Hobbies And Interests
Slide Lock
The spring-loaded lever that locks back the slide after the last round in a magazine is fired is called the slide lock. As the slide causes the barrel to swing up on the link, slide locking occurs. Several factors, such as the dimensional tolerance of the barrel, slide, frame, barrel link and slidestop, determine how much the barrel will link upward. In some pistols, locking lugs will engage vertically, and the disconnector will move up once it is in slide lock. This connects the sear and trigger, and the weapon is then ready to fire. In others, the slide must be manually released.
Slide Release
If the weapon is in slide lock mode, then slide release is the fastest way to chamber a round and prepare a weapon to fire. The way the gun owner does this depends on the design and location of the slide release. The release on a SIG Sauer is at the rear of the slide, but most are above the trigger guard, at the center of the slide. Glock calls theirs a slide stop lever because Glock recommends only pulling the slide back.
Slingshot
One of two tugging methods is the slingshot. It requires both hands, with the support hand moving through a 3 foot arc before it is back to the gun. With this method, grasp the slide from the rear with the fingers on one side and the thumb on the other. Pull back on the slide, and release it as though shooting a slingshot. This will keep the support hand from being too close to the ejection port or the muzzle. It may be difficult to grip the slide enough to pull it back if your hands or wrists are weak or slippery. It works best if the gun is rotated until the ejection port is facing to the side and down. This allows cartridges to fall free and will give you more strength in pulling the slide back.
Pulling the Slide
Another tugging method is pulling the slide. It can be grasped with the support hand palm down on top of the slide, fingers on one side and the palm on the other. Once you're holding it securely, tug the slide back. Be aware of the location of your hand, and be sure it is never near the muzzle or ejection port. Also be cautious if the gun has a stiff recoil spring, as you may have a tendency to turn the gun so your arms can push against each other. If turned, the muzzle of the gun could end up pointing at your elbow or at someone near you, increasing the potential for accidental injury.