proper method

[Jeremae]

If you don't have to shift your grip, using the slide lock lever is slightly quicker. Sling Shotting the slide is a slightly more reliable feed. I have seen master level shooters using both techniques.

[The Annoyed Man]

It appears that this is pistol specific. Glock owning friends tell me that Glock owner's manual calls the lever a "slide lock" and mfg docs advise to load a round by pulling and releasing the slide.

My P2000sk manual quite specifically calls the lever a "slide release" and advised to either press the lever or pull and release the slide. (In that order) My manual advised against riding the slide if you use the 2nd method.

The owners manual for my USP Compact .40 says (page 18):

Slide Release - This lever is located on the left side of the frame directly above the trigger. This lever is used to lock the slide open, to release the slide, and to disassemble the pistol.

Later, on page 24 under loading instructions, it says:

Chamber a cartridge - chamber a cartridge by depressing the slide release or by pulling the slide fully to the rear and releasing it. Do not ride the
slide forward!

I only quote this, because someone once told me that on H&K's, you NEVER use the lever as a slide release. So that, plus the above discussion, made me go look at the owners manuals for both my Kimber and my Springfield 1911s.

The Springfield manual says (page 18):

4. Point gun in a safe direction and keep finger off the trigger. Pull slide back and release slide smartly to allow slide to move forward and load a shell from the magazine into the chamber.

The Kimber owner's manual says almost the exact same thing, with the additional admonition not to ride the slide forward. Neither manual seems to make any reference to, or warning against, releasing the slide into battery by using the lever. They just don't mention it at all.

[dicion]

Let me restate what I said earlier. My post was in reference to 1911's only. I do not know enough about other types of handguns to speak of them the same way.

TAM's quote above from the 1911 manuals seems to agree with that I was taught

[srothstein]

I was always taught to pull the slide back, letting it go forward while my hand was still moving to the rear. This simulates the action of the weapon cycling after firing and helps the slide fully lock (the more energy stored in the recoil spring the better). I am not sure it really makes that much of a difference, but it is how I was taught.

I have noticed that various pistols have different procedures. The M&P, for example, has a slide lock with no nub on it to work as a release. It is designed to force you to pull the slide back.

Now, the reason I point this out is that you should practice how you will fight. If you have multiple weapons, you need to develop habits that will work on all of them if possible. Since some allow the slide release and some do not, I would recommend working based on not having the release capability. Just one less thing that you might not do quite right under stress. I have had this argument in training circles before, on both operations and how to clear malfunctions. There are people who teach pistol specific tactics and people who teach generic any pistol tactics. I prefer the latter.

Oh yeah, on the one handed shooting (since I did see it mentioned), I suggest practicing pulling the slide to the rear by pushing the frame forward while pushing the slide against something. The rear sights catch quite nicely on the heel of your boot (assuming you wear boots) and will cycle the slide for you.

[joe817]

My opinion - there is no "proper method". Do what works best for you; as for me, I'll carry on using the slide-stop.

That says it all. I agree.

[WildBill]

My opinion - there is no "proper method". Do what works best for you; as for me, I'll carry on using the slide-stop.

I believe it is better to pull back on the slide rather than using the slide release lever. My reasoning has nothing to do with wear on the gun or damaging it.

Under stress, you lose some fine motor skills and you revert to your training. If you always train by pulling back on the slide you are less likely to try and fumble with the slide release lever and have your sweating thumb slip off the lever.

[USA1]

I believe it is better to pull back on the slide rather than using the slide release lever. My reasoning has nothing to do with wear on the gun or damaging it.

Under stress, you lose some fine motor skills and you revert to your training. If you always train by pulling back on the slide you are less likely to try and fumble with the slide release lever and have your sweating thumb slip off the lever.

i think i will start using this method at the range .
the more i think about it , the more it makes sense .

seems like its one less thing to have to remember under a high stress situation.

[mred]

I will use the pull back method also from now on.

[tarkus]

My opinion - there is no "proper method". Do what works best for you; as for me, I'll carry on using the slide-stop.

I believe it is better to pull back on the slide rather than using the slide release lever.

Is it a slide stop or a slide release?

[USA1]

Is it a slide stop or a slide release?

both ??

[WildBill]

Is it a slide stop or a slide release?

both ??

It depends on the type of firearm. Glock calls it a slide release. Sig Arms calls it a slide catch lever. The 1911 people call it a slide stop.

[USA1]

Is it a slide stop or a slide release?

both ??

It depends on the type of firearm. Glock calls it a slide release. Sig Arms calls it a slide catch lever. The 1911 people call it a slide stop.

i call it "the little button thingy"

[Abraham]

And, never "Ride The Slide" - Slingshot it!

You'll see tough guys in movies often ride the slide, that is, they pull the slide back and then slowly push the slide forward - not good...

[mred]

Call it what what you wish, same principal all the way around. It locked the slide back for me, maybe it released it for you.