Racking or slamming an empty 1911 slide

RLSanders · Dec 14, 2019

I’ve seen a bunch of opinions on either side. I was told not to do it on anyone else’s gun because it’s rude. I was also told never to dry fire a center fire gun without asking permission from the owner.

Went to the gun store looking at this O1911C that I want to buy and the floor salesman took it out of the case, showed it was clear and then let it slam by pushing the slide release. If he’s doing that on all 1911s he’s showing, I don’t want any of their display models. I’m sure customers are slamming them on a regular basis as well. Am I being too picky? Does it really even matter on a modern sub $1000 1911?

My apologies in advance if this is a topic that has been beaten like a deceased pony on here. I didn’t search before posting this because I’m in a parking lot and have limited time.

CGS1 · Dec 14, 2019

RLSanders · Dec 14, 2019

I saw that one but also saw this:

Snattlerake · Dec 14, 2019

druryj · Dec 14, 2019

Don't do it. Also, would you mind sharing where this was the guy was doing this? I don't want to be shopping there either.

RLSanders · Dec 14, 2019

druryj said:
Don't do it. Also, would you mind sharing where this was the guy was doing this? I don't want to be shopping there either.

I pm’d you. I wasn’t sure if it would be okay to call out a specific place. I go there regularly to shoot and have had good experiences with the range guys. That one sales guy is my only negative with their sales staff. I went to the gunsmith for a 1911 barrel bushing wrench and he said they don’t sell any tools and then went back in the back. I looked over the counter and there were four bright orange bushing wrenches on a hook. Rang the doorbell to get the guy back up front and he handed me one. He said he didn’t know they sold those.

The only other place I go is Big Boys in Mustang. They seem extremely knowledgeable and are more laid back and helpful. They don’t talk down to ignorant people such as myself. Also, when showing 1911s, they hold the back of the slide to let it down easily and they usually do the same with triggers. Their range prices are a little cheaper. I love that they actually have an employee in the range at all times looking out for safety concerns, keeping shell casings off the walking/standing areas and is immediately available to help with any questions.

dennishoddy · Dec 14, 2019

I hope those guys with the 3/4 lb trigger pull custom 1911's never run a mag until its dry and allow the slide to slam shut on an empty chamber. Gonna ruin those guns.........lol....

druryj · Dec 14, 2019

RLSanders said:
I pm’d you. I wasn’t sure if it would be okay to call out a specific place. I go there regularly to shoot and have had good experiences with the range guys. That one sales guy is my only negative with their sales staff. I went to the gunsmith for a 1911 barrel bushing wrench and he said they don’t sell any tools and then went back in the back. I looked over the counter and there were four bright orange bushing wrenches on a hook. Rang the doorbell to get the guy back up front and he handed me one. He said he didn’t know they sold those.

The only other place I go is Big Boys in Mustang. They seem extremely knowledgeable and are more laid back and helpful. They don’t talk down to ignorant people such as myself. Also, when showing 1911s, they hold the back of the slide to let it down easily and they usually do the same with triggers. Their range prices are a little cheaper. I love that they actually have an employee in the range at all times looking out for safety concerns, keeping shell casings off the walking/standing areas and is immediately available to help with any questions.

Okay. Thanks. I think those of us here in OKC area can figure it out.

EKing · Dec 14, 2019

Heard the same crap from a guy who told me that letting the bolt go forward on an empty AR15 would break the bolt. Bunch of crap.

Stripping and feeding the round does not slow the slide enough to make the impact less stressful on the frame/locking block/bolt/breech face/etc. If your slide is slowing down enough to cushion the already violent impact of steel on steel, you are having or about to have feeding issues.

If your gun breaks, it's not due to letting the slide go forward on an empty chamber. You either got a lemon or you did something else to abuse it.
Same crap from guys who will tell you to never use the slide lock/release lever to chamber a round. Bull. If your firearm will not reliably chamber a round using the slide lock/release, send it back.

druryj · Dec 14, 2019

Right. And like using the Slide Lock as a release is not going to round off the edges of some pistols eventually causing it fail to lock back.

Racking or slamming an empty 1911 slide

RLSanders

Sharpshooter

CGS1

I'm Retired, Do It Yourself.

RLSanders

Sharpshooter

Snattlerake

Conservitum Americum

druryj

In Remembrance / Dec 27 2021

RLSanders

Sharpshooter

dennishoddy

Sharpshooter

druryj

In Remembrance / Dec 27 2021

EKing

Sharpshooter

druryj

In Remembrance / Dec 27 2021

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Racking or slamming an empty 1911 slide

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I'm Retired, Do It Yourself.

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In Remembrance / Dec 27 2021

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