Smyth Busters: Is It OK To Use the Slide Release?

[@robertjensen1094]

Never pull the trigger with a loaded chamber. It causes wear on the firearm.

[@DeadNoob451]

Also that's the reason for almost all firearms related injuries.

[@robertjensen1094]

@@DeadNoob451 obvious design flaw

[@norman6694]

You almost got me on that one

[@jorgesolis9468]

I completely overlooked the loaded part lol

[@HWG-wm8ld]

Just keep them in bubble wrap and in the safe. Maybe give them an iPad to look at like kids these days.

[@willglo]

Next myth we're gonna hear is... that "shooting the gun, will hurt the gun".

[@edwardbarton1680]

That one's actually true. You do it enough times, something will break. If nothing's broken yet, you haven't fired it enough.

[@thisguy41487]

Shooting the gun does hurt the gun... JOKE'S ON YOU, IT'S INTO THAT SHIT.

[@cameronbartlett856]

Well barrels to wear out over time when you shoot, but that is an unavoidable by product of shooting lol

[@toiletpaper5770]

@@edwardbarton1680 what do you do then, buy a new gun?

[@edwardbarton1680]

@@toiletpaper5770 Yes, but for completely unrelated reasons. You repair the broken gun.

[@archangel20031]

People FREAK OUT when i use that and it only pisses them off even more when I laugh and say "what idiot told you that, because John Moses Browning himself told me that was what he designed it for" LOL

[@TheActionBastard]

The military agreed www.sightm1911.com/manual/Untitled-17.htm and put it in their damn manual... in WW2. Those guns still work... after 100+ years.

[@byewhobayou8868]

🤣🤣🤣

[@banjobill8420]

Yeah like why, then, is there a slide release on nearly every single semi auto pistol ever made? You think they'd drop it if it didn't work

[@craigcrissman4651]

@@banjobill8420 or get ride of the thing that allows you to manipulate it with your thumb if that were the case. if you think about it with any sort of critical thinking you'd realize very quickly it's made to be used as a slide release.

[@rottdad775]

@@sid2112 how do you like the p38? I recently was gifted a family heirloom 1941 "black widow" p08 👍

[@sylokthedefiled3047]

Imagine being told that using the shell ejector on a revolver's cylinder was bad for the gun...

[@davidray2682]

@Paul Martin "Don't drive your car, you'll run down the tread on your tires!"

[@Tmanaz480]

The "don't ever use the _____, you'll wear it out" trope is well-known in the automotive world.

[@ismaelcasillasagosto]

Stupid comments..there is no such thing as a SLIDE RELEASE....IT IS A SLIDE STOP.

[@presidenttnediserp428]

@@ismaelcasillasagosto It's my gun. I'm calling it slide release without your permission.

[@gunchowder5065]

@@ismaelcasillasagosto it’s a release if I use it as a release

[@unavailableusername9694]

I'm a retired Metallurgist / welding engineer, anyone who thinks that releasing the slide, even on an empty gun, is in any way going to do harm to the types of steel that are used to build guns, is embarrassingly ignorant of the properties of said steel.

[@dandetmer9210]

I have had 2 replace 2 slide stops worn 2 smooth 2hold slide back

[@dayinthelife2136]

1911's in caliber 38 Super and 9mm use a smaller extractor; if you drop on an empty chamber enough, the extractor can bend at the tip and the weapon will not extract; at that point the extractor can be re-arched and put back into service but better to realize, a cartidge rim under the extractor keeps the extractor tip from hitting the edge end of the barrel hood, thus bending it inoperable.

[@unavailableusername9694]

@@dayinthelife2136 yeah, except the video isnt about dropping the slide on an empty chamber .

[@unavailableusername9694]

@@dandetmer9210 Buy a better gun? I've got several pistols, some over 50 years old, never had to replace a slide stop.

[@dayinthelife2136]

@@unavailableusername9694 "I'm a retired Metallurgist / welding engineer, anyone who thinks that RELEASING the slide, even on an EMPTY gun, is in any way going to do harm to the types of steel that are used to build guns, is embarrassingly ignorant of the properties of said steel". ---------------Unavailable Username (author)

[@iornlint]

My boy Caleb is HEATED in this one, love to see that fire

[@foxsquirrel3038]

Plot twist, the man that handed Caleb the gun in question was the gun smith shop’s owner...

[@tommywilson9836]

Lol some serious emotion.

[@WilliamWonka]

He’s ready to throw hands.

[@foxiiitrot]

IKR?

[@The_Privateer]

Judge Caleb Dredd, layin' down *THE LAW*

[@tugarin2345]

So let’s look at it simply. This is quite literally a device that creates explosions multiple times inside of it. If you think the slide release adds any extra wear or difference you need to hand over you guns to a competent gun owner.

[@anubis1416]

LOL "a car is quite literally a device that creates explosions multiple times inside of it. If you think slamming the door, smashing the breaks, or constantly taking it off roading, adds any extra wear or difference you need to hand your car over to a competent driver." EVERY action you make on an object creates wear. Every one, so if you have the ability to reduce it with next to no headache (sometimes even less since my gf for example isnt strong enough to rip the slide down with her finger), there is an argument for doing it? This is such a silly argument, Just because one thing wears an item a lot, doesn't mean that minimizing other types of wear isnt a good idea

[@suntzu6468]

@@anubis1416 how the fuck do those equate to hitting the slide release? Those would be more like putting your gun underwater for a week. Dragging it through the dirt, using it to hammer in nails, and then trying to shoot it.

[@0xFF48]

Unless you have some kind of classic gun that is a collector's item, there is no need to baby it. The world is full of glock 19 gen 3, mine only needs to last my lifetime. 60 years from now I'll be long gone, and if my pistol wore out from using the slide release, it will happen long after I'm too old to go shooting anyways.

[@NNegativeCreep]

@@anubis1416 What a fucking moronic comparison lol.

[@reitairue2073]

@@NNegativeCreep That was a perfect comparison, lmao you might wanna rethink your logic.

[@jimh4375]

The gun slams shut EVERY TIME YOU FIRE IT.

[@timvatter2559]

Not always for the limp wristed crowd with the tight jeans and man buns

[@xunheilvsnipezx3324]

On the m1911 the round from the mag slows and cushions the hardened steel on steel parts. I assume you are also the idiot to put a round in the chamber and slam the slide home, and have yet to figure out why brass hits you in the face.... you damage the extractor that way. Geez quit watching KZbin and read a manual on the theory of operation. Lastly your name looks familiar were you one of the idiots who thought they were a gunsmith and sent me a box of parts with a note that says I messed up please save me?

[@jimh4375]

@@xunheilvsnipezx3324 OK, so my trigger job on your HiPoint 9 didn't quite work out, but I did send it back. I even offered to replace it with a Jennings .25 for free.

[@xunheilvsnipezx3324]

@@jimh4375 I carry the 1911 I made back in a 2012 Bob marvel course. If you could call yourself a gunsmith, then you know what I mean when I use the term 'Manual of Arms'. Yet another example, 1911s don't run HPs well.... no shit, JBM designed it for 230g hardball, just for cushioning the slide as it reentered battery. Sig Sauer makes a 1911 mag that changes the angle or the round entering the chamber, surprisingly Wilson combat didn't figure this out sooner. Word on the street is their team is designing a new 1911 mag following signs advancements for HP rounds. On the same breath it should be noted that the geometry of the sig V crown bullet in .451 was designed to mock a 230g hardball, giving a collective sigh to all those that have 20+ Wilson combat mags. I can also forgive your hi point comment, because I love a good laugh too

[@jimh4375]

@@xunheilvsnipezx3324 Apparently the Smyth Brothers got this one all wrong and you are the 'Go-to" guy. I'll start following you right away and throw away all my hollow points. I'm kinda new to all this (I've only been shooting 1911's since the 1970's) and I've been looking for someone who knows it all that I could follow.

