Conventional wisdom on this issue switches back and forth. I can't speak to what "training manuals and videos" are recommending, but among the best mil, LE, and private instructors I've seen the whole "fine vs. gross motor skill" thing has been put to rest and the general consensus is:

  • Hit the slide release if you can do so quickly and easily.
  • Rack the slide otherwise.


In my opinion, the whole "rack the slide" mantra finds its genesis among mediocre shooters who like to use the word fighting as an excuse for why their hard skills suck.