I was having trouble on certain 3rd gens pushing out the slide stop assembly to take down for cleaning. I took a used up Bic "clic stic" pen and removed the ink stick and spring assembly. Push the end back on minus the insides and voila, it works perfect to push out those stubborn slide stops. A buddy saw me using this at the range and suggested I tell others. I'm sure everyone has something they use. Usually my index finger works fine, but this works when it can't.

Sounds good. I use the bottom corner of a magazine.

I tend to continue to use my thumb-- I simply use a bit of a folded up cotton gun cleaning rag between thumb & slide stop to avoid destroying my thumb.

Same here.
If my thumb won't budge it, I use the magazine plastic baseplate (still on the mag, of course).
It won't mar the finish.

John

wood dowels....one in my range bag...one in my cleaning supply box

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