[@foxtrap8826]

I've been shooting semi-auto pistols for nearly 60 years, and I have never seen any damage what-so-ever from using the slide release to allow the slide to come to battery. Never. Not once. The notion that it will is a myth that dies hard. Think about this: Norman cycling of the gun is far, far more violent than any manual release could ever provide, yet nothing beaks.

[@alarikmarcus]

On the other hand, I'm impressed by people who can treat the slide stop on an M&P Shield EZ as a release. They labeled it that way for a reason. Slingshot is stupid easy on those but I was a little more familiar with glock action and I was shocked. I think I should go check again but on a brand new gun I couldn't do it one-handed/thumbed, I guess because of how strong the lockup is.

[@motohead077]

Yes, but that is irrelevant as far as the topic here. The issue here is that all the force pushing on the slide lock lever all concentrated on a very small portion of the slide, could cause wear on that notch on the slide. Most people will never use the gun enough in their lifetime for it to wear out to the point where the slide can't be locked back anymore. So therefore, for them, it is not an issue. Also, it depends on the slide. If you do it 1000s of Xs on super soft steel aka glock slides, it will be faster than hardened steel. Once the finish on glocks are worn out in that notch on the slide, it will soon fail.

[@dustyak79]

@@motohead077 I'm in the same camp as you, once I was looking up something on a forum and started seeing pictures of slide notches rounded and worn to the point of not locking the slide back. These were Kimbers, Colts and other "quality" firearms Two Possible causes 1 the " slide release " method or 2 Someone purposefully ground down the notch to prove a point to random strangers on the internet. My personnel experience is getting used guns and seeing the wear on the "slide release" one or two resulted in inconsistent slide lock and required a new "release" to fix it. It seems they left out having that part needing replaced most often is the release or stop they must just replace that part and not question why it needs replaced.

[@bravohomie]

Normal haha I thought Norman was another technique😂

[@WholeCosmos]

@@dustyak79 I had barely 200 rounds through my 1911. when the stop pin was too loose in tolerance and caused it to work out and bounce up partially at a match rounding off the very corner of the slide notch and pin. I replaced the cheap slide stop pin that was F'ed with a hardcore hardened Ed Browns from Brownells. It had a tighter fit in the hole and luckily my slide notch wasn't too rounded off to not function with the new slide stop. I think my trigger finger was hitting the loose pin when I was off trigger. It could be loose tolerances combined with dropping the slide. Since then I've had training and because of the difficulty in dropping the slide with my my other guns slide stops and learning about wear issues and that there are some semi autos without slide stops and that some even have de-cockers in that spot I always sling shot . sling shot saves wear and works on ALL semiautos with a slide. ALL! slide stop method doesn't work on all of them. Plus it's easier on some guns and allows to quickly visually inspect the chamber and rack in the case of a jam. If you always use the slide stop you may be trying to drop on an obstruction costing you extra time and perhaps your life. for all these reasons I sling shot. Plus I don't want to keep rounding off my notch to the point where I need a new slide for my 1911. Id' rather spend the money on more ammo or a newer different gun.

[@bradcogan8588]

This is like the "press the button when you pull the parking brake or it'll wear out the mechanism" myth.

[@styleyriley]

Is that a real thing? 😂

[@evanalley1458]

@@styleyriley Yes lol my brother told me his driving school instructor told the class that. And the class was taught by retired highway patrol guys.

[@rollei35mm]

It would take decades, hahaha

[@williamhudson4938]

Great analogy, thank you.

[@aaronshirk746]

I have never heard that before. Lol

[@BLUELEADER78]

That "fine motor skills" always got me too. Just as you said "hitting the magazine release is a fine motor skill. Pulling the trigger is a fine motor skill" why would hitting the slide release be any different? And everyone always says, and rightfully so, to train so you build muscle memory but for some reason muscle memory and fine motor skills go out the window when it comes to the slide release. Thanks for the videos and information.

[@bartunthegreat2999]

It makes sense. Not only in handguns but in rifles too. I've seen guys freaking SMASHING the bolt release on ARs. They are great shooters but I guess they left behind that part of the training.

[@edwardbarton1680]

@@bartunthegreat2999 When shooting, I don't deliberately use the slide release on an AR. I just slap the side of the gun. Sometimes I hit the release, sometimes I don't. It works either way.

[@hellcatdave1]

@@edwardbarton1680 Stop slapping the side of the magwell. It is ridiculous, outdated, and incredbily slow. Not only that, but it was never intended to be done. Bring your mag up in the signature beer can grip and your thumb lands right on the bolt release. There is no reason you should ever, ever miss it.

[@outlawpat8038]

DavidMN or ami bad leaver

[@edwardbarton1680]

@@hellcatdave1 I *really* got some shitty training in the Navy... At the time, I just thought the training was inadequate. I'll add that to the list of things I need to relearn.

[@timschlehofer2753]

I was trained by the military to use it, and i reload much faster because of it.

[@zacharyrollick6169]

Exactly why John Browning made it that way. His competitors had to slingshot.

[@addicted2tone349]

I was trained the same way, I use the slide release.

[@dirtsailoroff-road5580]

they must have not cared about you then, it's a slide lock, the military taught me to rack the slide, because during stress fine motor functions were reduced and you may not be able to release the slide using the lock. hell, look at anyone that does this shit daily like special forces. they rack it for a reason. i went out of the military became a Security contractor and now an NRA instructor. I teach students to slingshot it.

[@timschlehofer2753]

We were taught that parts ont relocate themselves. Also being left handed its not a very fine motor skill for me. My trigger finger is right there against it. Learn the gun and you dont need to worry about it

[@dirtsailoroff-road5580]

@@timschlehofer2753 was the only training you recieved in basic and requal?

[@tangero3462]

You pointed it out and it hits the nail on the head--if they didn't want you to use it, they wouldn't have textured the top. If it was only for manual use they'd have made it smaller and put the texture on the bottom

[@itmaniscrazy]

Why would the make extended slide release products for guns as well? Wouldn't it be counterintuitive if it hurts the gun?

[@Schlabbeflicker]

If they wanted you to use the slide release, they would have put it on both sides of the gun

[@WilliamWonka]

If they wanted you to use they slide release, they would have put it where the trigger goes, put the trigger in the mag release spot, and moved the mag release to the breach.

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Point, Tangero.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@@WilliamWonka seems logical.

[@1977Yakko]

I've been using the slide release on my 1911 for 20+ years and it works just fine. I've seen other shooters use the "slingshot method" but I just figured it was a preference or something.

[@SIRICKO]

Cause it is A preference. this shit they talking is bs.

[@NI-gy2ml]

As a new gun owner, I was told by ppl at the range to only use the slingshot method to prevent damage with the slide stop. So I'm glad to hear actual experts weigh in on this nonsense.

[@countrysamurai]

That is a beautiful Browning HP! I am in love...

[@timothysanders431]

You told me to look at it , and I want it now !

