MyRightNut
Member
Do you use the slide stop as a slide release to chamber a round or do you pull back the slide to do it? Yes, no, both? Why or why not?
Slide stop
- Thread starter MyRightNut
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Fulton722
Member
seldon14 got it right.
Also, the slide stops on S&W Shields can be very difficult to push down to release the slide, so I don't even try. Also, not using the slide stop as a slide release eliminates possible wear on the contact surfaces.
Also, the slide stops on S&W Shields can be very difficult to push down to release the slide, so I don't even try. Also, not using the slide stop as a slide release eliminates possible wear on the contact surfaces.
Ranger17
Member
I slingshot all of mine. It works best on my Shield so I dont see a reason to have different methods based on what else may be in my range bag or on my person. Easy to be consistent that way.
On some of my pistols, the slide stop/release is easy to reach. On others, not so much. So I overhand rack them all to be consistent.
Yes, my Beretta can be finicky in that regard so I did the "G" mod (decocker only) to solve that problem.
YMMV
Yes, my Beretta can be finicky in that regard so I did the "G" mod (decocker only) to solve that problem.
YMMV
Chino74
Member
Overhand slingshot all the time, as a leftie, for me personally it's much better. My firing hand grip is then consistent.
I don't use the slide stop as a release because the owner's manual says not to. I slingshot the slide.
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2006
- Messages
- 7,802
- Reaction score
- 7,240
Page 17 from the M&P Pistols Safety and Instruction Manual (1.0/MPF series serial #s) seems to have a contradiction to that. With the slide locked back, the instruction states: "Press down on the slide stop to release the slide and allow it to carry fully forward. This strips a cartridge from the magazine and seats it in the chamber of the barrel."
Admittedly, the writer seems not totally familiar with how firearms work and the proof reader apparently didn't either as they assume that the slide will lock back when moved to the rear with a loaded magazine in place. However, the method of slide release is plain. It would appear that the use of the slide stop is an approved method of releasing a slide from the locked back position to load.
The current version for the 2.0 on page 18 gives the method of loading from the slide forward/magazine in place as the slingshot method of pulling the side. This is the easiest way to load from that condition. In fact, on page 20, in bold red letters it advises that releasing the slide with the slide stop will cause the slide to move forward at high velocity. No where did I see it say not to use the slide stop to release the slide.
Now, I personally don't give a hoot which way you choose to release the slide, but I'd suggest that you become familiar with both methods. One does not always have the use of both hands. Learning how to hook the rear sight on things to rack the slide also helps. The slide stop release is generally faster and somewhat less fumble prone, but that can vary depending upon your hand size. When reloading one can always reach upward with a digit on the support hand to operate the slide stop.
Last edited:
For at least the last 25 years I've used the slide lock as a release with no problem on all my semiautos. However over the past year I've acquired two that I can't reliably drop the slide on using that method. Since I like those guns and will not be getting rid of them I will be retraining myself to overhand or slingshot the slide to release it for consistency.
I have three Safety & Instruction Manuals for M&P pistols, all purchased new. One is for my 1.0 40c, purchased Dec., 2014, the second for my 1.0 Shield 9, purchased June, 2015, and the third for my Shield 45, purchased Feb., 2017. All three chambering instructions are identical, and all say the following (on p. 17 for the 40c, p. 18 for the Shields):
"Pull the slide to the rear and release it, allowing it to carry fully forward. This strips a cartridge from the magazine and seats it in the chamber of the barrel."
While it doesn't explicitly forbid using the slide stop to release the slide, the clear implication is that they don't recommend it. Apparently S&W had a change of heart from the time they published the Manual you cited, and after experimenting with the slide stop release method on my M&Ps, I can see why. While sometimes it worked just fine, at other times I found the slide stop to be so stiff, that it slowed loading by the time I got it pushed down, and a few times, it did not release with enough force to fully chamber a round. On the other hand, slingshotting the slide, as per the Manual, has worked for me every time, so that's what I do.
Last edited:
bobrock
Member
I use the slide stop because it's a little faster. I first saw a thoughtful demonstration of that by Larry Vickers on YouTube in connection with 1911s (which I shoot most of the time).
The argument against "fine motor skills" carries less weight when you consider that pulling the trigger is a fine motor skill.
Also, for my pistols running an RDS, it can be awkward to find the right place to grab for a slingshot approach.
My M&P 1.0 auto-forwards so often that it's pretty much a moot point, for me.
The argument against "fine motor skills" carries less weight when you consider that pulling the trigger is a fine motor skill.
Also, for my pistols running an RDS, it can be awkward to find the right place to grab for a slingshot approach.
