I am not a new shooter, I've been at it for decades so this seems like a dumb question but I will ask anyway. I just picked up a S&W Bodyguard 2.0. The slide lock / release is extremely tight and I haven't been able to release the slide with one thumb after inserting a magazine which is how I generally load a pistol. I have read that this has happened to other people and that after a few hundred rounds it improves. Is this the case? If not what am I missing? I don't want to force it if for some reason it is not intended to operate that way, but that would be very odd. What's the deal? Thanks.
S&W Bodyguard 2.0 slide release issue
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geeollie
Member
My old police instructor would scream at us if we used the slide stop lever to release the slide.
I do not have a dog in this fight but will point out the Page 12 of the Bodyguard 2.0 owner's Manual shows that your firearm has a Slide Stop.
My old instructor drilled us to insert a new full magazine and then pull back on the slide to release the Slide Stop lever. Maybe try this for a while to see if the action of that lever gets any better. Mine has a hard catch right before it releases. That is if I do it wrong and use the Slide Lock to release my slide........he said with a smile. Seems most of the springs in this little gun are very strong and benefit from use.
I do not have a dog in this fight but will point out the Page 12 of the Bodyguard 2.0 owner's Manual shows that your firearm has a Slide Stop.
My old instructor drilled us to insert a new full magazine and then pull back on the slide to release the Slide Stop lever. Maybe try this for a while to see if the action of that lever gets any better. Mine has a hard catch right before it releases. That is if I do it wrong and use the Slide Lock to release my slide........he said with a smile. Seems most of the springs in this little gun are very strong and benefit from use.
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I have a little less than 200 through mine, I still use the sling shot method.
Don't have a BG 2.0 user guide but I think I remember that S&W does not refer to them as slide release's ..... only slide stop.....
You can't release the slide on my Shield Plus or my Shield Plus carry comp
in this manner and I like a strong hold slide stop..
If it's not a slide release quit trying to use is as one.
You can't release the slide on my Shield Plus or my Shield Plus carry comp
in this manner and I like a strong hold slide stop..
If it's not a slide release quit trying to use is as one.
I'm not sure you understood me correctly and I'm not sure I understand you. I do insert a full magazine with a locked back slide and then use the slide release to send one round home. That is exactly how I was instructed for many years. If you are in action and your pistol locks back empty the proper procedure is to drop the magazine, insert a fresh magazine, and release the slide. At least that's how I was taught.
I agree that releasing the slide with an empty magazine or no magazine may be bad for the pistol because it can damage the extractor. However, this depends on the type extractor, and the type of metal the gun is made from.
I believe the slide release on the bodyguard 2.0 is very tight from the factory, but can be used as described above. I'm just trying to confirm that.
So you mean to tell me you can't drop a magazine, insert a fresh one, and release the slide on the bodyguard 2.0? Then why do they call it an ACP? Having to close the slide, insert a new mag, and rack is not how a combat pistol should operate.
Welcome to the forum. You've inadvertently tripped over the wire setting off another debate on slide lock/stop/catch vs slide release.
As others have mentioned S&W considers it a lock/stop, not release. According the manual, you insert a loaded mag with the slide locked back, pull the slide back to release the slide lock, then release the slide (slingshot). If you look closely at the notch where the slide stop rests when locked back, you see it's a sharp corner and the slide stop wedges itself in there.
Some brands do consider it a "release" and state to depress it to release the slide.
How YOU do it is up to you. Yes, they are very stiff but will wear in with use.
Even on my well used M&Ps, I still struggle to release the slide by depressing the stop. Despite having other handguns with prominent slide releases, I slingshot all of them.
As others have mentioned S&W considers it a lock/stop, not release. According the manual, you insert a loaded mag with the slide locked back, pull the slide back to release the slide lock, then release the slide (slingshot). If you look closely at the notch where the slide stop rests when locked back, you see it's a sharp corner and the slide stop wedges itself in there.
Some brands do consider it a "release" and state to depress it to release the slide.
How YOU do it is up to you. Yes, they are very stiff but will wear in with use.
Even on my well used M&Ps, I still struggle to release the slide by depressing the stop. Despite having other handguns with prominent slide releases, I slingshot all of them.
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kbm6893
Member
The slide stop works as a slide release on the Shield Plus, as long as the gun ejects a spent casing and locks back in an empty magazine. If you fire the gun to empty and drop the mag, when you insert a new magazine pressing the slide lock down easily releases it.
