Here it is.

[Derek.J.]

So here's my new M&P 9C. Did the pre-shoot clean and lube and some dry firing. Checked out the feel of all the back straps, and found the medium one felt best to me. But we'll see at the range how it is. Just wish the grip was more aggressive feeling though. Ok that's pretty much it.

[Derek.J.]

Oh. Just 2 questions. 1. Why is the slide release so hard to push down? My CZ is the same way. 2. What is that damn red thing in the picture for??? lol.

[Bkreutz]

Originally Posted by Derek.J.

Oh. Just 2 questions. 1. Why is the slide release so hard to push down? My CZ is the same way. 2. What is that damn red thing in the picture for??? lol.

The red thing is a chamber flag. You put it in the chamber and close the slide on it with the tab sticking out. It shows that the pistol is unloaded. Some ranges/competition matches require it's use. You find them in just about any new firearm packaging.

I'll let someone else start the slide stop/slide release argument.

[BlackTalonJHP]

The slide stop/catch/release will wear in with use, but it will still be a little harder than other semi-autos.

[notaliberal]

Looks like a beauty to me. You might want to check out Talon rubber grips. I love mine because it is perfectly contoured and provides a nice rough surface to hold onto.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1455868304

[Sigsavvy]

I agree with the Talon grips. I have them on my Shield and they make a big difference.

I'll bite on the slide release question...this is a hotly debated issue! Most people feel that the slide release is really a slide stop lever. Not intended to be actuated to release the slide. They will say that pulling the slide back all the way (after having been locked open) will release the slide stop and then you let go of the slide and allow the springs to do all the work. I happen to agree with them. Others will say that it's perfectly fine to use the slide stop to release the slide and it will get easier with time. I have a FS M&P 40 and the slide stop can be used to cycle the slide fairly easily. I just chose to not do it that way.

You might get a lot of input on this. It's similar to asking "9mm or 40?" Or "how do I lube my pistol", "oil or grease", etc. It's all really good info but you won't get too many folks down the middle on those issues.

Enjoy the 9C, check out the Talon grips.

[Magload]

How ever you do it and either way works, don't slam the slide home on a empty chamber it is undo stress on the gun. It sounds cool but don't. Now if there is a loaded mag in the gun and you want to chamber one slam it home. That said pulling the slide all the way back and releasing it will get the job done better then the slide lock. Do not drop a round in the chamber to top off the gun and then slam the slide home you could damage the extractor. My friend tried to tell me that was how he was taught in the Navy and he was a Range Officer. Don

[Rockdoc16]

Yep Talon grips made my 9C complete. Huge difference. And the slide release should be renamed slide lock back.

[McE]

Sandpaper type grip tape, primarily on the front strap.
Depending on your mode of carry, you may want to trim/omit the grip tape on the side against your body.

Pebbly rubber texture feels a bit nicer but loses grippiness when wet more easily.

[Targets Guy]

Congrats. You have a nice one. The slide release gets better over time as it learns to trust you.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Derek.J.

Oh. Just 2 questions. 1. Why is the slide release so hard to push down?

Were you trying to press the slide stop with an empty mag inserted?

[Derek.J.]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

Were you trying to press the slide stop with an empty mag inserted?

Yes. Wanted to see how everything worked.

[MSG Glenn]

The slide stop has a lot of pressure behind it with the slide open. If you read the owner's manual it'll tell you to grab the slide, pull it back a little & release it. The slide stop wasn't intended to release the slide.

[Derek.J.]

Originally Posted by MSG Glenn

The slide stop has a lot of pressure behind it with the slide open. If you read the owner's manual it'll tell you to grab the slide, pull it back a little & release it. The slide stop wasn't intended to release the slide.

I did read the manual and I'm aware of its purpose. I just thought it'd be easier than that to press it down.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Derek.J.

Yes. Wanted to see how everything worked.

OK, try it this way:

• Insert empty mag
• Rack the slide- it should lock back
• Remove magazine
• Press slide stop to release slide

When the magazine is empty the mag follower presses up on the slide stop. Trying to push it down with the empty mag still in the gun makes it much harder to work. With the mag removed it should be relatively easy.

p.s.
Nothing wrong with pressing the slide stop to release the slide. It won't hurt the gun in any way. I know hundreds of guys who have done it thousands of times each and no one has ever damaged their gun by doing this. Send the slide forward either by pulling back a little or by pressing the slide stop; your choice.

