How do you release your slide on your semi auto?

[misanthropist]

In general I use the slide release. If I can't work the slide release, chances of working the hammer release effectively aren't great anyway.

 

[Armored Metal]

Tap and rack was the way I was trained.

Same here. Builds muscle memory for FTF drills.

 

[shredder]

On my 1911's I use the slide stop, and I do the same on my SR9.

 

[dirtybarry]

All of the above. Slamming a magazine in causes enough movement that my thumb hits the slide release. Otherwise, I use the slide release on my SR9 and SR40. The release on the SR45 is way stiffer, so I have to rack that one.
For malfunction drills, tap and rack.

 

[CV32]

All of the above, largely dependent on which pistol.

 

[padawan]

Ahhh, padawan!!

Yes ? Lol

 

[geologist]

Hand over the slide for me.

 

[lavino]

I was taught to always sling shot the opened slide upon replacing empty mags. I was told they do this for combat training to make sure you don't accidentally inserted an empty mag in a gun fight (with the pressure and confusion you might not notice the mag weight difference... that's what I was told.
Of course you can tell an empty peacefully at the range). If you inserted an empty mag you can still close the slide with slide release but you can't with sling shot.

 

[ipscgraz]

If you run a mag dry and the slide is locked back, insert the next mag by pushing it into place with the heel of your left hand and rock your hand up allowing your left thumb to hit the slide release. This can happen as the gun is being brought back on target and you will be able to confirm the slide coming forward into battery by the feel of the weight shift in your strong hand. I find this is noticeably quicker than grabbing the slide.

Two points with this: you must be familiar and comfortable with the specific gun in your hand, and you should practice this. If I was left handed, it would not work.

 

[elwoodpdowd]

If you're trained the (Tap and Rack or the Slingshot method) and want to maintain the muscle memory be it for the job or personal reasons go for it.
Those who chose to use the slide release fill your boots, overall it's all about skill sets and preferences akin to Tomato/Tomatoe.

Lavino makes a good point that in the heat of the moment the Tap and Rack or the Slingshot method could prevent situation confusion.

I don't use the slide release as I'm familiar with the Tap and Rack and I feel that the continual use of the slide release might cause wear on the slide release and related parts.

 

[GLS_1956]

For handguns, on an empty chamber I ease the slide forward, I use either the slide release of pull it back and ease it. To load the chamber I pull back on the slide and release, during a reload I use the slide release. I do also practice the "Tap and Rack" drill, but not as much as I should.

On long guns, if there is a bolt release, I use it, if not I pull the bolt back and let it fly.

Just as an after thought: If we're not supposed to use the slide release, why did John M Browning put them on the gun?

 

[Agent Law]

I was taught to always sling shot the opened slide upon replacing empty mags. I was told they do this for combat training to make sure you don't accidentally inserted an empty mag in a gun fight (with the pressure and confusion you might not notice the mag weight difference... that's what I was told.
Of course you can tell an empty peacefully at the range). If you inserted an empty mag you can still close the slide with slide release but you can't with sling shot.

Why would you reload with a magazine dropped onto the ground?

 

[crazyjackrabbit]

Why would you reload with a magazine dropped onto the ground?

If in a combat situation and accidently dropped the mag you were about to load. You may just grab the first thing your hand touches and feels like a mag. Never know what may happen till it does..

 

[Phat Eagle]

(using Sig, Glock, or 1911): tap rack with an overhand grip, but I primarily use my PPQ... it goes into battery when I slam the mags in so no need!!!!!

 

[Meroh]

Personally I use the slide release to release the slide/bolt. Human error in pulling the slide back then not letting it go quick enough could cause it to slow down, in turn creating a feeding problem.

Had a guy go on a wee bit of a rant yesterday at the club about another issue that I will share below. Somehow the fella went off on everything and said you are to only pull back on the slide, do not use the slide release lol.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...ering-Replacing-Magazine-Disconnector-Illegal

On the other hand... I have owned a few old FN Brownings with worn out slide releases, and to have one of those slam home when you are not expecting it is more of a concern in my mind.

 

[Meroh]

Just as an after thought: If we're not supposed to use the slide release, why did John M Browning put them on the gun?

Should be called a slide catch, not a release, LOL.

 

[Sqr]

Personally I use the slide release to release the slide/bolt. Human error in pulling the slide back then not letting it go quick enough could cause it to slow down, in turn creating a feeding problem.

Had a guy go on a wee bit of a rant yesterday at the club about another issue that I will share below. Somehow the fella went off on everything and said you are to only pull back on the slide, do not use the slide release lol.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...ering-Replacing-Magazine-Disconnector-Illegal

If FTF are a result of racking the it just a sign that the shooter needs more practice......practice....practice.

 

[MET]

Just as an after thought: If we're not supposed to use the slide release, why did John M Browning put them on the gun?

Lol, yep exactly and manufactures still continue to put them on pistols...

 

[Still alive]

Should be called a slide catch, not a release, LOL.

Yup! Slide stop, slide catch, slide lock, slide release. All the same thing.

 

[MET]

Yup! Slide stop, slide catch, slide lock, slide release. All the same thing.

Yep, I agree