XD45 Service Slide Lock - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Burncycle · 12-22-2007, 08:38 PM

I recently purchased an XD45 service and noticed that the slide lock is extremely difficult to depress with the magazine out, and even harder with the magazine in. Is this normal for a new XD? I assumed it would get a little easier over time but just wanted to make sure

Big Bang · 12-22-2007, 08:57 PM

You shouldn't be able to push it down at all with an empty magazine in it, and with a full magazine you should pull the slide back until the slide lock disengages and then let it go forward under its own power. This will ensure that the slide is always fully engaged.

Burncycle · 12-22-2007, 10:47 PM

I use the overhand method anyway so it's not a huge deal... I was just wondering if it was normal or not on XDs for it to be that difficult to release the slide with the slide lock

tachessher · 12-23-2007, 11:00 AM

I'm pretty sure that the Service is the same as the compact on the innards, but... With my compact, you can drop the slide on an empty mag, its just a little harder. This is because the follower in the mag is pressing against the button/lever for the slide release. It is MUCH easier w/ the mag loaded. Also, as far as I know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with dropping the slide w/ the slide release to load the weapon. I take comfort in knowing that the slide is all the way back by doing it this way. I still do it both ways though. Just my $.02

Big Bang · 12-24-2007, 10:44 AM

My bad, he's right. If you push real hard with the empty magazine in you can get the slide to go forward, but in my experience if you have to try real hard or force something you should probably stop before something gets broken. With a slide stop, in my opinion, if there is even that slightest risk that you can bend or break something by trying a little harder, its not one I'm willing to take, especially when all you have to do is push the magazine release button and then hit your slide release. Done in that order they both push real easy.

As for using the overhand method to run you slide forward. I have a couple of deputy buddies who taught the CCW class that I went through. They were telling of how there were instances in which deputies had used their slide releases to run the slide forward on a full magazine and somewhere in the feeding process the round being fed into the chamber slowed down the slide enough so that the slide didn't go all the way forward. Fortunatley they found that out at the range and not in the field. Anyhow, they found that if they pulled the slide back and let it rack forward then they didn't have that problem. Sure, you can do it either way, but there is only one way that I am willing to bet my life on.

AZXD40 · 12-24-2007, 10:56 AM

The only place a slide stop is called a slide release is in Hollywood, Burn you have it correct when you call it a stop. It is not designed to release the slide into battery in spite of the fact that it is capable.

**vetsvette** · 12-24-2007, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZXD40

The only place a slide stop is called a slide release is in Hollywood, Burn you have it correct when you call it a stop. It is not designed to release the slide into battery in spite of the fact that it is capable.

I wonder if the 1911 guys know this?

"Cylinder & Slide Extended Slide Stop 1911 45 ACP
Allows the shooter to release the slide with the thumb of the shooting hand without shifting the grip."

Anyway, whether you use the slide stop or manually cycle it, the same spring provides the forward force to chamber a round. I've been shooting 1911s for 40 years and have always used the slide stop to release the slide and chamber a round after a mag change. I see no reason to change my habit with my XD45. Matter of fact when someone comes out with an extended slide stop for the XD I will be first in line w/cash in my hand.

eyesopened · 12-24-2007, 10:23 PM

Now since you have some years of experience using the slide stop to release the slide, can you confirm something for me? The instructor who gave me the basic pistol class so I could attain a CHP, said not to use the slide stop to release the slide because it will wear the knotch that the slide stop catches. I figure with 1911s, the slide stop is pretty easy to replace so it's no big deal but I'd rather not round out the knotch on the slide. In your experience does this have any truth? If so, is it something to worry about?

BTW, I bought a Wilson extended slide stop for my EMP. Works great, but I still haven't been using it as a release...

Burncycle · 12-25-2007, 02:14 AM

Thanks for the comments guys.

I took it out to the range for the first time this weekend, it worked without too much effort once I got a loaded magazine in. Generally I use the overhand method.

rangemaster · 12-25-2007, 10:20 AM

The purpose of the control in question (slide stop lever) is to:

1) Allow the shooter to manually lock the slide back by applying upward pressure. This can be a challenge to some shooters as the design of the XD requires the grip safety to be depressed as well...

2) Allow the shooter a means of releasing the slide into battery; this can be done by one of three methods - pulling the slide to the rear (in which case the slide stop lever drops), depressing the slide stop lever with the thumb of the shooting hand (assuming a right-handed shooter), or depressing the lever with the weak hand (off hand) thumb.

The last method (off hand thumb) is preferred by many experienced shooters as it does not require shifting the grip of the shooting hand and is quicker to return the weapon into a two-handed firing grip than the other methods described.

BTW, the original HS manual in English refers to this control as a "slide catch lever" and describes using it as one means to drop the slide. The current Springfield manual also advises use of this level to lower the slide.

I train a lot of folks on the use of semiauto pistols; I always recommend using this lever - whatever the manufacturer calls it - to lower the slide.

I will, however, advise against routinely dropping the slide on an empty chamber - many gunsmiths believe regularly dropping the slide on an empty chamber may cause excessive, premature wear to the sear and other vital internals. Performing this test on a handgun should only be done as part of a safety inspection.

Dropping the slide as part of loading, however, is one of the functions the pistol was designed to perform, and the cartridge acts as a sort of buffer to soften the blow of the slide reaching a forward limit. Don't be concerned about wearing out your XD by using it... and YES, the lever can be stiff until you break in the pistol.