[@doomsdayZen]

Releasing the slide stop with a loaded magazine is mechanically the same to the gun as when it cycles after firing, so there can’t possibly be any damage caused by it. However, the manual for my Springfield 1911 warns against releasing the slide stop on an empty chamber, so I don’t do that, but after I swap magazines, I always use the slide stop because it’s the fastest way to chamber a round.

[@Hives2honeyfarm]

After you swap magazines, isnt it the only way to load the chamber. This issue seems weird to me. Are they saying that some are taught to grab the slide while they hit the release and control the slide to go foward slower?

[@chris.3711]

I can't believe people actually say this. Why would it be so freaking big, or textured, or be there at all if it was not intended to be used?

[@mercsoul1]

The only reason I ever heard to not use it was that it wears the stop down to the point that at some point it won’t stop anymore. People don’t seem to understand the durability of hardened steel...😬

[@Snubrevolver]

@@mercsoul1 The only case where I've seen it possibly leading to that was on a semi-auto .22. The slide was made of zinc alloy so it wasn't as durable.

[@jeffumbach]

@@mercsoul1 yeah most people are pretty damn unlikely to wear down that metal within their own lifetime.

[@MAGAMAN]

I saw this all over the place when I got my new gun. After a bit of thought, I decided it was BS. It is literally designed to be pushed by your thumb.

[@ManDuderGuy]

Yeah it's absolutely fine to do. It's just that on some guns it might be stiff or hard to reach, so simply repeating the slingshot motion is a more reliable way to do it, generally.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

good for you using deductive reasoning and critical thinking. what's scary is how many people seem incapable of reasoning out that a designed and manufactured part serves a purpose, that's definition is the literal name of it. "slide release"

[@zacharyrollick6169]

@ To my knowledge he was the first one to make an external, manually operable slide catch.

[@nealh6212]

I'm a revolver guy but i have 2 COLT 1911. They're made for that . If you got a crappy 1911 may hurt it . not mine.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

@ either way.

[@davetrevino1361]

Thanks for confirming what I already knew. Some myths are prevalent enough to make you doubt yourself so good to hear knowledgeable people clear the air. That said I would think there could be wear to the interfacing surfaces of the slide stop the the slid stop notch of the slide, but with anything but the worst of Saturday night specials that should be entirely negligible.

[@timdixon3391]

Boy, these anti-sliders would hate to see me shooting.

[@David-hm9ic]

We don't care how you treat your gun. There's nothing wrong with using the slide release to load a gun.

[@JTTV72]

The third myth is that when you sling shot the slide you get .00005% more recoil spring energy and momentum thus helping to chamber a round vs using the slide stop lever. The myth is that the slide travels at a faster speed, In reality it’s so negligible probably only a science could figure it out. FWIW when I went through a CCW class the instructor made everyone sling shot load the pistol. I did it in the class to humor him, but I don’t sling shot load my pistol. One disadvantage to sling shot is if your hands are sweating or you’ve been injured or bleeding you might not have the strength in you hand to grab the slide and pull it back that 1/8th to 1/4 inch. The truth is train how you would use the pistol in a defensive scenario.

[@Shadow_Hawk_Streaming]

In the same vein, one handed reloading is something worth practicing just in case, same.for off hand

[@bindingcurve]

Even worse, if you don't release it cleanly you can ride the slide and it will not go back into battery.

[@daltongarrett7117]

I bought my mom a s&w 380 EZ and 9/10 times u use the release it chambers with no problem but the other 1/10 the cartridge gets stuck like you went super slow with the slide. It chambers 10/10 with slingshoting the slide. Never ever had this problem with any other gun I've used.

[@bindingcurve]

@@daltongarrett7117 EZ? I'm guessing that the gun has a light recoil spring. My want to try something a bit stiffer.

[@daltongarrett7117]

@Misanthropy in HD I dont have to much problem with it but my mom is unable to hit the slide drop due to arthritis and fibromyalgia. Kinda seems like a design flaw but whatever it was the first one she ever had live and learn. Though after she shot this she wanted a 45lc revolver when before shooting she thought a 9 would hurt her. It didn't the first time she ever shot a gun she put her thumb in the way of the slide and fucked her thumb up her then husband was holding his hand over hers and didnt tell her that was going to hurt, entirely different gun and before I was born but after that incident it took a long time to convince her to try with proper training

[@ImGeekins]

Don't slap my HK charging handle, you're going to hurt it!

[@dutchmccutch615]

Had a guy at a gunshow say this a couple weeks ago he was explaining to my friend and his GF that by hittin the slide release it would damage your gun i was thinking to myself like whaaahuhhh? Maybe after several tens of thousands of rounds it might. It is hardened steel it was made for the exact reason to release the slide after it has been locked back manually or was locked back after your magazine emptys. That guy must have got around and told a few other folks that same thing and they brought it to yalls attention lol.... im glad you two set the record straight good job gentlemen!

[@agentham]

The reason I was told to rack the slide instead of using the slide release is that the little extra travel backwards is that much more energy stored in the spring. The more energy moving the slide forward, the more likely the slide can overcome any increase in friction coefficient due to foreign matter that may have been introduced in between the slide and receiver. Sure, the slide release will most likely work 99.99% of the time, but anything to increase the odds as much as possible. Or that was the argument I was told, atleast.

[@waynewilliams5353]

Exactly. Most high end firearms are not designed to be chambered using the slide STOP. They are designed to use full inertia of the slide. My staccatos, Wilson’s, atlas, tanfoglios, Springfield prodigy, caniks, etc won’t even chamber a lot of times using just the slide stop. Yet they function every time when you rack them

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

@@waynewilliams5353 I'm late to the party, but yea, on 1911s and 2011s, that has been my experience--frequent failures to chamber, at least with certain shaped bullets (mainly hollow points). But on all other models, including P226s, CZ 75s, Berettas, Glocks, Walther PPQs, Taurus G2c, et cetera, using the slide stop as a slide release has worked fine.

[@WholeCosmos]

yes! especially with well used broken in springs.

[@UncleFjester]

Annnd Here are 4 of the dont use the slide lock lever CULT! So much for free thinking in 2024!

[@buckfutter99]

I released the slide once with this on my 1911. Still waiting for my slide to come back.

[@williamhall2386]

I’ve never heard someone say it damages the gun but I HAVE heard SEVERAL times that to sling shot it from trainers, including one that trained me when I was very little. To his credit, at the time I actually couldn’t effectively use the slide release when I was like 10 or 12 because there was so much spring tension on it. But for someone to say it damages it? That’s pretty... silly. That’s like saying you probably shouldn’t pull a trigger on a gun because something violent happens to damage the gun after.

[@charliebrownsd]

Or don't downshift your car's transmission because revving the engine hurts it. As if the car's computer doesn't do all those things already, hahahahah! I can see not using it if you have small hands or weaker dexterity, but if you can reach it and properly manipulate it then use the slide release! It also is more natural to me because on a reload you are bringing a new mag up to the bottom of the weapon and slingshotting takes my hand from the bottom of the top of the weapon rather than just going back to a natural two handed hold. And what if your other hand is injured or indisposed? Are you supposed to rack it with your belt and come off target? Silliness.

[@88Mobius]

I have! It came from a friends dad who was a Vietnam vet. I questioned it in my head as soon as I heard it.

[@charliebrownsd]

@@88Mobius I wonder if it comes from the time when guns weren't maintained very well and were in use for decade and using the slide release actually made the gun fall apart because it had been disassembled so many times?

[@calanon534]

I had an instructor tell me that it damages the gun. I had to listen to him, though, as I paid good money to take the course and needed it done to get certified.

