Slide stop
Handgun function to reload faster
A slide stop, sometimes referred to as a slide lock, slide release, slide catch, or bolt hold open, is a function on a semi-automatic handgun that both visually indicates when it has expended all loaded ammunition and facilitates faster reloading by pulling back the slide or depressing the slide lock to advance the first round of a new magazine.
01Description
The various terms relate to the two functions of the component: while it automatically catches the slide (locking it back) after the magazine's last round has been fired, thereby allowing the user to easily release the slide by pulling down on the switch, it also allows the user to purposefully stop or lock the slide back by pressing up on the switch while racking the slide.
02Use
It is sometimes debated whether one should use the slide stop to release the slide. Some argue that this may cause extra wear on the firearm, or that the slide stop may be difficult to push. Some manufactures recommend using the slide lock as a release, others recommend racking the slide. Using the slide lock as a release can accelerate wear in some models.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Slide stop”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
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