"Sanding" the slide release will only shorten it's life span. The release tends to be more difficult to operate when you're trying to use it with an empty magazine in place - but that's because when you're pushing down, the follower is pushing up. The easy answer is not to do that, if you're closing the slide for administrative reasons, there's no reason not to use your hand to release the slide, and since it's there (your hand) follow the slide forward. When you're shooting, most people who teach this sort of thing teach the power stroke, so really not an issue. Tis tends to be more of aan issue for lefties - because the locking tab is attached to the right side release arm. As far as the trigger goes, the part that bugs most people is the gritty take up, this is caused by the firing pin safety block having a pronounced edge and rough surface, and the trigger arm firing pin block release having a rough surface. You can polish (not sand) both parts, or polish the trigger bar release and replace the firing pin block with an Apex. Frankly, get the Apex kit that way the gun will still be safe after you're done.