12-22-2007, 08:38 PM	#1
Burncycle XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 22	XD45 Service Slide Lock I recently purchased an XD45 service and noticed that the slide lock is extremely difficult to depress with the magazine out, and even harder with the magazine in. Is this normal for a new XD? I assumed it would get a little easier over time but just wanted to make sure Last edited by Burncycle; 12-22-2007 at 08:42 PM.

12-24-2007, 10:56 AM	#6
AZXD40 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Phoenix Arizona Posts: 743	The only place a slide stop is called a slide release is in Hollywood, Burn you have it correct when you call it a stop. It is not designed to release the slide into battery in spite of the fact that it is capable. __________________ John F. Kennedy: "Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom."

12-25-2007, 10:20 AM	#10
rangemaster XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NW Oregon Posts: 201	The purpose of the control in question (slide stop lever) is to: 1) Allow the shooter to manually lock the slide back by applying upward pressure. This can be a challenge to some shooters as the design of the XD requires the grip safety to be depressed as well... 2) Allow the shooter a means of releasing the slide into battery; this can be done by one of three methods - pulling the slide to the rear (in which case the slide stop lever drops), depressing the slide stop lever with the thumb of the shooting hand (assuming a right-handed shooter), or depressing the lever with the weak hand (off hand) thumb. The last method (off hand thumb) is preferred by many experienced shooters as it does not require shifting the grip of the shooting hand and is quicker to return the weapon into a two-handed firing grip than the other methods described. BTW, the original HS manual in English refers to this control as a "slide catch lever" and describes using it as one means to drop the slide. The current Springfield manual also advises use of this level to lower the slide. I train a lot of folks on the use of semiauto pistols; I always recommend using this lever - whatever the manufacturer calls it - to lower the slide. I will, however, advise against routinely dropping the slide on an empty chamber - many gunsmiths believe regularly dropping the slide on an empty chamber may cause excessive, premature wear to the sear and other vital internals. Performing this test on a handgun should only be done as part of a safety inspection. Dropping the slide as part of loading, however, is one of the functions the pistol was designed to perform, and the cartridge acts as a sort of buffer to soften the blow of the slide reaching a forward limit. Don't be concerned about wearing out your XD by using it... and YES, the lever can be stiff until you break in the pistol. __________________ Unload and show clear... http://www.crpcactionpistol.org Rangemaster Clatskanie Rifle & Pistol Club NRA-Certified Pistol Instructor Oregon CHL Instructor

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12-22-2007, 08:57 PM	#2
Big Bang XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 30	You shouldn't be able to push it down at all with an empty magazine in it, and with a full magazine you should pull the slide back until the slide lock disengages and then let it go forward under its own power. This will ensure that the slide is always fully engaged.

12-22-2007, 10:47 PM	#3
Burncycle XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 22	I use the overhand method anyway so it's not a huge deal... I was just wondering if it was normal or not on XDs for it to be that difficult to release the slide with the slide lock

12-23-2007, 11:00 AM	#4
tachessher XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Near San Antonio, Texas Posts: 32	I'm pretty sure that the Service is the same as the compact on the innards, but... With my compact, you can drop the slide on an empty mag, its just a little harder. This is because the follower in the mag is pressing against the button/lever for the slide release. It is MUCH easier w/ the mag loaded. Also, as far as I know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with dropping the slide w/ the slide release to load the weapon. I take comfort in knowing that the slide is all the way back by doing it this way. I still do it both ways though. Just my $.02

12-24-2007, 10:44 AM	#5
Big Bang XDTalk Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 30	My bad, he's right. If you push real hard with the empty magazine in you can get the slide to go forward, but in my experience if you have to try real hard or force something you should probably stop before something gets broken. With a slide stop, in my opinion, if there is even that slightest risk that you can bend or break something by trying a little harder, its not one I'm willing to take, especially when all you have to do is push the magazine release button and then hit your slide release. Done in that order they both push real easy. As for using the overhand method to run you slide forward. I have a couple of deputy buddies who taught the CCW class that I went through. They were telling of how there were instances in which deputies had used their slide releases to run the slide forward on a full magazine and somewhere in the feeding process the round being fed into the chamber slowed down the slide enough so that the slide didn't go all the way forward. Fortunatley they found that out at the range and not in the field. Anyhow, they found that if they pulled the slide back and let it rack forward then they didn't have that problem. Sure, you can do it either way, but there is only one way that I am willing to bet my life on.

12-24-2007, 10:23 PM	#8
eyesopened XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 500	Now since you have some years of experience using the slide stop to release the slide, can you confirm something for me? The instructor who gave me the basic pistol class so I could attain a CHP, said not to use the slide stop to release the slide because it will wear the knotch that the slide stop catches. I figure with 1911s, the slide stop is pretty easy to replace so it's no big deal but I'd rather not round out the knotch on the slide. In your experience does this have any truth? If so, is it something to worry about? BTW, I bought a Wilson extended slide stop for my EMP. Works great, but I still haven't been using it as a release...

12-25-2007, 02:14 AM	#9
Burncycle XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 22	Thanks for the comments guys. I took it out to the range for the first time this weekend, it worked without too much effort once I got a loaded magazine in. Generally I use the overhand method.