Slide release

[smackay]

I just purchased my first 1911. I will be picking it up on Sat. In the meantime, I have been getting as much information about 1911's as possible. I read on another forum that I should not release the slide (using the only the release lever only) with an empty mag or no mag at all. In other words, I should hold the slide,press the slide release lever then ease the slide forward if there is no bullet to be chambered. Is this correct? Why? My only guess would be undue stress on the rail or maybe the frame. Let me know what you think.

Also, I have read that it is better to sling shot the slide when chambering instead of using the release...Any reasons why? Not trying to start debates of one is better than the other. Thanks for the info.


Scott

[B Glover]

Scott its my understanding that allowing the slide to slam forward on an empty chamber on a 1911 can damage the extractor and it is also hard on the sear and could lead to damage to your trigger job.

Now in a nutshell I have no practical experience with this problem I have only read about it from a couple of 1911 smiths (Yam and Lau). I ride the slide on my 1911's now except when chambering a round.

[Tomahawk]

watch that slide stop when reassembling everything after cleaning!!!!

[blueblur]

I heard that releasing the slide on an empty chamber increases wear and stress on the frame. I try to avoid doing it.

I was taught to grab the slide and sling shot it because if you're ever in a situation its easier to sling shot it than find that slide release.

I do both when I'm just at the range but try to keep in mind to sling shot it a little more.

[forty5fan]

I also read its hard on the sear

[The Knight Of Light]

Slamming a 1911 shut is hard on the barrel lock up and makes the disconector work a little harder.

A combat gun will continue to work with no ill effect for a long time but some match guns will suffer trigger problems.

Most of this is due to the parts slamming together with such force.

Kind of like dry firing a compound bow.

[JBHorne]

Originally Posted by The Knight Of Light

Slamming a 1911 shut is hard on the barrel lock up and makes the disconector work a little harder.

A combat gun will continue to work with no ill effect for a long time but some match guns will suffer trigger problems.

Most of this is due to the parts slamming together with such force.

Kind of like dry firing a compound bow.

+1

I've just gotten in the habit of sling-shotting the slide. I'm left handed so the slide release is a bit more awkward anyways.

I definitely would not do it on an empty chamber since the slide does not have the resistance of stripping a hefty 45 round from the tension in the mag.

[chromechicken]

I'm not sure if it's true or not (everyone seems to have a different reason why), but on an empty chamber, I let the slide down by hand. I heard that it was hard on the barrel link/pin, but I don't really know. Otherwise, I use the slide release lever when reloading.

[bigun]

It never fails if I hand someone one of my .45's with the slide locked back the first thing they do after looking in the chamber is to hit the slide release and let the slide fly foreward. I've chastised several people about this practice.