[V0OBWxZS16]

When empty the magazine follower presses up on the slide release. That's how it locks open on the last round. Ejecting the magazine will relieve that pressure and make it easier to depress the slide stop.
ETA: Too slow.

[kmanick]

Congrats! I found the slide release a little tough at first as well but now I'm used to it and it's a non issue. I have the FS .40 and a shield. I kind of wish I got my .40 as a compact as I love shooting that (more so than the shield)
but it doesn't conceal as well so it's turned into more of a Range /HD gun.
size comparison

holstered

[Whitwabit]

Actually its a Slide Stop Lever .. mistakenly call Slide release lever ..

reasons not to use it .. from an online article ..

You Get The Full Force Of The Recoil Spring To Return The Gun To Battery
When you use the slide stop to release the slide you may not be using the full force of the recoil spring to chamber the next round and to return the slide to battery. See for yourself. Pull the slide back on your pistol and lock it back. Then manually pull it back all the way and compare the difference in distances. I have read that some guns won't reliably load a round when the slide stop is released but will do it every time when racking the slide.

2.It's Easier To Grab It And Pull. Fine Motor Skills Go Out The Window In A Self Defense Situation
Many pistol/self defense course instructors will advise you not to use the slide stop to release the slide. They tell you this because in a self defense situation your fine motor skills and your ability to manipulate small objects is diminished. If you train load a magazine ever time by releasing the slide with a racking motion you will build up your muscle memory and it will become automatic and second nature to you in any situation.

3.You Don't Have To Look For It
When you use the slide stop lever you have to look down and take your eyes off the target or threat. If you just pull on the slide your eyes can remain on the threat or the target.

4."Sling-Shotting" Is More Universal To All Pistols
Not all pistols have slide stop and slide release levers. Using the sling shot method of releasing a slide will make you better prepared for handling a larger variety of hand guns.

[Bkreutz]

Well if it's on the internet, it must be true.

[Whitwabit]

Originally Posted by Bkreutz

Well if it's on the internet, it must be true.

look it up yourself then !! its because of fine motor control a proven fact ..

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

Actually its a Slide Stop Lever .. mistakenly call Slide release lever ..

Correct, Slide Stop is indeed the proper name.

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

1. You Get The Full Force Of The Recoil Spring To Return The Gun To Battery...I have read that some guns won't reliably load a round when the slide stop is released but will do it every time when racking the slide.

The difference in force between the two methods is so small as to be no difference. If your gun won't chamber a round by pressing the slide stop, it's not working right and needs to be fixed. Or it could just be a poor design.

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

2.It's Easier To Grab It And Pull. Fine Motor Skills Go Out The Window In A Self Defense Situation

People always pull out the "fine motor skills" phrase when talking about this. The truth is, every action with a handgun is a fine motor skill. The definition of a fine motor skill is - Fine motor skill (or dexterity) is the coordination of small muscle movements—usually involving the synchronization of hands and fingers—with the eyes. So, grabbing the slide or pressing the slide stop are both fine motor skills.

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

3.You Don't Have To Look For It
When you use the slide stop lever you have to look down and take your eyes off the target or threat.

This one was clearly written by someone who doesn't work with their gun much. If you have to look to find the slide stop, you don't know your gun at all. A defensive shooter should be able to operate any normal action with their gun without looking at it. Eyes on the threat when not on the front sight.

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

4."Sling-Shotting" Is More Universal To All Pistols.

Not just more universal, it is universal to all pistols. Every semi-automatic pistol can be loaded by pulling back the slide.


Yes, pulling back the slide to chamber the first round is easier for most people. That doesn't mean it's the only way. Using the slide stop to release the slide on a new mag is much faster. When speed is of the essence, pressing the slide stop is the way to go.

There are pros and cons to each method. To limit yourself to only one way is setting yourself up for failure. Practice both methods. This way you're prepared for all circumstances. Neither is right or wrong and neither will damage your gun in any way.

[Bkreutz]

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

look it up yourself then !! its because of fine motor control a proven fact ..

It doesn't matter who looks it up, it's still the same source.

[GUNs and JEEPS]

Maybe the "wrong place" and not an attempt to "hi-jack"..... but I am seeing different types of grip/ tape suggested...my local GS, who also sold me my 9 Shield, suggested a Hogue grip/ sleeve. It has pretty much "cured" my low left issues...my question are the tapes or other grips that much better? For less than the price of a box of shells my pattern is much better.