But I learned the sling shot method and still prefer it.
kbm6893
Member
No. He meant you can drop the empty magazine with the slide locked back, and then put in a new mag, then pull back on the locked open slide and it releases the slide lock.
Although we may often see those three letters, not everyone knows exactly what they mean. The short answer? ACP stands for "Automatic Colt Pistol." The longer answer? The letters "ACP" are used to denote various cartridges designed by John Browning for Colt semi-automatic pistols.
when using the BG 2.0 the slide locks back open after the last round is fired, drop the mag, insert new mag, release the slide and fire, takes less than 2 seconds to do that. You don't have to close the slide to insert a new mag.
Thanks. This is the answer I'm looking for. I wasn't looking to start an internet mud sling. God knows there are enough of those. I think I will go with my training and use it as a release as it breaks in. I won't say where that was, but trust me it wasn't too shabby. They knew their shizzle.
It's slide release. I don't care what they call it, it's a slide release. A rose by any other name is still a rose. My BG-2 came from the factory with it working as a slide release. I was halfway through the first day at the range before I even noticed it. Hey..the slide release works like it's supposed to. YEA! 
I have heard/read somewhere that if you shoot to slide stop, and reload, they will work. That does seem to be the case, with my three shields, a couple of EZ's, the BG-2, and a Glock 42. At the range I never even think about it. Just hit the botton and go back to shooting. All of those were purchased used (except the BG-2), so I don't know if they just came to me broken in, or if they've been modified. They all lock back just fine by the way.
I suspect they're just broken in. Keep shooting.
I have heard/read somewhere that if you shoot to slide stop, and reload, they will work. That does seem to be the case, with my three shields, a couple of EZ's, the BG-2, and a Glock 42. At the range I never even think about it. Just hit the botton and go back to shooting. All of those were purchased used (except the BG-2), so I don't know if they just came to me broken in, or if they've been modified. They all lock back just fine by the way.
I suspect they're just broken in. Keep shooting.
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Like all things firearm, ammo, holsters, and toilet paper… it's a personal choice and if it feels good and does the job, you're good to go.
It's interesting that 7 very popular firearm manufacturers use specific words to describe the release method and function of the slide.
None of the 7 manufacturers refer to or use the word "RELEASE" to describe the actual component device.
Sig Sauer - Slide Catch Lever – Sig P365
Smith & Wesson - BG2 – Slide Stop
Ruger – Hold Open/Slide Stop – "Automatic last round Hold Open / Slide Stop allows the slide to be locked to the rear to positively view the cartridge chamber. The hold open is spring loaded downward so it is released by pulling the slide slightly rearward.
Glock – Slide Stop Lever
Beretta – Slide Catch
Canik – Slide Stop Lever
Staccato – Slide Catch
It's interesting that 7 very popular firearm manufacturers use specific words to describe the release method and function of the slide.
None of the 7 manufacturers refer to or use the word "RELEASE" to describe the actual component device.
Sig Sauer - Slide Catch Lever – Sig P365
Smith & Wesson - BG2 – Slide Stop
Ruger – Hold Open/Slide Stop – "Automatic last round Hold Open / Slide Stop allows the slide to be locked to the rear to positively view the cartridge chamber. The hold open is spring loaded downward so it is released by pulling the slide slightly rearward.
Glock – Slide Stop Lever
Beretta – Slide Catch
Canik – Slide Stop Lever
Staccato – Slide Catch
Pull back on the slide a little to release the tension on the slide lock.
https://ia800800.us.archive.org/28/...Instruction Manual BODYGUARD® 2.0 Pistols.pdf
https://ia800800.us.archive.org/28/...Instruction Manual BODYGUARD® 2.0 Pistols.pdf
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It's slide release. I don't care what they call it, it's a slide release. A rose by any other name is still a rose. My BG-2 came from the factory with it working as a slide release. I was halfway through the first day at the range before I even noticed it. Hey..the slide release works like it's supposed to. YEA!
I have heard/read somewhere that if you shoot to slide stop, and reload, they will work. That does seem to be the case, with my three shields, a couple of EZ's, the BG-2, and a Glock 42. At the range I never even think about it. Just hit the botton and go back to shooting. All of those were purchased used (except the BG-2), so I don't know if they just came to me broken in, or if they've been modified. They all lock back just fine by the way.
I suspect they're just broken in. Keep shooting.
