Should I use the slide release or overhand to release the slide?

[C4IGrant]

So I saw this post in another thread:

SLIDE GRAB!!!!!!!!!! It's called consistency and tied into other manipulations like malfunctions, loading, reloading etc...

Once again there's a square range way to do something and a battle way of doing things.

Wanted to respond, but the thread was locked. So here is a new discussion on the topic as there appears to be some bad info out there.

Will attempt to have a mature discussion on this subject.

Q: Using the "overhand" technique, I am doing the same motions as I would to clear a malfunction. So I am creating good muscle memory.
A: True. With that said, do you have that many malfunctions in your gun that you need to create that much muscle memory?? If so, sell the pistol.

Q: In a "gunfight/combat" I will lose my fine motor skills and will not be able to hit the slide release.
A: False. If so, how did you find the mag release button or manipulate the trigger cleanly to the rear? Both of which are FINE motor skills.

Q: Overhand release of the slide is faster.
A: False. When you insert the magazine, your support hand thumb is literally touching the slide release! Your hand is also already making contact with the frame and doesn’t have far to go in order to get into your proper grip.

Q: Overhand release gives the slide more power to strip a round off the mag.
A: Technically yes as you are pulling the slide back farther. The problem happens when people ride the slide forward (instead of letting it go at the farthest reward position). This causes a malfunction (stupid user trick) and is the MOST common cause of the pistol not running.

Q: Overhand release works on all pistols so it is "universal."
A: False. On some guns, it will decock the weapon and or put it on safe.

Q: All instructors (with combat experience) teach overhand slide release.
A: False. The majority of the TOP firearms instructors do not teach this.

With the above said, I could care less if you use an overhand method to release the slide. Do it consistently and be proficient at it. Just don't attempt to tell shooters that use the slide release that they are wrong.


C4

[thopkins22]

Do it consistently and be proficient at it. Just don't attempt to tell shooters that use the slide release that they are wrong.


C4

Not talking to you Grant, as you made it clear that you are not doing this, but I think the slide release folks do just as much "telling people they are wrong."

[demkofour]

I think Grant makes a good analysis of the debate and frankly I am not in disagreement... The problem I have is that all of my pistol training in the early to mid eighties was the "overhand" technique and I've done it that way SO MANY TIMES that I don't think I can (or should?) change...

[Failure2Stop]

I think Grant makes a good analysis of the debate and frankly I am not in disagreement... The problem I have is that all of my pistol training in the early to mid eighties was the "overhand" technique and I've done it that way SO MANY TIMES that I don't think I can (or should?) change...

Old dog, new trick?
I would hope that you are smarter than your dog.

[C4IGrant]

Not talking to you Grant, as you made it clear that you are not doing this, but I think the slide release folks do just as much "telling people they are wrong."

I actualy DO think they are wrong, but am open minded enough to understand that one size does NOT fit all.

I would encourage overhand slide release fans to spend some training time with Mr. Vickers.



C4

[C4IGrant]

I think Grant makes a good analysis of the debate and frankly I am not in disagreement... The problem I have is that all of my pistol training in the early to mid eighties was the "overhand" technique and I've done it that way SO MANY TIMES that I don't think I can (or should?) change...

Understand. Like with anything (from guns to gear), things change and it is good to keep up with what is going on.



C4

[bp7178]

The problem I have is that all of my pistol training in the early to mid eighties was the "overhand" technique and I've done it that way SO MANY TIMES that I don't think I can (or should?) change...

Over twenty years later its ok to use the slide stop.

I was trained to use the turn the gun like a gang banger and sling shot the slide technique. I transitioned to the slide stop on my own, mostly through competitive shooting.

I'm also of the view that the slingshot is a very easy method to teach when engaged in assembly line firearms instruction. Some shooters won't have the strength in their support hand thumb to do it. Some shooters are basically retarted and shouldn't be using guns at all, and will put the least amount of effort into getting better.

To me, the advantages are it keep the gun much closer to your center, its a shorter more effecient motion after the mag is inserted, and it sets up my support hand to very consistently re-acquire my two hand grip.

[demkofour]

Old dog, new trick?
I would hope that you are smarter than your dog.

LOL- no dogs in our household, but I do have the sense to realize that the "overhand" method works exceptionally well for me and that making a change to the "slide-stop" method might be a tough endeavor... And, BTW F2S, my avitar is not a self portrait- Google "King Crimson." Remember, we must all be open minded...



[QUOTE=C4IGrant;1076068]Understand. Like with anything (from guns to gear), things change and it is good to keep up with what is going on.

Agreed and most of my formal training took place during the early to mid-ninetys to include the likes of IALEFI, Cirillo, Rogers, Ayoob and Hackathorn. Last year during a two day Hack school, the "overhand" method continued to work for me...
But being open minded about these things, during my next training cycle as well as scheduled professional training on the horizon, I will try the "slide-stop" method and see how it goes.

[Dachs]

With the above said, I could care less if you use an overhand method to release the slide.
C4

[Failure2Stop]

LOL- no dogs in our household, but I do have the sense to realize that the "overhand" method works exceptionally well for me and that making a change to the "slide-stop" method might be a tough endeavor... And, BTW F2S, my avitar is not a self portrait- Google "King Crimson." Remember, we must all be open minded...

I edited my original post as it was made hastily and the glare on my "smart phone" made your avatar look like a bulldog, which was nicely ironic. When I realized that it was not (interesting reference though), I altered it. However, I guess that shot was already downrange, never to be recalled.

FWIW- I was (as were many of us at the time-frame) thoroughly entrenched in the "overhand grab and yank" camp. I did some back and forth changes for a while, unable to fully decide which way I wanted to devote my training. My decision was based on two experiences:
1- my FAST time dropped by 1/2 second, immediately.
2- during force on force work I was faster, which resulted in way more paint on the other guys.

I strive to be open minded, but I have seen lots of this stuff, and some things get dragged down first by dogma and then again by a mistaken understanding of human learning. I simply want to encourage people to get out of their comfort zone and find out how much they can do.