Is there a "proper" way to manipulate the slide on a semi-automatic pistol?

2014-08-17T23:37:47-04:00

I'm asking the experts. I have an issue with the slide release, weak hand due to an injury. I am looking for something small and easy to use. Any ideas???

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 12:11 AM

2014-08-18T00:11:31-04:00

My first thought is that if you have hands which have been injured and are unable to manipulate the gear, perhaps you should hold off on using the gear until you get some physical therapy underway to be able to handle your gear. You stand a chance of damaging yourself or others if you are not able to properly hold and manipulate weapons.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 18 at 2014 1:06 AM

2014-08-18T01:06:45-04:00

This is for a personally owned weapon, right? Well if you want to avoid the issue of slides in the first place, go with a revolver. If you insist on a semi-auto, here are a couple of hints:

A: To rack the slide use opposing force. i.e. push this pistol frame forward with your dominant hand holding the grip and push the slide in the opposite direction with the off-hand. Easier than pulling the slide back.

B: To release the slide after is has locked back you can do one of two things:

1: If you are in the proper tow hand grip, your support hand thumb will be resting along the side of the slide/frame approximately where the release is at. Use your thumb to trip it. If you are having trouble, the release may be too short and you'll need to replace it with a longer one.

2: If you don't want to mess with the slide release, the second way is to "sling-shot" the slide. That is, after you insert the fresh mag, pull the slide back slightly with your support hand. It won't take very much force to disengage the hold-open catch and the slide will slide forward.

Slide Release v Slingshot

Ramble on using the sling shot method and the slide release. I fav the sling shot because that's how I had been trained years ago on a Glock. This could be t...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 18 at 2014 2:28 AM

2014-08-18T02:28:24-04:00

What did you do to get such a nasty problem with your hand? Deploying isn't worth permanent damage and if you are still that bad, then your doc isn't going to clear you (unless they aren't aware of it). No shortcuts or cheating on range day. Trying to do McGyver stuff could lead to accidental discharge or worse.

Response by CW3 John Wescott made Aug 18 at 2014 8:11 AM

2014-08-18T08:11:57-04:00

I agree that safety is always a concern, it is not worth further injuring yourself. But the Interwebs is full of accessories that can be helpful with pistol slide assists ...

http://brassstacker.com/slide-pulls/

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/slide-parts/slide-hardware/slide-rackers/slide-racker-for-glock--prod42165.aspx

Brass Stacker SLIDE PULL - Available for Glock and Springfield Armory Pistols

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 19 at 2014 2:28 AM

2014-08-19T02:28:07-04:00

Racking the slide is more about proper technique than strength. However if this is a weapon for personal protection and locking the glide is bit of an issue due to your injury I would suggest a revolver as you do not want to be unable to rack your firearm in an assault. But if you really want a semi check out this link its all about racking the slide.
http://www.usacarry.com/racking-pistol-slide-technique-not-strength/

Racking the Pistol Slide: Technique Not Strength - USA Carry

Racking the Pistol Slide: Technique Not Strength Several females and some males have complained over the years to me in my firearms classes that they canno

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 13 at 2015 4:16 PM

2015-03-13T16:16:47-04:00

A .380 is a very decent small handgun. That's what .007 carries.....lol