Well, every pistol I've ever carried has had a smooth slide release that allowed easy operation out of the box. The BG2 is the first time I encounter a slide release that is so stiff. If I am reading you correctly it can be used as I have been trained and it should become easier to release with time. Correct?
I am not arguing the point. To each his own, but I carried a Sig 226 for many years and went through at least 100 training and qualifying sessions where drop the empty mag, insert fresh mag, and release the slide was the standard practice. Not once were we instructed to insert on a closed slide and rack. That was frowned upon as slow, and speed was held at a premium.
I hear today many agencies are going away from that. Go figure.
geeollie
Member
I replied early into this discussion and sided with 1 of the 2 acceptable methods of recharging an empty gun. So thought I would post a quote from the Kahr Owner's manual. I've owned PM9 and P380 and used their instructions with their guns.
"Pull the slide fully to the rear and lock it back using the Slide Stop. Next push down on the Slide Stop to chamber the first round into the barrel. Do not chamber a round by pulling back on the slide and letting go of the slide. This may cause the slide to not go fully into battery."
I have enjoyed this thread. Discussion is good.
"Pull the slide fully to the rear and lock it back using the Slide Stop. Next push down on the Slide Stop to chamber the first round into the barrel. Do not chamber a round by pulling back on the slide and letting go of the slide. This may cause the slide to not go fully into battery."
I have enjoyed this thread. Discussion is good.
Yep. That's how I was taught.
It will get easier and better. The BG 2.0 is a tight little bugger in many ways. The magazines are a bit*h to load fully if not impossible at first by hand. The slide recoil spring is extremely stiff, most women and anyone with weaker hands will have a problem racking it. But they will loosen up with use.
Good to hear. I have no problem with the fact it has tight fittings. That is much preferable to the alternative. I did notice that the safety was very tight at first but after engaging it a few times it was easy to deploy and release. Racking has not been an issue. The only thing that seems super tight is the slide release as mentioned before. So much so that I was afraid I was doing something wrong. Now that I know it operates as a release I will work it in using dummy rounds until it feels right.
I appreciate all the assistance. My policy with a new gun is to familiarize myself with the weapon and train dry until I know how to operate every function so there are no surprises when I go live.
In a fight.
Obviously not a dumb question, judging by the opinions of our family here on this fine forum. There is no such thing as a dumb question, however the guy asking it....Ha!
I am of the slide release school of thought.
I do not mind that on the forum here there are many who use a lot of emotional intensity. I suggest we ignore it and accept it. There is probably some deep psychological reason why this is so.
The Les Baer with a recoil buffer installed simply cannot be released by me using the slingshot method. However, my 3rd gen EDC gun can be reliably and confidently operated using the slide release lever. It has never failed.
I was taught to operate the magazine release button with the support hand and also use it to operate the slide release. The two-hand hold is the default posture in gunfighting. Operating the controls with the support hand allows you to maintain a firm firing grip when moving and when in close-quarter fighting.
A very real advantage to the pull-back method appears whenever your slide happens to not lock back. If you have a practiced habit of chambering a round by grabbing the rear of the slide and pulling back, it is a simple matter to rack the new round in.
I believe that your Bodyguard 2.0 can be made to work. I agree with your plan of dry firing and breaking it in, but it does reliably lock back, and you can always chamber a round by pulling back on the slide right?
If you cannot reliably release the slide with the lever, you should get it fixed. If there is time you could send it in under warranty. If you've got the money, just go consult with a trusted gunsmith. IMHO.
Kind Regards!
BrianD
Obviously not a dumb question, judging by the opinions of our family here on this fine forum. There is no such thing as a dumb question, however the guy asking it....Ha!
I am of the slide release school of thought.
I do not mind that on the forum here there are many who use a lot of emotional intensity. I suggest we ignore it and accept it. There is probably some deep psychological reason why this is so.
The Les Baer with a recoil buffer installed simply cannot be released by me using the slingshot method. However, my 3rd gen EDC gun can be reliably and confidently operated using the slide release lever. It has never failed.
I was taught to operate the magazine release button with the support hand and also use it to operate the slide release. The two-hand hold is the default posture in gunfighting. Operating the controls with the support hand allows you to maintain a firm firing grip when moving and when in close-quarter fighting.
A very real advantage to the pull-back method appears whenever your slide happens to not lock back. If you have a practiced habit of chambering a round by grabbing the rear of the slide and pulling back, it is a simple matter to rack the new round in.