[@AlejandroRomero-xy6wp]

The friction will eventually sand it tho, but we are talking about thousands of reloads, and changing the thing is easy and not expensive

[@kentuckyboy541]

Thank you. This one I couldn't agree with more.

[@jeremygibbins5086]

Now I have heard of some guys hitting the release and accidentally hitting the trigger causing an unintended discharge, but I have to chalk that up to poor discipline. I agree with these guys, do it the way you're trained, and just keep training.

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

There is no such thing as an accidental discharge by pulling the trigger, if you pull the trigger with your finger the gun will discharge. The situation you are describing is a negligent discharge. It's impossible to accidently put your finger on the trigger, it is possible to do it out of negligence however.

[@TheCrypto34]

I've never heard of this myth before, was a neat thing to see you guys cover. The slide release on my Taurus TH9 is significantly easier to use when trying to return to a firing stance than pulling the slide back, i can't imagine trying to slingshot the slide under stress.

[@nikik5567]

This is a myth that’s always made me laugh. It’s literally telling people “do not use this part on the gun for its purpose, instead ignore it and do something else instead”

[@MaharlikaAWA]

A retired state police detective who is a gun enthusiast told me never to use a slide release on my Walther PPS M2 LE. He said it will end up rounding off the corners and ruin it. He said to always pull the slide back to re-chamber it.

[@nikik5567]

@@MaharlikaAWA if using the slide release for its intended purpose is enough to erode the metal, then the gun is a piece of shit. Idc who tells u. Unless the gun is old as shit (as in pre 1950) it’s fine to use the slide release for its *INTENDED PURPOSE*

[@MaharlikaAWA]

@@nikik5567 Ya I think it doesn't matter as other firearms instructors told me to use the slide release. That was the first time anyone has told me it is bad to use the button as a slide release. his is why I looked up this video.

[@thomasjensen6243]

You feel better about yourself by putting others down? What are you 5 years old?

[@nikik5567]

@@thomasjensen6243 dispelling a myth is not putting others down. Y’all are too damn sensitive. Its an old ass myth and it’s one that is funny to still hear.

[@wilsoncalhoun]

I don't believe it for a minute. Next thing you'll be saying that it's healthy to bathe more than twice a month, or that pots boil at a measurable rate whether you're watching them or not.

[@sinisterthoughts2896]

pots having comparable boiling times regardless of whether being watched or not? Heresy I say, heresy! don't you know that physics bends it's will to the presence of man!?

[@maeus8220]

They've been embracing more and more radical ideas ever since they moved from black powder. It's those of us with STANDARDS that need to step up and stop them! I heard a fellow talking just the other day about "toolless disassembly" Codswallop! If they were meant to be disassembled they would have been made that way!

[@markh.6687]

@@sinisterthoughts2896 Ye canna change the laws of physics, Jim!

[@charlie6629]

Hey I shower once a week I might add.

[@markh.6687]

@@charlie6629 Whether you need it or not, right? :)

[@rogeliomendiola7177]

Back in March I bought a CZ P10C and really haven’t fired many rounds through it. That being said, I’m sure you know what comes next, I can’t release the slide using the slide release. It’s really hard. I use kinda of a modified sling shot. Instead of pulling back on the slide , I hold the slide and push forward on the grip. I have arthritis and carpal tunnel. Love watching y’all. Keep up the great infotainment.

[@jakegarrett8109]

You can probably get an extended release lever for your model or have someone weld an extension so you have a larger easier tab (with some leverage making it easy) and have that tab positioned where it’s easier to manipulate it. Or you can just keep doing the slide thing.

[@immikeurnot]

Rest your thumb on the slide release and as you seat the magazine, the force of bumping the mag home usually is enough to release the slide. It's also fast.

[@rogeliomendiola7177]

@@immikeurnot that sounds like it would work. C’ept it’ll be a little while before I can try it. I’m in quarantine for pre surgery in two days.

[@onpsxmember]

@@rogeliomendiola7177 All the best with your surgery. Carpal tunnel fix? I've heard good things about the results.

[@rogeliomendiola7177]

@@onpsxmember Naw, actually this time is bunion surgery. I did the carpal tunnel one about 10 years ago and it’s back. Thanks for asking though.

[@wmtruelock]

I prefer the slide release. I took an NRA class this past weekend and the instructor flat out said not to use it, it was sloppy and not the right way to charge the slide, I didn't call him out on it but I thought that was just bad information.

[@CalebSavant]

It seems many instructors push there personal preference or what is easiest for them to teach.

[@wmtruelock]

He was in his 60's, so I just chalked it up to being stuck in his ways, other than that the class was pretty informative and an overall positive experience.

[@RB-tz1tv]

the range I took basic conceal carry class said we shouldn't use the slide release to load. I didn't challenge it but I felt something was off about the instructors words. I appreciate your video. great job

[@absufan]

In Glock armorer's class, they taught us that the part is a slide stop. Using it as a release is acceptable, but they wanted us to be aware it would wear into the part over time and would eventually not lock the slide back reliably due to the wear. However, do as you prefer because the replacement part is cheap, easily acquired, and doesn't require fitting to replace.

[@AT502]

Go ahead and say it Caleb ... 'I see stupid people, I see them everywhere!'

[@sconner5424]

Back in 2018 I had the opportunity to take a S&W M&P 2.0 Armour class. As part of the course they discussed the design changes with the 2.0. The instructor quoted that the #1 warranty replaced part pre 2.0 was the slide stop due to users using it as a release. That prompted the addition of a spring to make it harder to use the slide stop as a release.

[@libertyguardian7662]

The Original M&P also had a really nasty habit of auto closing when inserting a magazine - most times picking up a new round, but sometimes not. The instructor may or may not have failed to mention that part. That is the primary reason S&W used the new spring. S&W knows how to build slide stops that work, look at any all metal 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Gen Smith auto.

[@motohead077]

Don't use S&Ws.. Are you saying they added a spring to hold the slide lock lever up, so that is too hard to push down & therefore the user will be forced to resort to using the sling-shot method?

[@sconner5424]

@@motohead077 that is infact what the quote and the instructor said.

[@dustyak79]

But but but the video with gun smiths says it isn't so.

[@chad9166]

@@dustyak79 S&W being a terrible manufacturer doesn't discount what Caleb and Steve said.

[@moushunter]

Being a left handed shooter I've learned to use my trigger finger on my left hand to not only drop the slide stop but to operate the safety and drop magazines as well. Even pistols with ambidextrous controls I always use my left index finger on controls.

[@ftn5546]

I had some guy whine at me that I was wearing out my slide by using the slide release. I said, "By the time that happens I've already worn out the slide and frame itself and changed dozens of recoil and hammer springs. I sincerely hope to live long enough to do that."

[@aleccross3535]

Anyone who says using the slide stop/release will damage the gun are the same persons who say putting your car in neutral will damage the engine

[@GrendalTheBeasty]

My old Walther P22 would disagree. It rounded it off and I had to replace both the slide stop and and grind the slide to re-square it.

[@GrendalTheBeasty]

@Bruh Fu Probably true, but we are talking about a more premium gun maker here. It's a Walther, not a Hi-Point. The point is it isn't a myth. Some guns you have to slingshot, others may not need it.

[@Ogrematic]

I was a mechanic for many years and you are supposed to put it in nuetral between drive and reverse. Never put it in gear while it's still moving in the other direction.

