without pressing on the trigger. I don't drop any of my slides on an empty chamber even when someone argue it doesn't do any damage.

[zeb]

Yes, the extra force of the slide closing on an empty chamber can do damage to the hammer/sear engagement surfaces. It can quickly ruin an expensive trigger job.

[slick_711]

I always heard it was bad for the extractor to drop the slide on an empty 1911. I don't know that for a fact. Anyone know?

Opposite. Bad for the extractor to drop the slide on a 1911 if there is brass/round in the chamber. Bad for any extractor really, but it's the 1911 guys that tend to care about such things. Glock extractors don't really require any fitting ya know?

It is considered impolite to release the slide on a new gun or any gun that isn't yours by many people (including myself) as it causes unnecessary wear. With 1911s it can cause damage if done repeatedly, it damages the hammer/sear engagement. I've personally seen a 1911 go full auto due to damaged hammer/sear engagement. Guy pissed himself.

[Satex]

He was just worried about the cosmetics of the pistol.

[Rule .308]

I have always heard and was raised under the premise that slamming the slide home on an empty chamber was not good for the pistol and was to be avoided whenever possible. With that being said, I do not do that to any pistol that I am handling and I ask the same of people that are handling mine. Aside from being simple firearms common sense it is kind of a matter of etiquette as well, treat other people's stuff as well or preferably better than your own.

[Stanze]

A Beretta 92FS's locking lug broke on me by releasing the slide on a empty pistol. Either it broke right then and there, or it broke by releasing the slide; I think the later since it was shooting fine prior.

[USN CHIEF]

He was just worried about the cosmetics of the pistol.

That's the only explanation that I can see, other than making the employees nervous because they don't know your intentions and don't know if you placed a round in there or not... I always asked the employ if I can let the slide go forward before I do it...

[shark92651]

I just happen to be looking through the operators manual of the 1911 I picked up today:

Notice: The slide of a 1911-A1 pistol should never be released on an empty chamber; especially one which has had an action job. Releasing the slide on an empty chamber causes damage to the breech face on the barrel and undue stress on all action parts, including the hammer and the sear. This will ruin the action job performed onyour pistol.

[RomanDad]

By "releasing the slide" are we talking strictly about pushing the slide lock release lever and letting it fall full force with the power of the spring, or do we mean even just closing the slide gently (Holding the slide with one hand while the lever is released with the other and "helping" it close slowly)?

[slick_711]

By "releasing the slide" are we talking strictly about pushing the slide lock release lever and letting it fall full force with the power of the spring, or do we mean even just closing the slide gently (Holding the slide with one hand while the lever is released with the other and "helping" it close slowly)?

Releasing slide stop without easing the slide down.