Slide Release?

[bubbagump]

The last couple of times I was at the pistol range, I noticed almost everyone uses the slide release after inserting a fresh magazine.

I got used to releasing the slide on a PA-63 by bringing the handgun in close, then grasping the slide back a bit and letting her slam home...the PA-63 doesn't have a slide release...

I do the same thing with handguns that sport a slide release on the frame. I've read that getting too friendly with the slide release is a bad habit...

What do you guys think? Who uses the slide release? Who manually releases the slide?

Sorry if this is a dupe...I didn't bother searching

[bohoki]

i often use the release when i can without shifting my grip much

[sdsu]

i use my slide release to lock the action. when i am changing mags, i grab the rear part of the slide and pull back hard.

[BamBam-31]

Slingshot works the same for all semi-autos (at least all that come to mind right now). Slide locks are not always in the same spot from one model to the next. Therefore, w/ KISS in mind, slingshot is the preferred method. There are those that will also add that slingshot = gross motor skill, which means it's easier to do under stress.

[Lateralus]

I always use the slide release.

I would have to modify my grip to actuate the slide. Why do that when the slide release works fine with my hands in shooting position?

[ldivinag]

becuase tv shows and movies show that it's cooler to do that.

i've been trained to pull back hard on my sig and let that slide go....

[bubbagump]

Slingshot works the same for all semi-autos (at least all that come to mind right now). Slide locks are not always in the same spot from one model to the next. Therefore, w/ KISS in mind, slingshot is the preferred method. There are those that will also add that slingshot = gross motor skill, which means it's easier to do under stress.

Slingshot...I like that term...

And that is what I've read in most articles which support the "Slingshot" method...you lose dexterity in stressful situations...

[tom_92673]

It was my understanding that leo training indicates pulling back on the slide as it, as mentioned, becomes a muscle memory item and is better practice and preferable for emergency as well as jamming situations.

[domokun]

Slingshot works the same for all semi-autos (at least all that come to mind right now). Slide locks are not always in the same spot from one model to the next. Therefore, w/ KISS in mind, slingshot is the preferred method. There are those that will also add that slingshot = gross motor skill, which means it's easier to do under stress.

I never sling-shot when I shoot my P7M8 due to the way it's designed. I just squeeze! It'll drop the slide every single time from slide-lock and cock the pistol all in one motion. But for every semi-auto pistol out there, I'll slingshot out of habit.

[SeanCasey]

I don't use the slide release on my 1911 and the manual says to pull the slide back and let go (directly says to not ride the slide forward).

When I use my wife's XD I do not use the slide release either and go for the slingshot approach.

All arguments pro or con aside, I just enjoy doing the sling shot method more!

[BamBam-31]

I never sling-shot when I shoot my P7M8 due to the way it's designed. I just squeeze! It'll drop the slide every single time from slide-lock and cock the pistol all in one motion. But for every semi-auto pistol out there, I'll slingshot out of habit.

Dammit! Knew some smarty-pants was gonna bring up something!

[KimberDriven]

I use the "sling shot" method.

[xxdabroxx]

its a slide stop not release, sling shot it. Well i almost always sling shot it, sometimes i find myself going back to my roots (slide stop).

[domokun]

Dammit! Knew some smarty-pants was gonna bring up something!

The economy of motion for that setup is much more efficient than having to sling shot after loading isn't it?

With the slide locked back, it's just... *Load mag, squeeze cocker, fire*

[BamBam-31]

Actually, I find the economy of motion better w/ my Glock 17 and it's 17 rd. mags, as you'd only have to reload once for every two reloads in a P7M8.

ETA: To veer the thread back on topic, however, I'd just like to add that "slingshotting" the slide refers specifically to pinching the rear of the slide between the thumb and index finger and pulling rearward. There is also the "overhand" technique which rolls all four fingers over the top of the slide and pinches it against the palm before pulling rearward. I use slingshot, mainly because I've done it so much it's what comes naturally, but the overhand technique is definitely stronger (great for clearing a stubborn jam, for instance).