[@solwindp78-1]

@@GrendalTheBeasty Umarex owns Walther and certain Walther brand guns are made in Umarex factories (usually Koln/Cologne). These Umarex guns (P22, PK380, PPK/S 22) are generally considered to be lower quality, so just because a gun is Walther branded doesn't necessarily make it a premium gun. In particular the P22 has a poor reputation; if you search 'Walther P22 Problems' there are quite a few reports of issues dating back for many years. The flagship models (PPQ, P99, PPS) are made in the original Walther Ulm factory and are generally where the good name of Walther comes from.

[@redneckmini14]

@@GrendalTheBeasty A lot of 22s are made of cheaper, softer metal because they are not high pressure. I remember when I had this crappy Chiappa 1911 22, that thing was made of zinc alloy and if you used the slide release it would slowly round off the notch in the slide. Probably a similar situation, but on a quality gun made of steel you shouldn't have a problem.

[@GatCat]

I really don’t get how people make this a question....

[@bbb462cid]

Daddy's work friend who was a State Cop in the '50s who was an orderly in North Africa during the war trained with 1911s, and he said, "don't do it".

[@garyK.45ACP]

Because they can.

[@anubis1416]

because no one makes the exact argument these guys are making. they are going out of there way to make a straw man out of the side that has a decent argument for not using it

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@anubis1416 What's the "decent argument"?

[@bbb462cid]

@@anubis1416 you've never heard somebody say it can harm the firearm? Seems hard for me to believe that.

The whole reason these myths started is because Glock marketing had to cover for the awkwardness and inadequacy of the Glock design. They said the barely functioning, non ergonomic slide catch on their gun is intentional because it is better to waste time slingshotting than to press the slide catch basically from your grip position. I find it amazing how people not only fell for it and adopted it as official training, but vehemently argue about how much better it is, in spite of it making you take your hand off the gun and pull it off the line of the target. You can always tell a Glock trained instructor by how biased their training is to compensate for the shortcomings of a Glock.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

“Shortcomings of a Glock” Your brain must suffer the same affliction.

[@dsbiddle]

IHCTerra - I think the trigger and slide release are perfectly adequate and so are the sights. I changed my sights because I wanted night sights. I run a stock trigger and stock slide release without issue. Glock isn’t the best trigger in the world but I think it works extremely well as a combat/duty/defensive pistol. I have rather small hands and I use the slide release just fine. If Glock is responsible for slingshotting, I doubt it was because thy think wasting time is good. Plenty of respected firearm instructors teach slingshotting. I don’t think slingshotting is the best but there are people out there who think it’s better. There are plenty of Glock shooters who teach slide release. Do what you think is best.

[@dsbiddle]

IHCTerra - adequate is not a low bar. Adequate includes a range of different needs. If you’re getting a target pistol, stock Glock triggers suck. If you’re looking for a combat/duty/defensive trigger, they are consistent and they work well. There is not “best” trigger out there because “best” depends on purpose. If I’m looking for the crispest glass-break trigger, I’m not looking for a fighting pistol. I got a Glock because they have an excellent reputation for reliability and my Glock is very reliable and I trust my life with it. There is a lot of aftermarket parts, affordable magazines, I like the grip angle, etc. You like something different? Good for you! Go buy that gun and carry it. I like my Glock with the stock trigger and stock slide release. The term “hype” is a loaded term. What I call reputation, maybe you call that hype. None of us go out looking for guns that have shit reputations, do we? We buy guns that have good reputations from reputable manufacturers. We buy guns that have features we like. You think the Glock has a bad trigger? Don’t buy a Glock. You think John Browning defines what a pistol is? Enjoy your hi power or 1911 or whatever the fuck you like. Slingshot only is not a myth - that is what some people think is best. Others, like me, don’t think it’s the best.

[@dsbiddle]

IHCTerra - you don’t appear to know this but some of the arguments for slingshotting have to do with clearing malfunctions. So, for example, if there’s a failure to eject, you can’t fix it by hitting the slide release. The thought therefore is that slingshotting to chamber a round introduces consistency - the same motion for clearing malfunctions is used to chamber a round. But I’m sure you think that this is just Glock fanboys fooling the world because they couldn’t figure out how to put a bigger ledge on their slide stop. LOL!

@@dsbiddle clearing malfunctions by racking isn't the same as releasing the slide by racking it. That is a non sequitur. Glock didn't make a machined slide catch because it was a cheap gun. They are selling hype. Not function. Otherwise Glock is just another $400 gun only with bad ergonomics.

[@Mark-lm1oq]

Thanks guys…I’ve heard it for years-glad you opined on this. THANK YOU for the final word!

[@tonysmith5465]

I believe using the slide release is quicker. Great job. Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot friend. SC Navy vet.

[@WBatte1]

I've also heard in pertaining to this myth that you should slingshot over slide release because you use that last little bit of a percentage of spring compression. Giving you more spring pressure to positively chamber the round. It's not something that I worry about.

[@Front-Toward-Enemy]

I’ve seen more failures induced by “slingshotting” the slide. Always use the slide release, if you’re gun is having issues with that, the gun in broken. Buy a better gun.

[@PvtGlarb]

next myth: loading a mag, damages the mag spring

[@stephentthomas]

The questions I want to have addressed: How does Caleb get his hair to be that impeccable? Also... How does Caleb get his sideburns to be that perfect?

[@patrickdaly5068]

I know! I posted on another video that he looks like former country superstar Jim Ed Brown. Seeming all the male country stars has hairstyles like that when they appeared on “That Good Ol’ Nashville Music” back in the day.

[@davidcantwell2489]

We're watching a gun video and you two are infatuated with men's hair cuts .......... Oooookay.

[@stargazer2504]

He uses gun oil like Tackelberry

[@michellemartinez1628]

all that sponsor surplus gun oil sir. gotta go somewhwere

[@Arkady231]

Brylcreem and Gorilla Glue.

[@marshdweller01]

I guess it's a preference thing. Our academy firearms instructors showed both, but I preferred using the slide release, especially for an emergency reload. Mag drop with right thumb while retrieving full mag with left hand; insert full mag, then right thumb (or left) releases the slide, as left hand is returning for two handed grip. Left hand does not have to move over the top of or behind the slide, and there's no pulling motion on the weapon. Much easier for me to keep the firearm steady and on target. This is what worked best for me.

[@ronthomas7256]

I find this video interesting, I have been a coach for a university shooting sport club for over 20 years. Over ten years ago they purchased 7 Ruger MarkIII Target Competition handguns for use in Precision Pistol competition. Over the years interest moved to the SASP steel challenge style because the members wanted shoulder to shoulder competition with other schools these guns were used for this as well. When placed on the bench after being opened and shown clear we started having issues with the actions closing as they were laid down. Even though a chamber flag was inserted before setting the gun down many RSO's had an issue with this. I returned the worst offender to Ruger for service and when it was returned the Ruger Tech included a note stating that he believed the issue was caused by the user closing the slide using the slide "stop" and we should discontinue the practice. I found that amusing as the instruction manual for these firearm specifically call it a slide release. In addition I encouraged the students to use the sling shot method from the beginning because I have found that often new shooters do not safely control the muzzle direction if they need to shift their grip to press the slide release. Las summer all 7 guns were brought to a professional gunsmith in the area and he reworked the surfaces involved to correct the issue. Two of the guns started having the same issue prior to the semester break. Any ideas?

[@klwedj]

The "damage" that I've heard of comes from repeatedly dropping the slide on an empty chamber on older style 1911's, supposedly the sear is more fragile and without the friction of drawing a round into the chamber it can weaken the sear more quickly. Never heard of any issue with any other gun.

