Logical Nomenclature

CB3

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Clip does not equal magazine, unless it feeds a GI M1.

A (box) magazine is different from a clip in that it holds unfired cartridges, is inserted into the weapon, feeds those cartridges through firing cycles, locks the bolt/slide back when empty but a clip ejects itself from the gun rather than staying in it like a magazine.

A slide stop is not a slide realease. The stop stops the slide from coming forward at any time by manually engaging it or when the magazine (or clip) follower automatically activates it after the last round is fired.

When the slide stop is deactivated, it releases the slide to come forward. The fact that the slide stop absolutely can, does and HAS to function as a release as well as a stop really irks some pedantist manual munchers.

Because the manual mentions only the sling shot method to release the slide stop, and the manual calls it a stop, that is the end of the discussion for some.

However, many slide stops have a single name, "stop", but numerous ways to utilize the part both as a stop AND a release, although heaven forbid if someone ever calls it a release, even though everyone knows to which part is being referred. There is no ambiguity in nomenclature nor function.

In truth, when adjusted, the slide stop will release the slide in more ways than it will stop the slide travel.

1. Overhand sling shot method, the most recommended operation is the slowest, longest, most hand-movement intensive and least expensive method to construct a mass manufactured gun. When the stop comes from the factory without any fitting, tuning or custom adjustment, this may be its only release option.

2. Adjusted, a slide stop can release the slide with finger or thumb pressure, a simple, fast, less movement intense method for using the stop as a release.

3. With the adjustment of #2 above, it is also easier to release the slide for an emergency one-handed reload. A definite benefit if ever needed.

4. With the adjustment of #2 above, it is also easier to release the slide when using the gun in the off hand.

5. With the adjustment in #2, releasing the slide can be done with the thumb of the firing hand, a definite plus if the other hand is not available.

6. The slide stop can be adjusted to release on snappy insertion of a loaded mag, eliminating the need for the overhand slingshot method, the thumb method, the finger method, or any other manual method. Simply inserting the loaded mag with enough upward force causes the stop to drop, functioning as an automatic release. Easy, fast, available also for one handed emergency manipulation.

So, yeah, it is first a stop, but it's also a release. It can't function as a release until it has first functioned as a stop. Insert smugness. Yep.

Now, care to discuss the MAG RELEASE, which first functions as a STOP before it can be a release?

Following the same nomenclature based on first use rather than subsequent function, it should be a mag stop, and certain folks should get their shorts in a knot if anyone calls it a mag release. In truth, it cannot function as a release--unless it first has positive function as a stop. So being called a stop is actually more critical to the functioning of the gun than being a release.

But wait, the manual calls it a mag release, so if we just do and say only what the manual tells us to do and say, everything will be fine. The flock of sheep will mostly be controlled and docile, despite ignoring expanded and useful capabilities of the gun and it's part nomenclature.

"It's not a release, it's a stop. The Manual says so on p. Xx."

Oh if I had a penny for every time that is written on gun boards with pedantic rule aficionados, I could easily buy a new Shield without a discount.

Patience grasshoppers. Flexibility. Pedantic recitations of simplified, not incorrect but definitely function challenged Manual directions based on cheap manufacturing and traditional but often inaccurate nomenclature is to be avoided in favor of more helpful, wide ranging discussion. IMO.
 
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1.You really like the word pedantic, don't you? You certainly meet the definition of a pedant.
2. Number 6 is really dangerous, especially in a stressful situation.
3. I have a headache.
 
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Unless it's an emergency and I had no option I will continue using the slingshot method.
 
Sling shot for me. It doesn't involve minor motor skills but most importantly.....very few.... very few guns have AMBIDEXTROUS stops/release!

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 
As some wordsmith before me once said, "much ado about nothing."
 
sodacan said:
1.You really like the word pedantic, don't you? You certainly meet the definition of a pedant.
2. Number 6 is really dangerous, especially in a stressful situation.
3. I have a headache.

The following is from Wikipedia
Pedant -- a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.

As I read his comments, CB3 wasn't concerned about minor details or rules or demonstrating academic learning. Just the opposite. His comments were a broadside aimed at the pedants among us who, figuratively speaking, do the firearms equivalent of complaining about being unable to see the forest because of all the damned trees blocking their view.

That said, tell us: how is #6 REALLY dangerous?

I've been shooting for quite a few years, now, and while I've seen many stupid things happen at the range and in shooting competitions, heard quite a few horror stories -- and, unhappily did a stupid thing or two myself years back -- I've yet to hear about a Negligent Discharge due to a slide slamming shut unexpectedly.

Watching someone new to handguns practice presentations (drawing from the holster and firing) scares me a lot more than the slide flying shut when the mag is slammed home. And if that person is new to "cocked and locked" the pucker factor gets a bit tighter.

But, if you exercise good gun handling skills (which includes keeping your finger away from the trigger until you're ready to fire), and your handgun is equipped with a firing pin or striker block, having the slide slam shut when a mag is robustly inserted is no more dangerous then than any other time the slide slams shut. The gun won't fire unless you pull the trigger.

If you put your finger on the trigger when you shouldn't, the problem isn't the slide stop or slide release problem, but a more-basic one. A person with that problem might want to consider leaving his or her handgun in the gun safe (if he or she has one), and just start carrying a pointed stick, instead.

It's hard to hurt someone unintentionally with a pointed stick.
 
swsig said:
In another firearms forum (I can't remember which one), there is a rule: Whenever someone posts "clip" when referring to a magazine, somewhere, a puppy dies.

Ha!

If it were pigeons or rats, rather than puppies, that might be a good thing.
 
Arik said:
Sling shot for me. It doesn't involve minor motor skills but most importantly.....very few.... very few guns have AMBIDEXTROUS stops/release!

According to a physical therapist I know (a Ph.D) slingshoting DOES involve the same minor (aka "fine") motor skills as pressing the slide release OR pressing the trigger.

Because slingshoting can be a problem under stressful conditions, the U.S. military no longer teaches that method in its handgun training but, instead, teaches shooters to use the slide stop/release lever.

As it was explained to me by an acquaintance who worked as a firearms instructors with Special Ops troops at Ft. Bragg, the training curriculum was changed more than 10 years ago after a lot of problems in Afghanistan and Iraq, where releasing slides IN combat using the "slingshot" method resulted in slides not going fully into battery. That sometimes forced a time-wasting do-over [i.e., tap, rack, bang] and cost the shooter a round as the weapon was cleared.

When you're hyped up on adrenaline, it can be difficult to release the slide cleanly using the sling-shot method -- and if you don't release it cleanly, you can have the same problems that G.I.s had in the Sand Boxes. If you're stimulated by more than just adrenalin, things can get really difficult.

While civilian instructors sometimes prefer the hand-over method, that approach doesn't work well with the Beretta M9, because it's possible to decock the weapon if you're not really careful. Handover may be the best approach for many folks.

While the military teaches the shooters to use the slide stop/release, not all left-handed civilians can make THAT work , if their gun doesn't have an ambidextrous slide stop/release, or if the right-side release doesn't work well for a left-hander -- as is the case with some guns.

When faced with THAT problem, you use the method that works best for you, understanding the issues and the consequences.
 
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