[44wcf]

As for the slide lock, thats exactly what it is, a lock, not a release. The best way is the drop the mag at least partially, if it's empty, pull the slide back and reease it.

one would think that they could have built the gun without the external button on the slide latch and it would still work just the way you described. however the external button was included, makes me think that they did intend for it to be used as a release. i see no reason not to use that way, or that it shouldn't work when used as such.