Gunsmith11 posed an interesting question on a topic in the Lounge regarding the origin of the term " rack the slide ". I can't find a satisfying explanation on the internet as to where this phrase came from. I'm betting someone here knows.

__________________
I like Ike.

Gunsmith11 posed an interesting question on a topic in the Lounge regarding the origin of the term " rack the slide ". I can't find a satisfying explanation on the internet as to where this phrase came from. I'm betting someone here knows.

__________________
I like Ike.

Do not know the origin of rack the slide.

In photography in the folding camera era the
focal length was change by a mechanical system.
When the lens was stretched as far as it could go it was called racking the lens.

jed

JED...I think you are on to something. Maybe it is an engineering term. Where is a mechanical engineer when you need one ?

__________________
I like Ike.

Ever hear of "rack and pinion" steering on your car?

Or the old torture "rack?"

The "rack" is the part that moves back and forth on guides.

Use the noun "rack" as a verb, and we are "racking the slide" back and forth.
Just like we take a piece of metal called a "nail" (noun) and "nail" (verb) two things together.

__________________
Science plus Art

Good analogies and spot on.

__________________
Qui plantavit curabit

Actually the “rack” is the part that the “pinion” (small circular gear) moves on.
Rack: a cogged or toothed bar with a wheel or pinion, to adjust the position of something.
Here is another one: rack your brain; (make a great mental effort)

My speculation would be that somehow it’s connected to artillery, pulling the tube back on the carriage, but that’s only a WAG.

__________________
Ipsis Rebus Dictantitbus

Probably has its origins in billiards....my guess.

I believe that it is wrack your brain.

Rack and pinion definition is right on. I'm an engineer, although not a mechanical one.

__________________
Regulate Banks, not guns

So, is Jim Rome encouraging us to put one in the chamber?

__________________
Insert short witty words here

Ever heard the sound of pool balls being "Racked"? clack.. CLACK.. .. slide pump shotgun.. 45 auto.. Eight ball side pocket...

__________________
SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP

On Diesel engines having so called "low pressure" injectors (Cummins, Detroit 2 strokes, etc.) doing what for Diesel engines is the equivalent of a gas engine major tune up, includes the term "running the rack". This because, the cylinder heads contain separate push rods, rocker arms, pivot shafts, etc. to physically actuate plungers on the injectors. Or, the area where all the mechanicals for actuation are housed.
Victor Borge' in his comedy routine used to say about the English language "It's your language, I'm only using it".