1911 slide question

[gburner]

Why the serrations on the front end of the slide on newer 1911 type pistols?
Does anyone grip the slide there to rack it? Seems a bit dangerous to have your hand that close to the muzzle.

 

[Dobe]

You are going to hear a lot of pros and cons on this. Some will say that it is just a fad, and others will tell of the convenience. I for one appreciate the forward serrations. Using the forward serrations is safer than a "press-check", but in truth I do both.

The idea of the forward serrations is that it is actually easier to rack a slide or check a slide, if pulling from the front. This is becasue the grip hand acts as a pivot point. If you pull from the rear, the pistol has a tendency to roll back in the hand. If you rack or check from the front, it is much easier to keep the handgun in place, and with less effort.

 

[dsk]

They were first introduced on customized race guns with optics mounts, as the mount often blocked easy access to the rear serrations. Along the way they became a fad on combat custom 1911s as well. Some will argue that they don't hurt anything and can be useful at times, and I'm okay with that. However, personally speaking I find them very ugly and don't have them on any of my 1911s. I also don't like the idea of putting my hands that close to the muzzle of a loaded weapon either.

 

[Zach S]

IMO, they're pointless. I prefer 1911s without them, but it doesnt bother me if they're there.

 

[CWL]

I think that they are a fad, added to increase the MSRP. I find them of no use in my M1911s.

 

[New_comer]

Agree with Dobe.


If I had a 1911-styled pistol, I'd like it to have forward serrations. It give a little 'character' to an otherwise bland slide profile.

 

[45auto]

I believe dsk is correct on the introduction of front serrations. Somehow they started to become "tactical" and are on most models now!!

Typically, for the 1911, there is a big difference of opinion on how safe and usefukl they are from many "tactical" instructors. I read from credible trainers both how useful they are and how dangerous since you are putting your hands near the muzzle.

So, I don't know. It does seem safer to pull the slide from the rear though!!

 

[John Forsyth]

All my competition pistols have them, my carry do not except for one, a Kimber. I like them because it is easy to hold the slide back waiting on the RO/SO to verify that the chamber is indeed empty.

For a carry gun, I have no use for forward slide serrations and a FLGR. I had both removed from a Colt Commander XSE.

 

[Smoke]

I have no idea why hey're there.

SOme of my guns have them; some don't.

I have never used them.

Asethitically speaking, I don't mind if they're there, but I don't really see the point.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I don't use the ones on my Kimber but I think they look nice!

 

[Jim Watson]

"For a carry gun, I have no use for forward slide serrations and a FLGR. I had both removed from a Colt Commander XSE."

John,
What did that come out like? A step-down in the slide nose like a BHP? I had thought of having that done but FLG was concerned that the depth of the serrations was enough that it might cut into the bushing lug cut on the inside.

 

[John Forsyth]

The initial photos look pretty good. We cut down to exactly the depth of the serrations. The pics I have now are too large to attach to this posting.

I will try to remember and send you an email with an attached picture.

John H. in Atlanta is doing the work.

 

[bountyhunter]

Why the serrations on the front end of the slide on newer 1911 type pistols? Does anyone grip the slide there to rack it? Seems a bit dangerous to have your hand that close to the muzzle.

I think it's to keep orthopedic surgeons in business. That said, I watched a video that came from Para with my new gun and Todd Jarrett reached under the gun from behind with his left hand and racked the slide gripping the front serrations from underneath the slide.

 

[sm]

dsk -
said what I've always been told.

I don't like them. I have some with front serrations, some have FLGR. I prefer a CCW without either.

 

[Mute]

They are the spawn of Satan!


Having said that, some people use it to do a chamber check on their 1911's.

 

[stans]

I have actually seen some people use the front cocking serrations to load their 1911's chamber, but these pistols had scopes and the rear serrations were a little harder to grip. On a 1911 that is not scoped, I think they are a waste.

 

[Sven]

I like them for press checks.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Front of slide serrations are easier on my arthritic hands.

 

[nextjoe]

I don't care for front serrations, but I think Browning cuts on a 1911 can look really good.

Best,
Joe

 

[10-Ring]

Front serrations...I can take'em or leave'em, but a 1911 w/ an accessory rail

 

[Amish]

I like the front serations on the Colt XSE full size, but don't care for Kimber or SA style. They are too far forward and too large.