[@Yoda63]

I literally heard Bill Wilson say this! I assume he knows what he’s talking about. Of course the context was manipulating without ammunition, not the exact topic of this video

[@markstoute197]

I never could understand how letting the springs move the slide forward using the slide release would be any more destructive to the piece than letting the springs move the slide forward as they do naturally every time you fire off a round.

[@stevebutters306]

Shocking that people need this explained to them. Reminds me of my dad telling me to tap the pad instead of clicking the buttons on my first laptop so the buttons don't wear out.

[@liberty9348]

I've been looking for this answer for a while. You answered my question: "Will it damage the weapon (slide and/or slide lock lever)?" And the answer is no. So I can do this 100,000 times and it will still function correctly every time. GREAT! Gonna use it every time now. It's also clearly faster than manipulating the slide (most efficient method).

[@masterof1]

The one that gets me is the fine motor skill bs. I guess squeezing the trigger is impossible in stressful situations. 😂

[@joeblow9657]

Plus, it's like one of the easiest things to do on a 1911. Like seriously, it's way easier to lightly press the slide lock than it is to slingshot the slide back.

[@joeblow9657]

What next, don't use double action revolvers?

[@iconofsin5886]

The 1911 was designed by J.M. Browning for the sole purpose of serving every serviceman who wields one no matter what. They would not put it in their manuals if it wasn’t made as such. You can drop the slide on an empty chamber as much as you want and it will function the same way it did when you first get it. 1911s built for competition use are what we would definitely call finicky and unreliable in combat situations. That pistol was not put into use for over 100 years for nothing.

[@johnhartley4721]

Amen!

[@Blk_Mage_Ctype]

The part of this myth that I've heard the most is that it will hurt your gun specifically if the slide release is used on an empty chamber.

[@speedracer4588]

I heard that from one of Bill Wilsons videos. Says it hurts your expensive trigger work. On empty chamber ..

[@baileysorensen9236]

I had a gentlemen at a gun shop yell at me for using the “slide lock” as a slide release and he said it would damage the gun. I am glad you made this video and I am happy about the comments in the comment section!

[@mikeboyd21]

Wow! Both are correct for me. We were instructed to use the slingshot method (called racking it to battery). However when on duty, hit the release lever at all times for battery access...Ft. Polk 1966

[@Bulldog75stp]

I think the myth about "hurting your gun" is more about whether to use the release on an empty chamber.

[@markh.6687]

The argument is that SOME gun or guns MAY have weaker slide stop parts, so using them as slide releases can cause wear and ultimately a failure. I see some wear on my Glock slide stop, although both my original and new Glock manuals say it can be used as a slide release. Mine has never failed me.

[@nicholascecil6733]

I've heard the same thing. I wouldn't slingshot on an empty chamber either. Same reason I dont dry fire a bow without an arrow. The bowstring was designed to be slowed by the resistance of the arrow, just like the slide was designed to strip a round and chamber it, buffering the impact

[@beezo2560]

@@nicholascecil6733 Well said.

[@Shadow_Hawk_Streaming]

Plus racking the slide will make you look in the chamber more

[@abnr1983]

@@nicholascecil6733 The bow and arrow, perhaps. I dunno about the modern semi-auto pistols though. I mean, your gun literally creates explosions inside the action that's more violent compared to someone racking the slide very hard even if there was a round or not to chamber. I don't think a round would slow the slide enough going back and forth when you fire the weapon. Just my two cents.

[@Felenari]

Bill Wilson has mentioned that on very high end 1911s you can damage the slide stop if you play with incessantly but that's just excessive wear and tear rubbing the two together.

[@Lonestar-zn2ym]

Same here he has a video on it. It would be interesting to see them talk to him about it.

[@xAeschylusx]

I was always taught this as well. It would probably take 10,000 slide releases to significantly wear though, and it’s like a $15 part. The slide itself is going to be harder than the sheet metal stop, so I doubt the slide would ever really wear enough to impede function at all

[@David-hm9ic]

@@xAeschylusx A Wilson Combat slide stop is machined from a solid chunk of steel; not sheet metal. Some lesser slide stops are made with the MIM process.

[@DILLIGAF88]

I thought that was why the slide release was there😂😂. That's why they make extended slide releases for the 1911 Incase you have trouble reaching it🤷‍♂️

[@tomofengland]

Thank you for such a clear, common sense discussion. I looked this up after being lightly told-off for doing it at the store, so this makes me feel a little better!

[@willkress8309]

I’ve seen people say that and it never mad any sense to me. Glad to hear from a reputable source that it’s just a myth.

[@denmanfite3156]

I'm so glad the comments are basically "Oh wow the miniature explosion device might get hurt by some scratches!"

[@tjwright]

For me it's a natural movement as the left hand drives the magazine home and comes into the grip to hit the slide release with the thumb. That's how I trained and shot in IPSC and on the range as an LEO. I've never used the slingshot technique unless I'm clearing a malfunction.

[@zendell37]

Honestly this has bothered me. If it damaged the gun. Why would the lever be exposed in most automatics? Also, general training to the weakest is an issue. Train what's best. Suggest solutions if that doesn't work. I've worked with people that have hand strength issues. Don't assume what they can't do.

[@joerossi900]

And the double coffee pull at the end. Love the content men.👍

[@renem6441]

I know this is old but excellent explanation!! I been yelled at for dropping the bolt on “my” 1187 and 1100 shotguns on an empty chamber!! An there is no explaining that when shooting the movement is lots more violent!!! Keep smyth busting!!!

[@jerrychastain3820]

A lot of gun fighting schools are still teaching that myth. It’s pretty upsetting that these schools are still perpetuating that old myth and confusing new shooters.

[@marksd5650]

“A lot of schools?” Which? If there are a lot then I imagine you could name five or six.

[@marksd5650]

@Blue2 Sierra You are absolutely right. I love the generalizations: a lot of, most of, everyone, etc. drives me nuts.

[@Quantiples]

It’s important to talk specifics though. Dropping the slide on an empty gun damages it according to Wilson Combat. Also, you don’t want to manually put a round in the chamber and then drop the slide or the ejector has to flex to get around the casing ledge. If you prefer to top off your handgun, it’s better to load up the mag and then drop the slide, eject the magazine, add another round to the mag and reinsert. None of this info is my own, it all came from Wilson Combat, so don’t shoot the messenger.

[@johnchristian1205]

So what you are saying is that dropping the slide with the lever isn't the same as when the slide recoils back and loads another round forcing the ejector to do the same aforementioned action according to Wilson Combat?

[@josephpreston3550]

@@johnchristian1205 This advice only applies to an EMPTY gun. When you drop the slide on an empty 1911, it is not meeting the resistance that it would when stripping a round from the magazine, so it falls with greater than normal speed and this can have a bad effect on a very fine trigger job, dinging the sear. 1911s have a big, heavy slide that falls with a lot of force if unbuffered by chambering a round. You might never notice the difference on a rough service gun trigger. The advice is to ease the slide slightly as it moves forward when dropping it on an EMPTY chamber, but when dropping the slide to chamber a round, of course the slide release lever is what I would, and do, use. That's what it's for, and how it's designed to work. It's also considered bad to drop the slide on an already-chambered round, as you will force the ejector to flex farther than it would in normal operation to get around the rim, and proper ejector tension on a 1911 is important and can be a bit finicky to set up. In normal operation, the round slides up and under the ejector hook as it is stripped from the magazine, so the ejector does not have to flex outwards very much, in fact hardly at all, to get around the rim. Modern designs with coil-spring loaded lever style ejectors wouldn't likely be affected, this advice is specific to 1911 designs.

