Don't Use The Slide Stop To Release The Slide?
WHY NOT?
I have always been told not to use the
slide stop to release the slide on my Glock 19 or any other semi
automatic pistol for that matter. I never questioned "Why Not" until
recently. Surely using this lever would not harm the gun. It's part of the
gun's design and it's made to operate in that way so why not use it?
Here are some reasons.
-
You Get The Full Force Of The Recoil Spring
To Return The Gun To Battery
When you use the slide stop to release the slide you may not be
using the full force of the recoil spring to chamber the next round and
to return the slide to battery. See for yourself. Pull the slide back on
your pistol and lock it back. Then manually pull it back all the way and
compare the difference in distances. On both my Glock 19 and Glock 26 I
get about 1/8" more recoil spring compression. I have read that some
guns won't reliably load a round when the slide stop is released but
will do it every time when racking the slide.
-
It's Easier To Grab It And Pull. Fine Motor
Skills Go Out The Window In A Self Defense Situation
Many pistol/self defense course instructors will advise you not
to use the slide stop to release the slide. They tell you this because
in a self defense situation your fine motor skills and your ability to
manipulate small objects is diminished. If you train load a magazine
ever time by releasing the slide with a racking motion you will build up
your muscle memory and it will become automatic and second nature to you
in any situation.
-
You Don't Have To Look For It
When you use the slide stop lever you have to look down and
take your eyes off the target or threat. If you just pull on the slide
your eyes can remain on the threat or the target.
-
"Sling-Shotting" Is More Universal
To All Pistols
Not all pistols have slide stop and slide release levers. Using
the sling shot method of releasing a slide will make you better prepared
for handling a larger variety of hand guns.
December 25, 2011
I'm sorry but if you don't have the motor skills to operate the slide stop
then you don't have the motor skills to pull the trigger, release you pistol
from its holster, operate safety(obviously doesn't apply to Glocks), or put
your hand over the firearm, pinch it, pull really hard and release without
punching yourself in the face let alone even getting the mag in the grip in
the first place. Also you do not have to look for the magazine release to
use it because it is right above your thumb! There is even a chance of
turning the safety on if re-setting the slide on firearms such as a Beretta.
I have never seen an auto-loading pistol without a slide release other than
a luger, and if you pick up a pistol that's not yours you probably won't
have any magazines for it either. Just saying. Also those precious seconds
you lose by not using the slide stop/release could most definitely mean
death in a real self defense scenario . The only real reasons I find not to
use it often is because of the fear of wearing out the slide stop/release,
you hurt your thumb, or because it's not your personal preference! But
everything else is arguable!!! Also from shooting Ar-15s and pistols you
will find that when you pull back the charging handle/slide you usually
unintentionally ride it forward slightly creating even less spring pressure!
Just my 2 cents, not a question.
Jon
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