G43 slide not locking back - training issue

[Eurodriver]

Last year I was issued an M&P9. Not a terrible gun and I shot it very well. I noticed recently when I shoot my G43 I am riding the slide release as I’m mirroring the grip on the M&P.

Honestly, I don’t even know how I used to shoot a G43. I literally forgot how my hands were placed.

I went back to the private sector so I don’t have to deal with low IQ morons anymore and I’d like to relearn my 43 hold. I have rather big hands as I’m 6’6” but for the life of me I can’t get a solid grip on the gun *and* avoid the slide release.

Any tips? Pics? Vidyas?

[pag23]

Get a 43X?

[Eurodriver]

Get a 43X?

I can’t fit a 43x in my pocket.

[pag23]

I can’t fit a 43x in my pocket.

Damn, I'm out of ideas then...unless you really practice your thumb on the outside of your support thumb if you are a righty..

Is a Shield the same as your M&P9 with the grip and slide release.. I don't know as I don't own any S&W stuff

[SteyrAUG]

So for starters, can you have somebody take a pic of you holding the handgun in question?

I'm guessing you are probably a victim of the "grip as high as you can, near the bore axis" school of instruction. It's even worse if you carry a legacy SIG. I have a friend who rides that slide stop so hard he gets buildup in that area so even if you hold it differently his slide stop won't engage.

[OutofBatt3ry]

Get a 43X?

If you can't delete the G43, then you have to practice around it or change the hardware.

I have shmedium to large hands but I work for living. The meat of of my hand, below my thumb, pops the mag release on Gen 4+ Glocks(it's hilariously embarrassing having the mag drop during a drill). My 45/17 I don't have the issue because I don't have to get so high on the grip, but 19's I had to install a Vicker's mag release that has a much lower profile.

[AndyLate]

So for starters, can you have somebody take a pic of you holding the handgun in question?

I'm guessing you are probably a victim of the "grip as high as you can, near the bore axis" school of instruction. It's even worse if you carry a legacy SIG. I have a friend who rides that slide stop so hard he gets buildup in that area so even if you hold it differently his slide stop won't engage.

Yeah, I have a heck of a time with my P6 (i.e. 225) failing to slide lock because of my grip.

Andy

[titsonritz]

Maybe the Kagwerks is for you.

https://kagwerks.com/collections/slide-release/products/slim-line-slide-release

[Ron3]

Sounds like some of yall could use the very adaptable grip panels of the HK's along with the lever-along-the-trigger guard mag releases.

Although the VPSK and P30SK are certainly bigger than a G43.

[L-2]

My advice and "trick" can be costly.
It involves ammo and shooting. To some, it may involve shooting a lot.

Shoot until one's grip is working without interfering with the slide-stop.
Hopefully, the grip will be good to get through 50 rounds without failure, but any other round amount can be selected based on one's judgement. I like "50" as it's the typical size of a box of 9mm ammo. Many magazines and an Uplula loader, are nice to have, but not required.

Cheaper, practice ammo is fine for this exercise, but buy a 1000 round case. Then shoot the remainder of the case, either that same day or over ~2 days. Muscle memory will have developed. Confidence will have returned. Currently, a case of 9mm practice ammo will be ~$400 (some brands and places cheaper; some places more $).

Prior to all of this, get the desire to modify one's gun to what you want. Do this practicing, training, 1000-round shooting done using one's desired gun/G43 configuration. Do notice I'm not criticizing aftermarket modifications, but I will caution to not look for a hardware solution to a training-issue. I'm glad the OP started out with recognizing a training issue.

During this training time, people might even determine they just don't like the gun (in this case, a G43). Unless mandated by an employer, feel free to change handguns, but this can become time-consuming and more expensive with so many handguns on the market (yet often hard-to-find). Just keep whatever-present gun, just in case the original gun turns out to have some unappreciated attributes.

Lastly, there's always professional, in-person, training. Depending on the person, some folks just don't do as well training & practicing alone and seem to need that professional one-on-one instruction. Time, travel, and cost really goes up at this point.

[gji14260]

Absolutely love my 43X with a red dot sight (holosun 507K)

[gsd2053]

I understand pocket carry. However it is lazy and less than optimal.

I also understand it can be a Shit Show finding a great holster. However it is worth doing.

Personally I prefer a good OWB simple snap retention holster like a simple FOBUS, or Tulster. With a untucked button up shirt.

When a second means the difference between looser and Victor. A holster is the right way. In this competition. To quote Ricky Bobby. If you ain't first, your last.

As to your hold on the G43. Shoot a mag through it with one handed. Then cup your support hand and set the shooting hand in the supporting cup hand. May be your best option for such a small gun in a large hand.

Good luck