[@231mac]

Hang on now, your comment of 'Also, you don’t want to manually put a round in the chamber and then drop the slide or the ejector has to flex to get around the casing ledge.' doesn't apply to every pistol. Berretta tells you to do this with an empty shell (to practice dry firing) on their 92 series.

[@kevinroberts781]

I never pull the trigger because it will damage something.

[@i.b.deplorable]

I just bought a SIG. I heard an instructor a few bays down yelling at his student, telling him to never use the slide release because "it will ruin your gun". !?! So I went home and called SIG. I got to speak to a technical person there and she told me that such did not apply to SIGs. It WILL NOT RUIN A SIG. So there; in my mind the question is settled. Thank you.

[@Inverted1100]

I just took a CCW class. Our instructor said not to use it as a slide release. I always did anyway so it’s cool to see this video about it

[@themightycrixus1131]

My shield manual specifically says that it is only a stop, not a release. Guess it depends on the gun.

[@SWW978]

2020 we still debating about this

[@lordhefman]

Fudd lore is Fudd lore. It currently exists, always has existed, and will survive us all and it exists globally. Just imagine all the silly myths about guns around the world.

[@robertjensen1094]

Yes it is 2020. It's time we all admit the truth. Slide stop lives matter.

[@colininnes-grant2730]

I have used a P35 Brg High Power for many years ...great gun...i use the slide release when changing mags.Never let me down Security and Army background.Slide release will save you time under pressure.Releasing slide by hand is in my opinion a less than clever method requiring 2 hands...slide stop only one.Firearm instructor SA

[@davidgiles4681]

I will use the slide release when cleaning my guns. I use it to lock the slide open (to view an empty chamber). After that, (when actually firing the gun and changing mags), I will use the slide serrations to do the job. It does have a purpose.

[@lightweight1974]

I'm a southpaw. Very few have ambi slide release. So I slingshot the slide always.

[@pjb2528]

No only that, but releasing the slide over the top will work on every semi you put your hands on. Not so with the various sizes, textures, and reaches on diff. pistols. Thumbs up for you.

[@MrJacksjb]

And that is a valid reason.

[@gotindrachenhart]

Ya but I think wrong handed people are the exception and get a free pass :)

[@chrisissick3147]

The guy on the right. . I have no words for his hair. Wow. Home much time and effort.

[@radomguy9678]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!! I just think it’s equally ridiculous when I hear gun tubers calling it a “slide stop slide release.”

[@paulkocyla1343]

I don´t always comment on haircuts - but when I do, then it must be a damn badass haircut :-D

[@tehmicroer]

The "windows of my soul" Key and Peele fan?

[@powdermonkey5183]

And I said Biiiiiiiiiiiitch!!!!!

[@UNSC011001]

Only thing I've heard related to this is hitting the slide release on an empty chamber will damage the gun. Idk how it would though

[@TheRepublicHasBeenLost]

Its never good to let a empty bcg or carrier slam into battery on a empty chamber. Personally, on a empty chamber I ride the slide with my hand, to slow it down.

[@briancantrell1050]

The logic to this (as I heard it) is the act of the action pulling a round out the magazine and loading it slows the action and cushions the impact of slamming into battery. I don't know if this is true, but there is a logic there that makes sense to me. I try to avoid using the release on an empty chamber. I have also heard this only applies to hammer-fired guns and not striker-fired guns. I also heard you should never manually load a cartridge through the ejection port and drop the slide as that will damage extractors.

[@dragonstalk86]

my response is always: if it's so fragile that will break it, it's a piece of shit and i'm not using it

[@jonathanrogers9961]

Always understood it had to do with the extractor getting banged on due to not being supported by the rim of the casing

[@holypolarisbatman]

Bill Wilson (Wilson Combat) has mentioned that it can accelerate wear on the barrel lockup since the action closes more forcefully than it would while pushing a round into the chamber.

[@joerosa8378]

Excellent video...I'm a LE firearms instructor and I tell my people they can use the slide stop and they look like I'm speaking a foreign language. I wish they'd show this video in basic academies.

[@HuntingdonFirstResponders]

Interesting video. I have a trainer who is adamant that the slide lock should never be used to release the slide. Im a new shooter and didn’t want to argue with someone who’s been shooting for far longer than myself, but after watching experienced shooters on youtube (Garand Thumb, Hickok 45, a few others) use the slide lock without a second thought for years, there was serious doubt about his claims. Still, there was a part of me that wanted to know for sure. Got my answer. Thanks!

[@bdh985]

How about a video on dropping the slide on an empty chamber?

[@Mac_Diddy]

I agree, I always hear 1911 guys saying you should never drop the slide on an empty chamber, and I always wondered why.

[@aleccross3535]

They already did a video on it

[@asherdie]

Did you miss the gunsmith story he tells in the video?

[@bdh985]

@@aleccross3535 just about the 1911 though, I'd like to see a more general video on the topic of other popular handguns, like the Beretta 92.

[@CalebSavant]

@@bdh985 It's fine, let it drop!

[@markkravig7410]

Thanks. Amazing how many “experts” I’ve heard lately tell me it hurts the firearm. Especially in the 1911 world. 🤣

[@swde4793]

This is for The Trigger mechanism... Chambering a round is fine because it absorbs Energy from the slide. If not Chambering the Slide is Hauling ass over the disconector....after a while the Crisp 1911 trigger pull isn't quite so "Crisp" any more.

[@commanderhindsight1633]

I will now forever smash the heel of my left palm into the magazine release whenever I drop a magazine, dont want to train to use fine motor skills that will let me down on the clock or in a fight.

[@injuredoutdoorsman9011]

Thank you so much for addressing this! The lead firearms instructor for a state agency I worked for adamantly harped at us that the slide stop on a Glock is only for locking it open, and that it’s a fine motor skill and those go out the window during a firefight…

[@WanderingMike]

Glock Armorer course even says it's okay to release with the slide stop lever. They also make a larger replacement part for people that prefer that method. Unfortunately, your state Firearms instructor has to teach to the guy that never trains and leaves his gun in the holster except for the one time a year he qualifies. A lot of instructors forget their way is not THE way, it's just A way. I am also a Firearms instructor, as long as the shooter demonstrates proficiency with whatever method they're using I just leave them be.

[@injuredoutdoorsman9011]

@@WanderingMike he was a Glock armorer too and argued that Glock calls it a “slide stop” and not a “slide release”. He also adamantly said that the slingshot method gave the slide a few extra millimeters of inertia to chamber the round, and that extra inertia could be the difference between life and death in a firefight…

[@jeremyronald]

This video is pretty awesome. And I promise what I'm about to say doesn't turn away from it. To me, some guns have a slide release and other guns have a slide stop. A Glock has a slide release. You push on the lever and the slide travels forward. However, I have owned 3 Riger Security 9s and I believe they have a slide stop. No matter what I do, I cannot manipulate the slide lever unless I use some pretty hard force (I'm talking like pushing my thumb down so hard you cannot help but cant your wrist slightly). To me, I think some companies just have different opinions and then utilize that lever as either a release or a hard stop.

[@P46345]

I think the "sling shot" method started with Glock because they have some pretty thin one's.

