Tough slide release

Drewnjnc

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So I got my .40 Shield yesterday and can't wait to shoot it, but as I was checking it out the slide release is so hard to push down. On my Glock it's so easy. Just wondering if this is normal for this gun.
 
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if the mag is inserted....it will be difficult to release due to the added spring pressure from the mag.
 
As stated, with an empty mag inserted it WILL be much harder to release. Same with Kahr's and a number of other semi's. Drop the empty mag slightly and try it. If it is still hard, work it a few times to break it in a bit. With a full magazine it should react much the same as when you have dropped the mag slightly. I believe that design makes it less likely to accidentally close the slide on an empty chamber while reloading the gun with a full magazine.
 
It is NOT a "slide release". It is a "slide stop". Rack the slide.
The name varies a bit (slide catch on a Sig Sauer), and with most guns, it is perfectly acceptable to use it to release the slide. On my Kahr, it is the /only recommended/ way to release the slide (Sig says either is fine). In any event, yes, it's intended to be harder to release if the mag is empty. And of course, you cannot release the slide by pulling back on it with an empty mag, while the slide release will work. Lastly, it will get a bit easier to push down as the gun breaks in.
 
The name varies a bit (slide catch on a Sig Sauer), and with most guns, it is perfectly acceptable to use it to release the slide. On my Kahr, it is the /only recommended/ way to release the slide (Sig says either is fine). In any event, yes, it's intended to be harder to release if the mag is empty. And of course, you cannot release the slide by pulling back on it with an empty mag, while the slide release will work. Lastly, it will get a bit easier to push down as the gun breaks in.

You can use it to release the slide I agree, and it can be a disagreement as to how to release the slide.

I like the approach of racking the slide, so in the moment of reloading or malfunction, the movement is the same. I keep that movement the same so that in the moment of having to use the firearm to defend myself those muscle memories are easy to recall. If I added in more things, using the slide stop to release, that's one more thing that if a malfulction happens, I may try to use the slide stop to correct it.

Remember when in situations like that you dont exactly think as well as you do when you are at the range.
 
I like the approach of racking the slide, so in the moment of reloading or malfunction, the movement is the same.
I understand your reasoning, and don't disagree, but the action of clearing a malfunction is COMPLETELY different than racking the slide back a fraction of an inch to release it. So much so that practicing one might make the other more unnatural, rather than less. For SD or competition, where speed is important, it takes far longer to move your hand to the slide to release it after inserting a magazine, instead of simply pushing the slide stop down with your thumb, and it /requires/ two hands, so that is something I wouldn't even practice with. Personally.
 
I have a .40 M&P FS as well. Same as you, the slide release is much too stiff for one-sided release...but I think it stems from the design of it being "ambidextrous" in nature. I've learned to move my thumb for the left and my middle finger to the right to simultaneously depress both sides and actuate a quick release during reloads. While unorthodox compared to other firearms I use, it's just as quick once you get used to the motion.
 
I've looked through the manual and can not find any "Slide Release" for the Shield. Could you please provide a link or page to where you find this mystery slide release? There is a "Slide Stop", but that is as much of a slide release as a red light means go.
 
My 40c was VERY hard the first couple of times I used it to release the slide. I used both thumbs to get it to release. After a few times, it smoothed out and is easy enough to do if I need to. I agree, my old Glock was MUCH easier to release right out of the box.
 
Put some rounds down range. My M&P's slide stop was really hard at first as well. It got ALOT easy after a couple trips to the range.
 
The "slide stop" will loosen up and become easier for your intended use once you get some rounds down range... although like others have stated, It's called a slide stop for a reason. Get in the habit of constantly using it as a release after every mag spent, you may have some early repairs to make
 
It's the same with the 9mm Shield. However a quick read through the manual shows that you are suppose to rack the slide and not use the slide stop as a slide release. I did notice that after firing 100 rounds through the gun the slide stop could be used to release the slide but after the gun sat for a couple of days w/o firing it went back to being hard to push again.
 
When you wear the damn slid stop out using it as a release and your slide will no longer hold open on the last round don't come bitching.

Yeah, because THAT happens regularly. :rolleyes: Even if that should happen, all he has to do is contact S&W and they'll send him a replacement.
 
I don't see how a million rounds down range will make the slide stop easier to use as a release.

If you want to make it easier to use as a release you could polish the two mating surfaces between the slide and the catch or even file a bit on the catch.

I find myself using that lever to release the slide. Right or wrong, I like to use it that way.
 
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