Gripping the slide better (shield 9mm)

[Corysxj88]

I have a hard time getting a good grip on the slide when racking it. Problem is, my hands stay soft, I work on a computer everyday and just don't have those gritty, manly hands that can grip onto anything....so my question is...what have you guys found that I can do/use to achieve a better grip on my slide.

I have been practicing quick drawing from my side and loading a round in the chamber as fast as I can, and alot of time, my hand will not complete a full pull of the slide because my grip goes away.

I thought about getting some material similar to what talon uses (rubberized version) and cutting up some pieces to put on the slide, just don't know how well that would work.

Any suggestions?

 

[Captain Skippy]

First of all, are you carrying with an empty chamber? If so why on God's good earth would you do this?
I have been a firearms instructor over 20 years and find this helps those that have trouble racking the slide: assuming you're right handed bring the pistol up and point forward in a safe direction with your right hand. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER! The pistol should be fairly close to your chest. Roll your right wrist and handgun to the left and as you do using the thumb and first two fingers of the left hand grasp the slide serrations. Don't use the pinkie and ring finger so many do. These are your weakest fingers. The thumb and first two fingers are the strongest. As they grasp the slide push the right hand forward and pull the slide back with your left hand quickly. Using both hands shares the load of the spring. As soon as the slide is all the way to the rear let it go like a slingshot to cycle the round. Don't push or "ride" it forward. This could cause a jam. As you let go of the slide roll the pistol perpendicular and assume a two handed grip. The description sounds long but it only takes an instant. Go on YouTube and look up some Dave Spaulding's drills. This is his preferred method. Please don't carry on an empty chamber. It will get you killed.

 

[Captain Skippy]

And go to Walmart or a sporting goods store and get a grip strength squeezer or hand exercise ball and build up those hands. Get a 2-5lb dumbbell to build up the wrist.

 

[Hunter991]

i am a computer guy too and have no issues racking the slide. If you do, there is a method explained above. But its as simple as "cup" the slide with your left and and push down with your right hand bringing your hands together and trying to make them cross so your left hand passes your right. . Its makes it very simple. I trained my wife to do this with some difficult to rack guns.

 

[MSG Glenn]

A quick Google search turned this up. This is just one of many so I just chose the first one. It basically shows the method I use for racking the slide -

How to rack the slide - YouTube

 

[shakyshoot]

I agree that if you are carrying, there should be a round in the chamber. How new is the pistol? The recoil spring on my Shield is noticeably softer than it was when brand new. I Have 800 rounds through it now, but I could tell the difference in racking the slide after 2-300.

 

[Corysxj88]

ok, let me clarify....I DO NOT carry with an unloaded chamber. I always carry with one in the pipe and a full mag.I am strictly speaking on training exercises of racking the slide incase of malfunction.
Also, it is not a strength issue. its a grip issue. my finish on my slide and my hands often do not mix....if I rough up my fingers and hands a bit, i can get a better hold of the slide.

I am simply looking for something to better grip on. I have more than the strength to rack the slide, I am just having trouble gripping the slide if my fingers/hands are cold/smooth

Basically, I just need a bit of friction.

 

[shakyshoot]

In that case, I'd just do a search for "skateboard tape" or "stair tape" and try a small piece of that on each side. Don't know how well it would stay on, but it wouldn't cost much, and if you don't like it you can always take it off.

 

[Bkreutz]

In that case, I'd just do a search for "skateboard tape" or "stair tape" and try a small piece of that on each side. Don't know how well it would stay on, but it wouldn't cost much, and if you don't like it you can always take it off.

It will stick fine if you make sure to clean the area where you stick the tape with a suitable solvent. Alcohol pads work but I prefer acetone or something like that (a bit quicker). The tape can start to peel up on the edges but a way to slow that down is to not have square corners on the piece of tape, put a radius there and it will last longer.

 

[sambuh]

You can try grip tape there where the serrations are. That should help!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Danno_man]

Get a 10-8 ledge sight and use it to rack it on anything you please.
I noticed that its even enough of a ledge that when I clear a stovepipe, my hand catches it and ejects a round (along with the stovepipe)

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[71velle]

The slide is a tough bugger for us desk jockeys because of the size of the gun. I think that hand exercises are the best bet.