I do realize on a gun this small grip is critical.

[motorcyclejoe]

Nice pistol. Congrats! You will love it. IMHO the 9c is the perfect balance between size, capacity, and accuracy. It also is bone reliable.

[Derek.J.]

Originally Posted by GUNs and JEEPS

Maybe the "wrong place" and not an attempt to "hi-jack"..... but I am seeing different types of grip/ tape suggested...my local GS, who also sold me my 9 Shield, suggested a Hogue grip/ sleeve. It has pretty much "cured" my low left issues...my question are the tapes or other grips that much better? For less than the price of a box of shells my pattern is much better.

I do realize on a gun this small grip is critical.

I was thinking about getting the talon grip for mine. But we'll see when I take it out to shoot.

[Derek.J.]

Took it out today. Like how it shoots a lot. Just gotta practice more. Found a good carry ammo for it too. Still think the grip needs to be more aggressive. But I'll deal with it in time. Oh. And the slide release was no issue. Ha ha ha!

[NCW Ray]

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

look it up yourself then !! its because of fine motor control a proven fact ..

Well, if you can't do it because your fine motor skills will be out the window in a stressful situation, then it will be a moot point because you won't be able to find that tiny little magazine release button, which is a required step before needing the slide stop or racking the slide.

[Magload]

Originally Posted by NCW Ray

Well, if you can't do it because your fine motor skills will be out the window in a stressful situation, then it will be a moot point because you won't be able to find that tiny little magazine release button, which is a required step before needing the slide stop or racking the slide.

If you take a hit and your support hand is out of action and you can manage a one hand reload you best be able to hit the slide stop with one hand. Maybe call a break in the shooting while looking for something to rack your slide on.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Magload

If you take a hit and your support hand is out of action and you can manage a one hand reload you best be able to hit the slide stop with one hand. Maybe call a break in the shooting while looking for something to rack your slide on.

Learning how to do a one hand reload is valuable training. There are other ways to drop the slide than using the slide stop.

[Magload]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

Learning how to do a one hand reload is valuable training. There are other ways to drop the slide than using the slide stop.

There sure are like the edge of a table or a chair or door jam. Then only if your front or rear sight can be used. But if you have to cross the room to get something to use knowing how to hit that slide stop might just save you. It all depends on how much time you got and how clear you are thinking at the time.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Magload

Then only if your front or rear sight can be used.

Nope. The ejection port can also be used on a table edge, the sole of your shoe, the edge of your holster, your belt...

There are many ways to operate a gun. I highly suggest people take a class in advanced handling. There are obviously many ways to do something. None of use has thought of them all.

Originally Posted by Magload

It all depends on how much time you got and how clear you are thinking at the time.

This is a valid thought, to a point. We are more likely to fall back on how we trained. If we trained to use the slide stop, that's what we'll do, regardless of how clear our thoughts are.

This is why we should train and then practice what we train. "Murphy" is alive and well and living in the US. When he hits, and he will, if you haven't trained/practiced alternate methods, you'll freeze. If you have trained/practiced alternate methods, you're more likely to just fall into plan B.

Plan for the worst.

[Derek.J.]

Update. Went shooting with some friends with this. And I'm getting a lot better with it. And the grip doesn't seem to be as much of an issue as I thought. I still might get the talon grip for it, but it isn't a priority now. I will admit, I did have a little buyers remorse at first. But now I'm actually very happy with buying this gun. We've come to learn each other very well.

[Myusername2015]

Originally Posted by kmanick

Congrats! I found the slide release a little tough at first as well but now I'm used to it and it's a non issue. I have the FS .40 and a shield. I kind of wish I got my .40 as a compact as I love shooting that (more so than the shield)
but it doesn't conceal as well so it's turned into more of a Range /HD gun.
size comparison

holstered

What holster is the 9/40c holstered in?

[sacosta66]

Looks like a Stealth Gear IWB Holster.

[kmanick]

Originally Posted by Myusername2015

What holster is the 9/40c holstered in?

the full sized .40 is in a N82 pro.
the shield 9mm is in a Stealthgear Onyx.
I like both of them almost equally.

[Myusername2015]

Originally Posted by kmanick

the full sized .40 is in a N82 pro.
the shield 9mm is in a Stealthgear Onyx.
I like both of them almost equally.

The holster the 9 is in was the one I was asking about. Nice holster! I picked up a concealment express IWB kydex. Nice as well