IPSC - slide manipulation

metcalfe

metcalfe

Regular
Rating - 100%
7   0   0
Location
Ontario
Hey guys, I'm thinking about doing the black badge this spring.
IDPA doesn't really exist anywhere around me and I'd like to get into match shooting a bit this year.


A friend of mine did his BB recently, and showed me how his instructor wanted him to close his slide after showing clear. He's got to use his index finger and thumb to pull back while tilting the gun and keeping it pointed in a safe direction.

My question is, are all ipsc shooters expected to handle their slide like that during a reload if they choose not to use the slide release?

I grab the top of the slide and rip it back after inserting a fresh mag.
Is that acceptable during a match?
 
It is good, as long as you don't swipe yourself during gun manipulation.
Though it is generally not a great idea to cover ejection port with your hand.
Also note, that procedure you described allows range officer to see an empty chamber.
 
Running your gun to slide lock is slow...better to recharge your gun before slide lock.
It is acceptable to manipulate your firearm however you see fit....so long as you don't point it uprange, or your self, or your finger inside the trigger guard while doing so!
 
You sure your friend wasn't talking about after showing clear and closing up an empty gun? (Which is not under the clock in IPSC)
We try to do that gently, as the original 1911 designs with light trigger jobs don't take kindly to slides slamming home with no round in them to cushion the blow.

During competition, so long as the gun stays in a safe direction and doesn't sweep your body; you're welcome to accomplish your reload however you see fit. For a righty - inserting a mag with your left hand and thumbing the slide lock with your left thumb as you regain your grip is far faster than reaching up for the slide. Of course, you want to avoid going to slide lock if you can anyway.

euxx and 7.62 beat me to the post...what they said +1! :)
 
Freedom Ventures said:
You sure your friend wasn't talking about after showing clear and closing up an empty gun? (Which is not under the clock in IPSC)
Click to expand...


I'm sure he was, as I mentioned in my post. :D

I was just wondering if this was the way IPSC wanted ALL slide handling to be done.



Now, just so I'm crystal clear before I book a BB:
Is the 2 finger slide release that I described mandatory AFTER showing clear, or can I grab the slide like I choose, or use the slide release?
I don't shoot a 1911, and am not concerned with damaging my gun by closing it on an empty chamber.

I'm just curious as to what is mandatory for IPSC safe handling rules.
 
Last edited:
metcalfe said:
Is the 2 finger slide release that I described mandatory AFTER showing clear, or can I grab the slide like I choose, or use the slide release?
...
I'm just curious as to what is mandatory for IPSC safe handling rules.
Click to expand...

There are simple enough safety rules you have to follow, but there are no mandatory way to do things in IPSC.
You can rack your slide any way you want, but when showing clear you have to keep slide open whatever way you see fit but without swiping yourself and also RO has to see the chamber.

Said that, during BB course, instructor may request you do execute all exercises as described, so you can demonstrate that you can follow safety recommendations.
 
metcalfe said:
Is the 2 finger slide release that I described mandatory AFTER showing clear...
Click to expand...

No, it is not mandatory.

metcalfe said:
or can I grab the slide like I choose, or use the slide release?..
Click to expand...

You can do it however you like. Just don't sweep yourself or break 90.

metcalfe said:
... and am not concerned with damaging my gun by closing it on an empty chamber.
Click to expand...

Releasing via slide release on an empty chamber will impart wear on all guns, not just the 1911. If you shoot a shadow, I'd say it is even a bigger issue as the slide stop is particularly prone to breakage.
 
beltfed said:
You can do it however you like. Just don't sweep yourself or break 90.
Click to expand...

This has been mentioned several times...
Is it common for guys to sweep themselves and others while on the line?

I can assure you that I handle my gun properly. I'm not looking for a way around a safety rule, I am just concerned with having to undo training that I have had, as the source of my training has proven to be very sound.
 
metcalfe said:
This has been mentioned several times...
Is it common for guys to sweep themselves and others while on the line?
I can assure you that I handle my gun properly. I'm not looking for a way around a safety rule, I am just concerned with having to undo training that I have had, as the source of my training has proven to be very sound.
Click to expand...

Actually it is common for new BB students to not realize what they are doing with the gun. It is called unconscious incompetence. Your BB instructor will explain you all of that at the course, you just have to pay attention.
 
beltfed said:
Releasing via slide release on an empty chamber will impart wear on all guns, not just the 1911. If you shoot a shadow, I'd say it is even a bigger issue as the slide stop is particularly prone to breakage.
Click to expand...

Why would you have your Shadow on slide lock when showing clear? When on slide lock the ejection port doesn't easily show the chamber and the magwell. Even if I finished the course by running empty to slide lock, when showing clear I will grab the slide with left-hand thumb and finger and hold the slide about 3/4 open, and also cycle the slide a few times.
 
I can see the chamber well with the slide locked back on just about any gun, as an RO.
 
adamg said:
Why would you have your Shadow on slide lock when showing clear? When on slide lock the ejection port doesn't easily show the chamber and the magwell. Even if I finished the course by running empty to slide lock, when showing clear I will grab the slide with left-hand thumb and finger and hold the slide about 3/4 open, and also cycle the slide a few times.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure I know the scope of an R.O.'s job.
fwiw, when I'm completed a course of fire, I remove the magazine, eject the round to the ground and engage the slide lock.
I usually move my body and tilt the pistol to enable the R.O. to clearly see into the chamber.
Once they have given the Hammer down and holster command, I check the chamber, ease the slide forward with my off-hand, take a sight picture and squeeze the trigger, following with holstering the pistol.
It's what I do.
I sometimes think of raising my right arm and yelling "ONE GUN CLEAR!!", but I'm certain most wouldn't get the implied humour (as lame as it is).

If you are one of these cool cats that flip rounds into the air and catch them, I bow down to you sooper cool awesomeness.
Regardless, I'm glad whatever you do works for you.
 
you will find it is easier to just grab the slide from the rear and just hold the slide back for the ro to look in the chamber rather than engaging the slide lock. Like was mentioned before sometimes people dont realize where their hand is when they try to reach over top to work the slide. Yes it is super awesome to flip the round in the air until that round explodes in front of them.
 
Chance of flipping it and it exploding is not any higher than slowly racking the slide back.

I'm all for people disagreeing with the technique for multitude of reasons, but don't spread misinformation.

But that's not really for this thread. There's a multipage discussion of that over at Enos.


*edit*

And it looks nice. Particularly here.

Untitled-1_zps58ad4a84.jpg
 
Last edited:
wjbn said:
you will find it is easier to just grab the slide from the rear and just hold the slide back for the ro to look in the chamber rather than engaging the slide lock. Like was mentioned before sometimes people dont realize where their hand is when they try to reach over top to work the slide. Yes it is super awesome to flip the round in the air until that round explodes in front of them.
Click to expand...
It's never happened to anyone ever.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom