Slide lock release function

[alvgalb]

Hello, I just bought my first shotgun, a Hawk 982 and I'm not familiar with some details of functioning. Can somebody explain me what is the fuction of the slide lock release? I read in the panphlet that came with the shotgun to press the slide lock release before you load or unload the weapon or to take down the shotgun but I can pump the action back and forward and fire the trigger without necessity of pressing the slide lock release, is there any particular importance of to use the slide lock release to protect some mechanism or avoid damage the shotgun?

[Reductio]

WITH NO AMMO AROUND:

Rack the slide to the back, then to the front.

Try pulling back on the slide again.... it's not going to move... and therein lies the function of the release. Press the release and you can then rack again without pulling the trigger. This should have obvious usefulness, from changing the type of ammo without discharging, or just clearing a live round from the chamber.

Pulling the trigger disengages the lock, allowing you to pump without having to hold down the release.

[alvgalb]

Thnaks Reductio

I did as you explained and understood the function, thank you very much

[alvgalb]

Thank you very much I did as you explained and understood the function