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I have only recently seen several manufacturers saying to NOT release the slide via the slide stop, but to pull slide back and release. Claim is this can damage the slide to use the slide stop in that fashion, and that by pulling the slide back farther and releasing you get a better charging into battery. Ok, that makes sense... So, I have been trying to get in the habit of doing that on my guns... but noticed my Para Carry you HAVE to release it via slide stop. It will not pull back any farther. Is that a standard 1911 thing or just with Para?

I haven't heard that either. Seems a bit odd...

I rarely, if ever, use the slide release. If you are in a self defense situation, milliseconds count and I don't want to be fiddling with a slide release on a mag change. I train by pulling back the slide and letting it slam forward. Pop the mag in, and while bringing up the pistol to a shooting position, I'm using my left hand to pull back the slide assembly. Seamless transition. But that's just me. You need to figure out what works best for you (and I wouldn't worry about that slide release thing you read).

If you don't shoot the gun dry, it's a moot point.

Actually I don't usually use the stop or rack the slide.... usually just pop in a magazine and it goes into battery on its own.

AndyC wrote:And even if one did, the slight difference in time is unlikely to be a practical impact anyway - unless it's in a competitive environment where that extra 1/20th second adds up to a full second difference over the course of 20 mag-changes.

For me, the main advantage is about retaining the ability to use my weak to defend/block etc as I trip the slide-stop.

Exactly... I like to use my thumb to release and leave other hand free if needed. I was noticing BERSA cautioning against using the slide stop saying it was not made for that. Then I began checking and found other manufacturers saying same thing so I was concerned.

AndyC wrote:Doesn't really surprise me - Bersa aren't famous for the heat-treatment of their slides. What model is it?

This was an online video of a gunsmith at Bersa saying not to do it with their guns. Didn't specify any particular model, although mine is the Thunder Conceal Carry and I have had no problems releasing it that way.

AndyC wrote:Sorry, but you're wrong - using a slide-stop is faster than racking a slide (regardless of how fast you feel you can do it, or the fact that it's done while the pistol is coming up) - and can be done with only 1 hand.

However, I'm in no way saying that racking the slide wrong - it's simply a matter of personal preference.

I never said it was quicker per se, but it's not unheard of to slip when using your finger to release the slide lock. When you slip, you lose time. In my opinion, it's easier to grip a slide assembly and pull back and let go. Less chance of failure IMO.

My $0.02

Like you said, it's all personal preference...whatever you decide on, train that way!

New York Reload anyone?

...I like to yank the slide on a new magazine...but I'm a southpaw, and to drop it with the latch requires me to shift the gun in my hand...so, if my weak hand's free...it's easier for me and I don't loose my grip...

I am surprised someone hasn't come up with an ambidextrous 1911 slide stop!