I believe that your Bodyguard 2.0 can be made to work. I agree with your plan of dry firing and breaking it in, but it does reliably lock back, and you can always chamber a round by pulling back on the slide right?
If you cannot reliably release the slide with the lever, you should get it fixed. If there is time you could send it in under warranty. If you've got the money, just go consult with a trusted gunsmith. IMHO.
Kind Regards!
BrianD
Obviously not a dumb question, judging by the opinions of our family here on this fine forum. There is no such thing as a dumb question, however the guy asking it....Ha!
I am of the slide release school of thought.
I do not mind that on the forum here there are many who use a lot of emotional intensity. I suggest we ignore it and accept it. There is probably some deep psychological reason why this is so.
The Les Baer with a recoil buffer installed simply cannot be released by me using the slingshot method. However, my 3rd gen EDC gun can be reliably and confidently operated using the slide release lever. It has never failed.
I was taught to operate the magazine release button with the support hand and also use it to operate the slide release. The two-hand hold is the default posture in gunfighting. Operating the controls with the support hand allows you to maintain a firm firing grip when moving and when in close-quarter fighting.
A very real advantage to the pull-back method appears whenever your slide happens to not lock back. If you have a practiced habit of chambering a round by grabbing the rear of the slide and pulling back, it is a simple matter to rack the new round in.
I believe that your Bodyguard 2.0 can be made to work. I agree with your plan of dry firing and breaking it in, but it does reliably lock back, and you can always chamber a round by pulling back on the slide right?
If you cannot reliably release the slide with the lever, you should get it fixed. If there is time you could send it in under warranty. If you've got the money, just go consult with a trusted gunsmith. IMHO.
Kind Regards!
BrianD
Good advice. It is only two days out of the box and no range time yet. I will work on the release with dummy rounds in the mag and then put some rounds through it. If it is still very stiff that may be the time to consider a gun smith. Luckily the place where I purchased it is full service, but I'm sure all it needs is some exercise.
LVSteve
Member
To me, the slide lock/release discussion marks the divide between those trained/indoctrinated with the 1911 manual of arms, and most people born after 1970. 
My view is the slingshot method works on 90+% of production semi-autos. The same cannot be said for the slide "whatever" lever, even between different models from the same maker.
My view is the slingshot method works on 90+% of production semi-autos. The same cannot be said for the slide "whatever" lever, even between different models from the same maker.
I have always used that gizmo as a slide release, going back to my IPSC club days in the 80's. 1911's, Model 39's and other semi auto's. Some were stiffer than others with Glocks being about the worst I think. Shields have been pretty stiff to, but time and use seem to loosen them up. I suspect these are not precision made parts and they just don't fit together as precisely as you might think they do, and there is a lot of spring pressure on them. Time and use wear those parts together.
A drop of oil, or a dab of greese doesn't seem to hurt either.
Some guns have a slide stop and some have a slide release. Although many insist on releasing the slide with a "slide stop", it is not designed for that and why your manual will instruct the shooter to "slingshot" the slide. A good instructor will advise you how to properly release your slide.
halfmoonclip
Member
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This is absolutely true of the Kahr, at least partially because the recoil spring shares a parts number with a Kenworth spring.... Seriously, the recoil springs are brutal, and it is difficult to fully rack them, manually.
I was in the habit of releasing with the stop, but the first stage of our current carry gun league requires picking up an empty pistol, loading a magazine, and then chambering a round, against the clock. I've found an overhand grasp, push pull is faster than using the stop.
Moon
To me, the slide lock/release discussion marks the divide between those trained/indoctrinated with the 1911 manual of arms, and most people born after 1970.
(Raising hand) This is me. I'm an old coot, and the Colt GM, 1911 was the first "automatic" (we never called them a semi-auto) handgun I ever fired, followed closely by the Smith and Wesson Model 39-2. I was in a local IPSC club and while I didn't worship at the feet of Jeff Cooper, he was pretty influential. It was a slide release, and got used as such. The "slingshot" was a backup methoid of charging the gun when things didn't go as planned.
Along came Glock and those rascals were as tight as ticks. You pretty much had to slingshot them, that was probably one reason I never really cared for Glocks. I mean they were good guns, but didn't really want to work the way I said they were supposed to. Same thing with the Smith and Wesson Shields. I learned the slingshot method, but didn't really like it. Eventually those guns would work in, or I bought used ones that were already broken in to where I could use the slide release the way I knew it was supposed to work and I was happy with them. Heck, I've even got a Glock I like now.
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