My M&P 1.0 auto-forwards so often that it's pretty much a moot point, for me.
hogblue
Member
The name says it all. Slide stop or slide lock. I've not run across any firearms mfg that call this particular part a slide release. It's sole purpose is to lock the slide to the rear position.
Go run a half mile then empty your magazine on target at 15 yds might get 30% where you want them to go. Now reload and try to find the slide lock to release the slide. Good luck. The proper slide release is to sling shot the slide. This is what most law enforcement agencies teach.
ContinentalOp
Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2009
- Messages
- 6,315
- Reaction score
- 12,813
I've used both. Practice both. They both have their strengths and limitations. Slide releases can be hard to manipulate, or just be non-existent, on some guns. Some guns don't have a last-round-hold-open capability even if they have slide stops/releases. But people can fumble slide racks, too.
Consistency is a good argument in favor of racking the slide. Probably the best one, IMO.
The "fine motor skills" argument is a little over done. Hitting the slide release isn't any more difficult than hitting the mag release, but I never hear people claim it's difficult to hit the mag release under stress. And yes, pulling the trigger on a gun is a "fine motor skill."
Also, for one-handed gun manipulations, it may actually be easier to hit the slide release with your thumb than trying to snag the rear sight (or something else on the slide) on a belt or something if the slide is locked back.
When I use the slide release, I hit it with my left thumb once a mag is inserted. I find it the most efficient way to get the gun back on target after reloading. I use my right thumb if I need to close a locked-open slide one-handed.
When I rack the slide, I prefer the slingshot method vs the overhand method because it's a little easier to keep the muzzle oriented downrange and my hand doesn't cover the ejection port. Also, with my 92, I have a harder time getting a solid grasp on the rear of the slide with the overhand method than slingshotting. But either method can be used effectively.
Sometimes the best method depends on the gun. Sometimes the best method depends on the user. Sometimes it depends on both.
So practice each method, ideally with some time pressure, and see which one works for you. Focus your efforts on that method, but I think it's a good idea to maintain at least some familiarity with the other method(s).
Just my opinion.
Consistency is a good argument in favor of racking the slide. Probably the best one, IMO.
The "fine motor skills" argument is a little over done. Hitting the slide release isn't any more difficult than hitting the mag release, but I never hear people claim it's difficult to hit the mag release under stress. And yes, pulling the trigger on a gun is a "fine motor skill."
Also, for one-handed gun manipulations, it may actually be easier to hit the slide release with your thumb than trying to snag the rear sight (or something else on the slide) on a belt or something if the slide is locked back.
When I use the slide release, I hit it with my left thumb once a mag is inserted. I find it the most efficient way to get the gun back on target after reloading. I use my right thumb if I need to close a locked-open slide one-handed.
When I rack the slide, I prefer the slingshot method vs the overhand method because it's a little easier to keep the muzzle oriented downrange and my hand doesn't cover the ejection port. Also, with my 92, I have a harder time getting a solid grasp on the rear of the slide with the overhand method than slingshotting. But either method can be used effectively.
Sometimes the best method depends on the gun. Sometimes the best method depends on the user. Sometimes it depends on both.
So practice each method, ideally with some time pressure, and see which one works for you. Focus your efforts on that method, but I think it's a good idea to maintain at least some familiarity with the other method(s).
Just my opinion.
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2006
- Messages
- 7,802
- Reaction score
- 7,240
As previously noted, easiest way to load from slide forward, full magazine inserted.
You're assuming facts not in evidence. You've also obviously never been through transition training per S&W. I spent over 27 years as a LE Firearms Instructor. All with S&W sidearms as standard. That said, whatever works for you.
I've also found the "fine motor skills" argument to be a justification in search of someone's preference/prejudice. You've fired the firearm empty, dropped the empty magazine, fetched a loaded magazine and inserted it into the magazine well all using fine motor skills and now, suddenly, your fine motor skills desert you when it's time to operate the slide stop? This is not logical.
As to nomenclature: many/most early semi-auto designs use the slide stop pin to retain the slide assembly. "Stopping" the pistol from disassembling itself. It also "stops" the slide in the proper position to load a fresh magazine. in other words, it's a logical label. Does not mean that's the only application for it. Does hint that some look for any possible hook to hang their practices/preferences on.
Last edited:
Well, they sure come home pretty stiff. Both of mine have some travel on them now, and the slide stop can be managed with one hand, same for my BG .380's, but I no longer "have the habit" and simply sling shot the slide.
Actually, the same can be said for the safety's. I use them when I put the holstered gun down for the day, otherwise it's too small and stiff to play with if I need to use it quickly.
CelticSire
US Veteran
It depends on the firearm. My Kahr PM 9 specifically uses the slide stop/release. Says so in the owner's manual. Slingshot method can (and usually will) cause it to not feed.
Similar threads
