Can get away with that when you are just shooting targets, have time to spare, and know you wont need that hand for something else. Interesting that he uses a "range" method to release the slide but shoots until empty because counting shots is a "range drill."
Can get away with that when you are just shooting targets, have time to spare, and know you wont need that hand for something else. Interesting that he uses a "range" method to release the slide but shoots until empty because counting shots is a "range drill."
Don't get this argument. at all. The only questions that need to be answered: 1) was the slide open? 2) is the slide now closed? ok, good.Can get away with that when you are just shooting targets, have time to spare, and know you wont need that hand for something else. Interesting that he uses a "range" method to release the slide but shoots until empty because counting shots is a "range drill."
Can get away with that when you are just shooting targets, have time to spare, and know you wont need that hand for something else. Interesting that he uses a "range" method to release the slide but shoots until empty because counting shots is a "range drill."
...and a one handed slide release with strong hand thumb to chamber a round on reload is not even discussed. Either method they compare requires both hands.
My opinions on this topic are geared towards carry/self defense. As far as competition goes, single stack is the only time I'd shoot to slide lock anyhow. Standard slide release, average hands, no problem.
They very clearly discuss it. Vickers says choose the one of the three that makes you comfortable. He says he doesn't recommend strong thumb because sometimes people ride the slide release and lock the slide open. I don't see how riding the slide stop and accidentally locking it open has anything to do with the reload itself and would be a grip/training issue in my opinion.
Why use a slower/less flexible technique if proper training will allow to use a faster/more flexible technique?
The expert has spoken fellas.
The only thing left is to do it his way. After all, 60% of the time, it works every time, for everybody!
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I clearly listed the possible exceptions. I have seen plenty of 5 ft tall 100 lb women trained to use the slide stop on a Glock 22 to know that most men should not have an issue. If you can reach the magazine release you can reach the slide release. Your grip will return optimally with either method and you have to rotate the grip either way.
The key factor is whether you choose to have your left hand tied up into releasing the slide when your right hand can do it.
The video is about a drill not a slidestop. I'll betcha a dollar that old Ken can close the slide any way it needs done.
Plus, is there any reason to think he's talking about social work when he stresses "shoot it cold"? His comments apply to competition as much as anything else.
Ken and Larry both teach using the off/weak hand to release the slide lock. Ken's hands are huge and ee certainly can reach the controls on any gun he is shooting but he uses and teaches the off hand slide lock release. Bill Wilson does as well. These guys are not competition oriented trainers. They are defensive oriented trainers which is why @James comments confuse me.
@Catfish I agree that the OP is about a drill but the slide lock reload is a big part of that drill. Executing it properly no matter which technique one chooses to use is important in running that drill. Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Bad practice only ingrains bad habits which have to be trained out later.
For me there are two ways to reload after slide lock both have 2 versions.
You can retract the slide and overcome the slide lock.
OR
- Sling shot method
- Overhand method
You can release the slide lock.
Any of these will work. They are not universally "right" or "correct" for all shooters. They all can be used in defensive shooting or competition shooting. IMHO you just need to pick one and train but no matter which one you choose you should understand and practice the others as well.
- Using your Strong hand thumb
- Using your Weak hand thumb
If you are content tying your left hand up to release the slide because you chose a gun that has a crappy slide release more power to you. If you want to listen to Larry Vicker's advice on using that same method because you can't shoot your gun without prematurely locking the slide back then that is great..do what you need to do. 1911s, BHPs, Smith 3rd gen are all relatively similar to me. Sig was obviously different but I still used the slide lock on it too. There are many situations beyond running full speed at the target, reloading in the open, and sticking your whole face in a porthole that you might want to be prepared for. Just passing that on. Personally, on the odd occasion where I shoot to slide lock before switching to strong hand only, I am glad to be able to do that without having to move my left hand up to release the slide.
Uses a weak hand slide release.
That's awesome because I live for the approval of gun range ninjas.
Good drill for game training. For real world/street...not so much.
Be careful what you do repetitively. It becomes ingrained and when the targets shoot back...it can get you killed.
An interesting little story.
I once was acquainted with a man who knew Charles Askins personally. Not long before he died, while visiting with this guy at him home in Arizona, he asked Askins if he'd like to attend a local "action" type match. All the top shooters would be there. Having never seen one, Askins agreed to go.
He watched intently in silence as each competitor ran his stages. When the games were over, "Joe" asked:
"Well, Charlie. What do you think?"
Askins nodded and replied:
"Looks like a lotta fun. Those boys are shooters...but if those had been real gunfights, there ain't a damn one of would still be alive."
Irony much?That's awesome because I live for the approval of gun range ninjas.
That's awesome because I live for the approval of gun range ninjas.
That's awesome because I live for the approval of gun range ninjas.
Using that thing will get you kilt on the streetz!
I'd be interested to know which drills or trainers you subscribe to for defensive shooting.
I carry a 1911. Just saying also there are a lot of sig P238s out there.My opinions on this topic are geared towards carry/self defense. As far as competition goes, single stack is the only time I'd shoot to slide lock anyhow. Standard slide release, average hands, no problem. I don't know anybody that carries a 1911 anymore...I quit 20 years ago.
They very clearly discuss it. Vickers says choose the one of the three that makes you comfortable. He says he doesn't recommend strong thumb because sometimes people ride the slide release and lock the slide open. I don't see how riding the slide stop and accidentally locking it open has anything to do with the reload itself and would be a grip/training issue in my opinion.
Why use a slower/less flexible technique if proper training will allow to use a faster/more flexible technique?
Using that thing will get you kilt on the streetz!