[@Tony.795]

The Austrian army uses the slide stop as a release as well, it's in their manual for the P80. There's no instructions for slingshotting on reloads or at least there wasn't in the first edition.

[@georgegravette1132]

I've seen some well-worn used guns where the slide stop notch in the slide looked worn to the point of being angled back, versus being a straight vertical notch. Of course, this may have been the work of some numb nut who wanted to make the slide stop easier to disengage. In any case, I think the myth of not using the slide stop may have come from folks figuring it would WEAR OUT that part of the gun, rather than damage it. I've had guns where you could NOT use the slide release until the gun was broken in a bit , and the mating surfaces smoothed out. In those cases, I would fire only half mags (and use both thumbs on the slide lever), just to speed up that break-in period.

[@jayroller7054]

My Colt Mustang .380 started to do as you described after thousands of rounds and many many times dropping the slide. Once I noticed, I stopped using the lever and slingshot now. That said I have somewhat retired the pistol and take it easy on it when I do shoot it.

[@mysteriousrocketeer8789]

Agree some need break in. I recently got a Canik that would take two thumbs to release the slide stop. I was a bit worried because I prefer the slide release vs. sling shot. I spent an evening racking/releasing and it's now smooth as butter.

[@mondaymotivator_]

This is a piece of metal that withstands small explosions and high amounts of pressure, and you're telling me pushing a lever will damage it?

[@mikepeterson9362]

The slingshot technique came into vogue during the early '90s as the Glock became popular. Gaston Glock's instructors were teaching it, because the Glock's slide stop -- especially the early Glocks -- were too ludicrously small to reliably use (gloves, wet hands, etc). And now the Glock is so ubiquitous, and other manufacturers copying them so much, that most instructors just teach slingshot now.

[@murphymmc]

Once again, you guys bring clarity to the ignorant. I've always used the slide stop/release, except on a couple of firearms that make it a bit awkward for my wide with not long fingers, hands. You train yourself to do the best with whichever method works for that particular firearm. You'd be amazed how changing firearms will also change the slide release method without conscious thought when you train that way. Works for me anyway. Some I slingshot, some I don't. Just keep training.

[@audikid89]

Next myth: “dropping a slide on an empty chamber can damage the gun and degrade accuracy”

[@MAGAMAN]

Don't you know that dropping the slide while empty puts out more force than firing a gun? It's True! I know this because I hear it on the internet and you can't lie on the internet.

[@CalebSavant]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXybaYmvj8umbc0

[@poacher-ec9zo]

Bill Wilson says not to drop the slide on an empty chamber. I think I'll abide.

[@takingbacktoxic7898]

What is the stress on the parts of the gun when dropping a slide? I am going to take a wild guess here and say that the gun is under a lot more stress when it has enough rounds through it to be heated, and the metal technically softer, and several thousand PSI explosions are being contained inside of it happening in rapid succession. If dropping a slide hurts your firearm, it is better to know at that moment, then to have it happen with a live round inside.

[@fredmetcalf]

It's ALL a bunch of nonsense......from those who only have keyboard experience in weapons and firearms....

[@chrissallee6462]

What about using the slide release when the gun is empty? I’ve heard that can cause damage.

[@immikeurnot]

Does cycling the slide on an empty pistol damage it? Again, there's no difference.

[@MeanLaQueefa]

No damage will happen

[@paullytle1904]

If it's a tightly locked up 1911 absolutely yes

[@paullytle1904]

@@immikeurnot cycling a pistol is acting on the springs slamming the slide forward can do some not nice things to the barrel lockup ,sear and extractor

[@zwadstheiguana6696]

"You won't have any fine motor skills in a stressful sitaution" -some guy who's never once seen someone play a video game.

[@blatherskite9601]

I never saw a video game try to kill the player.

[@lesliewoinarowicz7018]

This is a silly comparison.

[@zwadstheiguana6696]

@@lesliewoinarowicz7018 I was mostly making a joke lol. but I was just point out that there are hobbies where you can be flooded with adrenaline and still maintain control enough to use small controls and make fine, minute movements even under great stress

[@zwadstheiguana6696]

@@lesliewoinarowicz7018 I think maybe a fighter pilot is a better example, but not everyone is a fighter pilot so it's still probably a terrible analogy XD

[@irregulargorilla8217]

There are only two reasons why I won't use the slide catch within my shooting career: 1: My father owns a bone stock Glock. I find it a bit difficult to use the slide catch as it's so flat to the gun. So I usually end up just racking the slide out of frustration / annoyance. 2: my mother owns a PK380, which doesn't come with a slide release. The slide still locks however, so in order to unlock it, you have to slingshot the slide. Otherwise, when doing reloading drills, my thumb is already there, and my support hand is already close to position. So why make the extra large movement to slingshot the slide, when, in one smooth and swift movement, I can drop the slide, push the gun out, and already be ready to shoot?

[@James28R]

lol. what age are you. noone gives a fuck

[@johnmcmorris1170]

I know there are exceptions to every rule. I do own a Ruger P-89 that I bought in the mid 90's. After several years of service, I did have to replace the slide lock as it wore down and started failing. Could have been a slightly defective part but it did happen. Ruger replaced it at no charge. From that date forward I now manually release the slide lock and allow the slide to close, especially on my vintage Colt 1911's.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Short answer: Yes. Long Answer: Boomers and fudds get out. Longer Answer: unless your gun is made out of soft cast lead normal operating procedures will have no adverse or long term consequences.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Hey, idjit, it’s not “boomers and fudds” saying it will damage the gun; it’s know-nothing Millennials and wannabe camo commandos who think you can only chamber a round using their prescribed tacticool methods. I drop the slide with my left thumb after reloading, and am on target faster than the 30 year olds still fumbling with the slide. And you wouldn’t know a boomer and what they think even if one correctly kicked your dumbass.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

EL Ripley ok boomer

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

@@MaxwellAerialPhotography Very good! At least you admit your ignorance and stupid statement, assuming that only “fudds” chamber a round by slingshotting the slide. It’s the exact opposite, the uninformed opinion that dropping the slide stop is somehow unsafe coming from newbies who have only fired a gun by watching KZbin videos. In a few years you’ll be mature enough to get your own real first gun, and you can see for yourself. I was 10 when I got mine, so nowadays that would be like 32 or 33 when Millennials finally move out.

[@claycarmine7466]

Oh dear, it seems you've upset the Boomers. You need to be careful my dude, their soft egos can't handle the idea of young people being more educated about something than they are

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

@@claycarmine7466 uh, Clay, if you bother to actually _read_ the replies, instead of just running your mouth, you’ll see that everyone agrees that the slide stop is fine to use. What we disagree on is who thinks it _isn’t_. And the myth that it isn’t doesn’t come from boomers like our foot-in-mouth OP said; it comes from all the “young people” like the OP who learned how to shoot by watching videos, then posture and comment on videos as if they actually know what they’re talking about. But thanks for illustrating for all of us that the Internet is full of uninformed people who are incapable of reading before commenting. You did a good job with that.

[@spacecatboy2962]

does it hurt the gun to let the slide slam forward when the gun is empty

[@CalebSavant]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXybaYmvj8umbc0

[@willglo]

Bullshit!... and you're a fool.

[@autumnfragrance7185]

Yes, it can damage the gun

[@immikeurnot]

@@autumnfragrance7185 No, it won't. There are a lot of pistols out there that don't have a last round hold open (AKA "slide stop/release"). It absolutely will not, CAN NOT damage your pistol.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

No it does not you fucking fudd.