question

[sfbruner]

I went to the local gun shop today and was handling some of their semis.

I was handling a cz 9mm and the salesperson asked me if this was my first time handling a handgun. It wasn't, so I answered no. Then she proceeded to tell me that dropping the slide will damage the guns and I shouldnt do it. Ok. No problem. I did not know.

I would think that firing rounds would cause more energy transfer than dropping the slide on an empty chamber but I wanted to get other's opinion on this.

Does dropping the slide on empty damage the gun?

 

[gnmontey]

It will eventually, if repeated.

As will giving a revolver cylinder a good spin or wrist flipping the cylinder open or closed.

It's just bad form, and is generally frowned upon.


M

 

[bollox]

Yep, the loaded brass takes the cusion. She was correct, although I doubt much actual damage would occur , it is bad form.

 

[Yogi05]

I'm with you. I don't think there's anything a person can do to a gun that's a nastier force than firing a round through it.

But there are many that think it does harm something. So in the name of etiquette, I handle mine the way I see fit, and handle others with extra care such as not releasing a slide on an empty chamber.

I can't imagine what it harms though. Maybe there are some gunsmiths who can answer definitatively? I'd certainly like a professional opinion.

 

[gnmontey]

Now you got me thinking about what the IPSC types do when proving safe.

For Steel I open and release the slide by hand, fire and holster, but that may just be me as I can't reach the slide release one handed.

In any event, it is still considered bad form to do so with some one elses firearm.

M

 

[Sharps '63]

etiquette

Letting the slide of a semi-auto slam home on an empty chamber is not only bad form, it could earn you a slap upside the head by the owner.
I've been told that the ONLY way to do that is to pull the trigger BEFORE hitting the slide stop. This AFTER removing the mag and proving the chamber clear.

The correct method is to reove the mag, clear the chamber and EASE the slide into battery before dropping the hammer.

 

[TACTICAL111]

still considered bad form to do so with some one elses firearm.

Agreed. Just ask first. If it's yours then bobs your uncle.

 

[Cocked&Locked]

depends on the individual. Personally i don't care a lot. I've never seen any damage attributed to this, though on a 1911 with a very fine trigger (ie bullseye or maybe high end IPSC it does accelerate wear on the trigger).

The slide bottoms out on the recoil stroke, and it's not going to hit any softer coming back then going ahead. each to their own.

I will admit to being annoyed by folk who try to tell me how to handle MY pistol, but i won't drop the slide on someone else's without asking their preference.

If i can break my gun when i go "slide forward hammer down" i probably need to purchase a more durable fire arm anyways. Hasn't happened yet, nor have i noticed any decrease in accuracy or reliability.

Each to their own.

 

[sfbruner]

Thanks for the replies all. I will admit I felt a little embarrassed and sorry afterwards as it was not my handgun. I will definitely ease the slide on store guns or anyone elses from here on in even though in my mind I still don't think it damages the gun.

I didnt think the slide had anything to do with the sear other than pulling the hammer bsck so it engages.

 

[tbaybmkr]

i agree with the comments here. If it's not your firearm treat it like it's made of glass... I actually put my left thumb in front of the hammer when I check the trigger pull in a store gun. It don't hurt and the merchant notices your respect for the product. ;-)
If it's yours, well then...

 

[Master-G]

The manual that came with the Nighthawk Custom GRP I used to own specifically mentioned to not drop the slide on an empty chamber--before I read that I had done it for years on all types of pistols. Now I ease the slide forward--figure it can't hurt.