We’ve all seen trends in the gun community — some driven by movies, others by the internet — that catch on for a while before fizzling out. When it comes to mastering your firearm, sticking to the basics and refining your skills is key. One such fundamental aspect of semi-automatic pistols is the slide stop. Understanding its purpose and how to use it effectively can significantly enhance your reloading speed and overall performance.

What Is a Slide Stop

A key operating control of semi-automatic guns is the slide stop or slide release. Typically found on the left side of the frame on modern semi-autos, it plays a vital role in handgun operation. John Moses Browning designed two of the most successful military combat pistols in history — the Colt 1911 .45 ACP and the 9mm Browning P-35 Hi-Power — to operate when loaded and in battery with the use of only one hand.

Browning’s slide release lever had three functions.

  1. Automatic Slide Hold-Open: When the last round in the magazine is fired, the slide stop engages automatically, locking the slide back and signaling that the pistol is empty.
  2. Manual Slide Lock: The slide stop can also be used manually to lock the slide back, whether for inspection, maintenance or to show that the weapon is safe.
  3. Slide Release for Reloading: Perhaps the most critical function, especially in a high-stress situation, is its ability to quickly return the slide to the forward position after a reload, chambering a fresh round and preparing the pistol to fire.

Using the Slide Stop Correctly

Utilizing the slide stop makes for rapid reloading. The process is simple and efficient.

  1. Press the magazine catch and extract empty magazine (empty magazine should fall free on its own).
  2. Insert loaded magazine. Acquire a two-hand shooting grip and your sight picture as the magazine is inserted.
  3. Push down on slide stop with right thumb as you come up on target. The slide will slam forward under compressed spring tension, thus chambering a fresh round. The pistol is already cocked, safety is off, and the pistol is ready to fire.

Since the appearance of the above instructions in the 1969 edition of Small Arms of the World by Joseph E. Smith, that was how semi-automatic pistol reloading was taught. Reloading and getting on target using the above steps is lightning fast because it becomes a singular motion and is an almost entirely one-handed operation (with the exception of inserting the fresh magazine). This method allows the average semi-automatic pistol user to beat the average revolver user in reloading their respective firearm.

The Rise of the Slingshot Reload: A Misguided Trend

In recent years, a new reloading technique known as the “slingshot” reload has gained popularity, likely fueled by Hollywood action movies and video games. However, this method is less efficient and can lead to potential malfunctions.

Here’s how the slingshot reload works:

  1. With an empty pistol and the slide locked back, hit the magazine release button to let the magazine free fall to the ground. Grab a fresh magazine from your mag pouch or pocket with your free hand.
  2. Insert the magazine in the magazine well. Make sure it is fully seated.
  3. Instead of hitting the slide release to send the slide forward, reach up with the thumb and index finger of you free hand, grasp the rear of the slide on the grasping grooves and pull it back toward you like a slingshot. When you think it has cleared the slide lock point, release the slide so it can slam forward on its own. Don’t hold onto it as you release it. If you impede the slides forward travel (especially likely when reaching over the top of the slide to affect the release), you likely will suffer a failure of the action to fully go into battery.
  4. Move your support hand out of the way and acquire a two-hand shooting grip while locating your target, your sights or your red dot optic, which were previously blocked by your support hand.

This technique adds unnecessary steps and movement, increasing the chances of error. If you are standing near others using the correct reloading method, you may note they were finished before you were.

Extended Slide Release Levers

A standard 1911 slide-release lever works fine for those with larger hands; however, for me, it is just a bit short. I have to slightly twist my shooting hand to release the slide. I recently swapped the original slide release lever on my Remington R1 Executive Compact Ultralight .45 for a Wilson Combat drop-in 7B Extended Slide Release for .45 ACP from Palmetto State Armory for $32.95.

Installation was easy, taking all of two minutes. An extended slide stop provides a longer, more accessible lever and allows the user to maintain a proper grip while quickly and easily releasing the slide after a reload. This simple upgrade can dramatically improve your reloading speed

Some pistols that are not of the 1911 style have an extended slide release as the standard. My Springfield SA-35 is one example. The Beretta 92 also has a user-friendly extended slide release.

How to Reload Faster

If you want to maximize your reloading speed with a 1911, consider these tips:

  1. Install an Extended Slide Stop: This small modification can make a big difference in your ability to quickly release the slide and get back on target.
  2. Practice the Proper Reloading Technique: Stick to the proven method of dropping the empty magazine, inserting a fresh one and using the slide stop to chamber a round. Practice until it becomes second nature.
  3. Avoid the Slingshot Method: While it might look cool in movies, the slingshot reload adds unnecessary complexity and can increase the risk of malfunctions.

Enhancing Your 1911 Reload: Key Takeaways for Improved Performance

Efficiency and reliability are needed to keep your semi-automatic pistol in the fight. There is no room for operator-induced error in a self-defense incident. Understanding and properly utilizing your pistol’s features, like the slide stop, can make all the difference when it matters most. If you’re serious about improving your reload speed and overall proficiency with a 1911, consider upgrading to an extended slide stop and dedicating time to practice the correct reloading technique. In a critical situation, these small adjustments could be the key to success.

Sources:

Palmetto State Armory: PalmettoStateArmory.com
Wilson Combat: WilsonCombat.com