Slide stop lever -hard to release for 45ACP compact

[domsky]

ok thanks for a nice advice...that's the forum power.....

[spamlovr]

When there is an empty magazine in the gun, and you are trying to release the slide stop, you are working against two forces: The pressure the recoil spring puts on the slide, and the spring in the magazine. Remove the magazine, and it might be easier. Over time, you'll either gain strength with your thumb, figure out the easiest angle and directio for your thumb to release the stop, or it will wear to the point of releasing easier.

When loading the gun, Many recommend the "slingshot method". Put your off hand over the rear of the slide, grasp it with the palm of your hand close to your wrist, and with your four fingers on the other side of the slide. Pull it back, and just let it go. The recoil spring will do the rest of the work for you, and it makes a great noise!

[aphexafx]

"and it makes a great noise"

lol - the most important part, ever!

[LXF71]

Just registered to post about the same thing. Bought a full size (13 round) Service Model last week, put a few snap caps in the magazine, inserted the magazine and tried to unlock the slide. Absolutely unbelievable how hard it was. Had to use both thumbs. Bought the firearm with the idea that this was going to be my new replacement CCW piece, now Im reconsidering for the time being. Ill put some use on it and see what happens. If not I will take it over the mountains to Bend and have some work done on it.

[Jmanwit]

You mention the lack of fine motor skills, but if you train with it enough, won't muscle memory take over?

[spamlovr]

Originally Posted by LXF71

Just registered to post about the same thing. Bought a full size (13 round) Service Model last week, put a few snap caps in the magazine, inserted the magazine and tried to unlock the slide. Absolutely unbelievable how hard it was. Had to use both thumbs. Bought the firearm with the idea that this was going to be my new replacement CCW piece, now Im reconsidering for the time being.

Technique can be everything. Use the slingshot method. Grasp the back of the slide by putting your hand over it, grasp it firmly, and pull it back, letting it go when you can't pull it back anymore. Let the recoil spring do it's job.

Here is a picture of Todd Jarrett using this release method:

This picture is from http://www.shootingusa.com/PRO_TIPS/...arrett2-7.html, where the first technique he demo's is using the slide stop lever, but he states "You’ll find this will be hard to get to at times". This guy has shot more rounds in a weekend than I might all my life, and he knows what works for competition, CCW, and law enforcement. I trust his experience over my desire to use the slide stop to release the slide after an empty gun reload.

[a6fan]

I think the underlying theme of each post is that you need to practice with this weapon and the mag release will cease to be an issue. I just bought a 45 compact and have not found the release to be an issue after the first 500 rds. I shot an IDPA practice last week and all mag changes ( most where empty gun but I try to count my rounds) went well except for when I had an unloaded gun in holster and put a mag in to start the round and forgot to rack it as I pointed at the target and pulled the trigger - Doh!
I was taught a similar technique to the racking tech mentioned in these posts when using a GI45 as we didn't have a round in the chamber. As we drew the weapon our off hand went to the front of the slide and you pushed the gun thru as you placed the gun on target.

[mrwildroot]

Originally Posted by a6fan

I think the underlying theme of each post is that you need to practice with this weapon and the mag release will cease to be an issue. I just bought a 45 compact and have not found the release to be an issue after the first 500 rds. I shot an IDPA practice last week and all mag changes ( most where empty gun but I try to count my rounds) went well except for when I had an unloaded gun in holster and put a mag in to start the round and forgot to rack it as I pointed at the target and pulled the trigger - Doh!
I was taught a similar technique to the racking tech mentioned in these posts when using a GI45 as we didn't have a round in the chamber. As we drew the weapon our off hand went to the front of the slide and you pushed the gun thru as you placed the gun on target.

This thread concerns what SA calls the SLIDE STOP. It should not be confused with what some firearms mfgrs call a Slide Release. There is a distinct difference in both function and purpose.
MW
PS: I had the same Magazine Release problem with my XD.45C until approx 400 rds thru it.

[doctorfireant]

Originally Posted by mrwildroot

It is a "Slide Stop", and not a "Slide Release".
Good idea to get into the habit of racking the slide.
(I recently read an extensive thread elsewhere on this subject.)
MW

+1

The slingshot method will make sure the slide closes on a full mag. If you happen to inadvertently place an empty mag in the grip, when using the slide stop to release the slide, the slide will close on a empty mag. When using the slingshot method, the slide will not drop on an empty mag.

This may be of some importance in some situations!

This is more important when shooting 1911's since they do not have the visible "loaded" indicator on top of the slide. But you may find youself in situations where checking the "loaded" indicator may be difficult, i.e. low light situation. You expect the gun to be loaded and surprise, surprise.

Nothing like expecting the gun to go "boom" and it goes "click!"

[spamlovr]

Originally Posted by doctorfireant

The slingshot method will make sure the slide closes on a full mag. If you happen to inadvertently place an empty mag in the grip, when using the slide stop to release the slide, the slide will close on a empty mag. When using the slingshot method, the slide will not drop on an empty mag.

This may be of some importance in some situations!

And none of them involve "combat" situations. It is a proven fact most will react as they train.