Learning to use any type of firearm may be overwhelming. Guns
have different parts and the jargon used to describe them that can be
intimidating to a beginner. When working with pistols, some new shooters even
shy away from semi-automatic handguns because these firearms have more moving
parts than revolvers do. Being new to handguns doesn’t mean you should
automatically resort to the simpler version. It does mean, however, that you
have to be willing to learn what makes that pistol work, and how to safely and
properly load, chamber and unload it. Knowing how to clear any malfunctions,
such as double feeds or stove pipes, is a must. The main key in all of that is
knowing how to work the slide on your semi-auto. Working the slide properly is a mandatory
function for operation.
The slide performs 3 main functions:
1.
When a shot is fired, the slide moves completely
to the rear, the extractor is engaged, which ejects the now-empty casing out of
the ejection port.
2.
Also, while the slide is to the rear, it cocks the
gun’s hammer for you, in order to be ready for the next shot to be fired.
3.
When the slide returns forward to its original
position, if there is a cartridge in the magazine, it will push the fresh
cartridge into the chamber, where it waits to be fired when you pull the
trigger again.
Those are some important functions, so it is imperative when
using a semi-automatic that you know how to properly manipulate your slide and
even learn to lock it rearward using the slide stop. This tactic enables you to
inspect the chamber or clear any malfunctions.
Many people have expressed to me countless times that they
just don’t have the grip strength to work the slide back and forth on its
rails. I’ve heard many reasons for weakness in working this apparatus on a
semi-auto. Whether it’s arthritis or injury causing the hang-up, some people
have convinced themselves they cannot rack their slides. Some default to using only
a revolver. Other shooters rely on muscle strength to do the work, but when
using the proper technique, there are very few healthy men and women who cannot
perform this function.
Working the slide is not about strength; it is about technique.
How to rack the slide
STEP 1. Pick the UNLOADED
pistol up with your strong shooting hand, index/trigger finger on the frame of
the gun, well above the trigger guard, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction at all times.
STEP 2. Still keeping
the muzzle aimed in a safe direction, hold the gun around waist height and
close to your body, and use your support hand to grab the rear slide
serrations. Go over the top of the slide to place your hand on the gun. In the
example of a right-handed shooter, the palm of your left hand should rest on
the left side serrations while your fingers cup over the top of the
pistol. All 4 fingertips of your left
hand should be placed on the right side serrations. The thumb of your support
hand (left hand) does not grasp the slide. (Note where the thumb lies in the
photos below.) This grip will allow you to use all fingers and palm for added
strength and power.
STEP 3. Push the
frame of the pistol forward in the direction of your target or safe direction
using the shooting hand. The support
hand may also assist in pulling the slide rearward toward your body, but the
focus should be on PUSHING the gun FORWARD.
STEP 4. Once the
slide is fully rearward, you must let go of the slide with the support (non-shooting)
hand with a snap, letting it travel forward on its own momentum. Do not ease
it, baby it, or “ride the slide” forward with your support hand. The slide
needs to be able to move quickly forward under its own recoil spring tension to
load properly. Easing the slide forward can lead to malfunctions.
You’ll also want to learn
how to manually engage the slide stop to lock your slide in the rearward
position. This can be a challenge at first, but can be quickly learned. Perform
STEPS 1-3 listed above. While holding the UNLOADED pistol’s muzzle in a safe
direction and the slide rearward, use the thumb of your strong shooting hand to
push up on the slide stop lever. You may need to adjust the grip of your
shooting hand to the left in order to reach. This may feel a bit awkward at
first, but don’t be discouraged. Practice makes perfect!
Jennifer Blake is a Shoot Like A Girl Firearms Instructor, NRA Counselor and owner of Ohio Firearms Training. Jennifer also teaches basic and instructor courses in Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Refuse To Be A Victim, and Range Safety Officer. To find out more about Jennifer's classes in the Ohio area go to www.BearArms.US
