Attempting to rack slide with safety on?

Andrew_Henry · Mar 12, 2016

I own an M&P bodyguard 380. Today I attempted to rack a round into the pistol but didn't realize I had the safety on until I felt some abnormal resistance and the slide wasn't moving. Is it possible I could do any damage to the action like this? Putting unnecessary pressure on the safety/firing system? Kind of feels like I already know the answer but I just need to know if I may have damaged my new gun. Thanks for reading. Ready to catch some flak if its a dumb question.

Inusuit · Mar 12, 2016

Never a dumb question. Well, this one isn't. You did not harm your pistol with hand pressure racking the slide.

Rpg · Mar 12, 2016

Your pistol is just fine. No harm.

You should learn the manual of arms so handling your pistol is second nature: safety off before racking slide.

This isn't to avoid damage to your pistol, it's to avoid fumbling when you need your pistol.

Andrew_Henry · Mar 12, 2016

Thanks for the replies. I am not used to having a safety on the gun. Obviously I have some training to do so I get used to it. Glad to hear no damage was done.

cmj8591 · Mar 12, 2016

I hate to recommend not using a safety but that's how I carry mine. To me, I think it's as safe as any double action revolver and that safety is just a little too tiny for my tastes.

Andrew_Henry · Mar 12, 2016

cmj8591 said:
I hate to recommend not using a safety but that's how I carry mine. To me, I think it's as safe as any double action revolver and that safety is just a little too tiny for my tastes.

Yeah, it seems like a pretty safe little gun which is why I chose it. I cringed when I realized I was mishandling it. Hate to cause myself any problems. We'll see if I can get used to the safety. You are correct, it is very small.

BigDog48 · Mar 12, 2016

Andrew_Henry said:
Yeah, it seems like a pretty safe little gun which is why I chose it. I cringed when I realized I was mishandling it. Hate to cause myself any problems. We'll see if I can get used to the safety. You are correct, it is very small.

Well, it's on a really little pistol! Keep training until it's automatic for you. Plus, you should have a round in the chamber and not need to rack the slide, except when taking it out of storage.

Deadeye Dick · Mar 12, 2016

BigDog48 said:
Well, it's on a really little pistol! Keep training until it's automatic for you. Plus, you should have a round in the chamber and not need to rack the slide, except when taking it out of storage.

He has to get that first round in the chamber somehow doesn't he? Racking the slide on a full magazine then is the best way I know of doing it. p.s.; Don't forget to top off those magazines after chambering the first round.

BigDog48 · Mar 12, 2016

Deadeye Dick said:
He has to get that first round in the chamber somehow doesn't he? Racking the slide on a full magazine then is the best way I know of doing it. p.s.; Don't forget to top off those magazines after chambering the first round.

that's why I said, when taking it out of storage. I did think he wouldn't put the safety on on an empty weapon.

cmj8591 · Mar 13, 2016

Deadeye Dick said:
He has to get that first round in the chamber somehow doesn't he? Racking the slide on a full magazine then is the best way I know of doing it. p.s.; Don't forget to top off those magazines after chambering the first round.

Racking a slide on a full mag is the only way to correctly load a semi auto. If you put a round in the chamber and let the slide slam on it you run the risk of breaking the extractor. If you ride the slide on a chambered round so that it doesn't slam, you run the risk of the gun not fully going into battery. With the slide locked to the rear, insert the full mag and let the slide go home, chambering the round. Then remove the mag and replace the round that is now in the chamber. As a side note, I use the "sling shot" method to close the slide. That is, pull back slightly on the locked back slide to disengage the slide stop and then let go so that the slide will go forward under full spring power.

KSDeputy · Mar 13, 2016

Good advice on loading a semi-auto. All of my pistols, except the BG .380 and Custom LCP, which has no safety, are DA/SA and are carried loaded with the safety off. The two DAO pocket pistols are new to me, I have never owned a DAO pistol before. I bought the custom LCP because of the dismal trigger on the BG .380. I do not expect to buy any DAO pistols again. If I keep the BG .380 the safety will be kept off.

Deadeye Dick · Mar 13, 2016

cmj8591 said:
Racking a slide on a full mag is the only way to correctly load a semi auto. If you put a round in the chamber and let the slide slam on it you run the risk of breaking the extractor. If you ride the slide on a chambered round so that it doesn't slam, you run the risk of the gun not fully going into battery. With the slide locked to the rear, insert the full mag and let the slide go home, chambering the round. Then remove the mag and replace the round that is now in the chamber. As a side note, I use the "sling shot" method to close the slide. That is, pull back slightly on the locked back slide to disengage the slide stop and then let go so that the slide will go forward under full spring power.

This absolutely correct and the method I always use for the reasons stated.

Bud33 · Mar 14, 2016

You CAN rack the slide with the safety on, on the shield, but not on the BG.
I use the safety on my shield while holstering the weapon and then switch it of once in place. I just don't like the idea that something might get thru the trigger guard on the way into the holster and an accidental discharge while holster would be painful to the leg or other things.

Attempting to rack slide with safety on?

Andrew_Henry

Inusuit

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Rpg

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Andrew_Henry

cmj8591

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Andrew_Henry

BigDog48

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Deadeye Dick

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BigDog48

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cmj8591

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KSDeputy

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Deadeye Dick

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Bud33

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