Dropping/Racking the Slide for an "Administrative" Reload

[Crash]

Seems to me that I often/mostly read that when doing an "administrative" reload, one should do it with the slide closed, then rack (slingshot) the slide. However, I have limited hand strength and find this difficult to do. Any problem with doing the "administrative" reload with the slide locked back and then dropping it using either the slide release or a the shorter slingshot from the open position?

Crash

[Richbirdhunter]

I've only utilized administrative reloads with my gun in the holster and one in the pipe.

How do you do it?

[Crash]

Disregard the previous post. Not what I meant to say at all.

My biggest problem comes when I am unloading a fully loaded pistol with a round in the chamber. After dropping the magazine, I have a problem racking the slide to remove the round from the chamber of my pistol (9mm S&W Shield). I have tried both the "hand over the top" grip and the "pinch" grip and still have problems getting the slide back far enough, quickly enough to ensure that the round in the chamber is ejected.

Crash

[jrs_diesel]

I don't know what you carry but does your slide lock back on an empty mag?

If so, just keep a spare empty mag around. Drop the loaded one, insert the empty one, and rack the slide. The chambered round should eject and the slide locked back. I find that easier sometimes when I have an empty mag nearby, instead of racking the slide and thumbing up the slide lock at the same time.

[Richbirdhunter]

How many rounds have you shot? It should losen up with use

[Crash]

J.R.,

Yep, my Shield does lock back on an empty mag. Thanks for the suggestion--I'll try it out.

Crash

[rotor]

I think the solution for you is either
1. a slide racking device
http://www.usacarry.com/racking-pistol- ... technique/

or
2. a revolver

I have somewhat of a problem loading a magazine on a Taurus I just got unless I use a mag loading device. For somethings we just need extra help.

[NotRPB]

I think the solution for you is either
1. a slide racking device
http://www.usacarry.com/racking-pistol- ... technique/

or
2. a revolver

I have somewhat of a problem loading a magazine on a Taurus I just got unless I use a mag loading device. For somethings we just need extra help.

my Shield

I was going to suggest what I use ( I have no left hand and arthritis in the right one )
However, before you think of ordering/installing these, please contact the manufacturer to see if the rear sight for the shield will do 1-handed operation slide racking like their sights for almost all other pistols. (Look at the photos and you'll see what I mean, the S&W and HK rear sights look like they have a RAMP instead of a LEDGE to catch to rack the slide)
I say this because the photo for the S&W rear sight looks different than the other brands' rear sights
(I use this on Taurus, Glocks, Springfields etc to rack the slide using rear sight in 1-handed type drill)
I USE THE FRONT edge of the REAR sight to rack the slide

The FRONT edge of the REAR sight can catch on a CORNER of a building/table/shoe sole/gun belt/pocket/ concrete block/ brick/ etc to rack the slide.
The other edges of their sights are angled> such that they do NOT catch when drawing the pistol.
http://www.advantagetactical.com/

Some other brands have models of sights that can be used to rack the slide ... "The Ledge" etc which were made for that exact purpose, to catch on the ledge for one-handed operation if 1 hand/arm is injured
https://www.google.com/search?q=The+LED ... 8&oe=utf-8
NOTICE thehook/LEDGE on the FRONT of the rear sight made to catch your boot heel/shoe sole/pocket/belt/corner of building/dumpster whatever etc
So, you hook onto a building corner of something/belt/etc AND YOU hold the pistol grip and push the gun (instead of pulling the slide)
Don't put that finger near the trigger ...just hold the grip and push the pistol


Another such set of sights mentioned on above "device" link
http://www.usacarry.com/racking-pistol- ... technique/

A matter of personal preference and medical necessity. There are sights that have a steep enough angle to catch on a belt, holster, shoe, table top, etc. to help with racking. Some very reasonably-priced Ameriglo CLAW emergency sights for Glocks, S& W M&Ps, and Springfield Armory XDs have a curved edge that is designed to catch on objects when working the slide with one hand. Availability of 5 device sizes to fit a very wide range of pistols and simplicity of operation are advantages. Decide for yourself if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of

Ameriglo CLAW emergency sights
https://www.google.com/search?q=Amerigl ... 8&oe=utf-8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK5UB-S33-g

1-handed drills like hook the rear sight on my gun belt/shoe, muzzle pointed away in safe direction...several on youtube.
You might watch Youtube videos on 1-handed operation / weak hand operation drills etc ...
Keep the finger away from trigger while practicing those drills. Be Muzzle Direction aware be aware of trigger finger when practicing
Be safe

One-handed RELOAD drills
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ded+reload

one-handed CLEARING drill
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ring+drill

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... +jam+drill

[Crash]

NotRPB,

Thanks for the info--I really appreciate it. I checked the rear sight on my Shield and it is very sloped; would not work at all for racking. I'll look into the one you recommend.

Thanks again,

Crash