Approach to slide racking

[daytonaredeye]

Just read an article on the 1911 and within that article, there were discussions of how folks approach the slide when racking. Apparently, those with certain LEO backgrounds have been taught to approach "Over the top" and close to the chest. With no formal training or background in handguns, I rack from over the top with it close to my chest. No particular reason than it is easier access and I can control the speed of the racking motion (and thus the noise emitted during the process). I also notice that with my 1911 I have more failures to chamber with hollow points when doing a slow rack. My Mil Pro chambers everything independent of slide rack speed.

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[BigSkiff]

I voted from the rear. Unless there is a tactical reason to rack the gun otherwise, that is the safest way to handle your pistol. Over the top, from the front slide serrations, on the edge of a desk, on the edge of your holster, etc., all have their place and tactical application, but from the rear should be the reflex reaction for standard usage, in my opinion. Your opinion may, and I'm sure will, vary!

[Smokewagon]

Always done it from the rear. Seems the most effortless, and safest.

[Mikeo]

Since my accident, last September, where my left arm has been broken in three places, my shoulder dislocated, and a plate in my wrist, I have been using the over the top method to rack the slide. I don't have enough strength, in my left arm, to accomplish the task from the rear.

[Iashoot]

[quote uthor=Smokewagon link=topic=23605.msg276741#msg276741 date=1250378010]
Always done it from the rear. Seems the most effortless, and safest.
[/quote] +1

[taurusute]

I voted for the rear. When I started shooting again, I just automatically began racking from the rear. Even after long periods of times I guess old habits and training stay with you.

[Jake3501]

I just sling shot the slide from the rear, seems most natural

[texastaurusguy]

I grab the slide from the rear.

[tweener]

a much more positive grip is afforded by going over the top, and that is why it is often taught as the "correct" way of doing it for anything other than recreational pistol use.

[.452dia]

I don't understand using a slow racking motion. Does your gun rack in slow motion when you fire it? I rack my slide by pulling it to the rear and letting it go so it travels forward under the power of the recoil spring. A lot of guns don't feed certain ammo and some don't lock into battery when someone rides the slide forward. Bad habit to get into.