Slingshot or slide release

[FAQMAT]

After a reload, do you use the slide release/slide stop lever, or the slingshot technique. Also, I know that there is two different slingshot technique: One is to grasp the slide with the support hand, palm down over the top of the slide. The other is where the slide is grasped from the rear with the thumb on one side and the fingers are on the other side. Personnaly i used the slingshot with hand over the slide. What do you guys use the most with your combat/action shooting pistols?

 

[RobAK]

I've always found the slide release to be considerably faster, but it's a technique that you need to drill into the muscle memory.

 

[Westicle]

whichever is more comfortable or conveinant at the time..... if your not smart enough to be able to do both and then pick and choose when to use what is most appropriate well then, here's your sign.

 

[Onagoth]

I actually practiced the slide release and found it to be much faster than any slingshot, (using support hand to release slide).

But I use the slingshot (palm over top of slide) exclusively now as I plan on owning my pistol for quite some time.

 

[EdGCNM]

When shooting bullseye: slingshot (thumb and fingers). When shooting IPSC: slide release (it's way faster on a mag change).

 

[bcsteve]

Hand over slide with thumb facing towards you is a gross motor skill and better in a stressful or injured situation.

 

[Cerdan]

Like bcsteve, I use the "hand over slide" method when having to shoot while stressed or injured.

Otherwise, I enjoy "grasping from the rear" if you get my meaning.

I don't like using the slide releases as it mars the slide over time and I intend to use my guns as museum pieces in a few years.

 

[Al Baker]

"slingshot technique: One is to grasp the slide with the support hand, palm down over the top of the slide"

works

 

[geologist]

Hand over slide.

 

[kokanee king]

I use the slide release for what it was intended to be used for......to release the slide. Not to worried about the marred slide as it adds character

 

[Mr. Finicky Timbers]

I just smack the mag hard and get the ultra sleek and quick auto release.

 

[RobAK]

On the gross motor skill slingshot vs the fine motor slide release methods, if you've practiced and ingrained either drill, you're body will go to it when under extreme stress. You have to look at all the other "fine skills" that you've trained yourself to do under stress that work fine because you've drilled it (proper trigger pull, mag release, etc).

 

[Boomer]

If you are right handed, I can't help but think the slide release is fastest because it can be released before your support hand even clears the magazine. If you are left handed and don't have ambidextrous controls on the pistol, then hand over slide is the best answer. But it takes more time to bring the support hand back into place after releasing the slide from over the top than it does to simply reacquire your support hand grip if yourelease the slide with your firing hand or if you release the slide with your support hand once it's position on the gun has been reacquired after inserting the magazine. This last technique is the one I favour, the magazine is inserted, the support hand returns to it's position, and releases the slide with the thumb with no change of grip to the shooting hand. Of course one should train not to shoot the gun dry, thus avoiding the need to answer the question in the first place.

 

[tjhaile]

A left handed shooter can easily work the slide release with his trigger finger about as efficiently as a right handed shooter can use his support hand thumb to do it.

 

[IM_Lugger]

90% of the time I sligshoot the slide (grab it from the rear)..sometimes I just feel like using the slide release

 

[canucklehead]

I can work the slide release on a 1911 super fast with my trigger finger (I'm a lefty).

I can't see the benefit of slingshotting the slide if speed is the desire. I'm actually surprised by the poll results!!!

 

[Merllin]

Never heard it called a slide release... I always thought it was a slide stop. Slingshot for me. I dont wanna wear out the stop.

 

[tacticalII]

The instructor in the safety course I took recomended not using the release as not to wear it down to the point where it wouldn't lock consistantly.

I know it would take a lot but I have seen a Desert Eagle that would slam home from the slightest bump due to the slide notch being worn.

 

[Ice-Pick]

I use the slide release now, I find it easier and safer for me to have both hands on the gun and just operate it with my thumb.
Tried the slingshot way before and once had my hand slices by the rather sharp rear site.

ow.

M.

 

[tiriaq]

Whatever method is used, it is best to use the same method every time.