Front serrations: your preference?

[OregonJohnny]

They came on my S&W 1911, but I never use them. At the time I purchased, I was new and uninitiated to 1911s, and thought the front serrations looked cool.

I actually do use the sharply slanted front of the slide on my Beretta 92FS, to occasionally do a press check when practicing with snap caps. If I put the gun down for even a few seconds to do something else, I pick it up and gently press check to make sure I see the purple snap cap before I begin dry-firing again. I go from under the frame, and pinch the front of the slide between thumb and first finger. It doesn't take much effort to move the slide a little bit out of battery this way, and it's faster and easier than overhand on the rear of the slide.

I don't use this technique on any of my other pistols, but the shape of the Beretta slide just makes it so easy and convenient.

 

[NG VI]

They originated from the time when optics were mounted on the 1911 using mounts that covered the rear serrations...and before the use of slide rackers mounted in the rear sight notch. They are meant to be grasped from underneath the the dust cover to chamber a round or chamber check that a round was loaded.

Oh I see. My PCR has some, they aren't that sharp or anything, but I never used them. The FNX front serrations look pretty similiar, but I like the FNP style of slide better.

 

[mljdeckard]

In carrying the M-9, I got in the habit of racking and releasing the slide pulling it from the front, in the divots on the front of the slide. I found that when I used the overhand method to do it, too often I would push the slide-mounted safety off inadvertently. Since I got in the habit, I found that I am most comfortable releasing the slide by pressing with the front serrations on an emergency reload.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

My CZ PCR has front serrations, but they were not a factor in my purchase decision. Like all CZ75s, the slide (that protrudes above the frame) is not very tall, and the front serrations are next to impossible to get a grip on, since I have to use my thumb and fingers in a pinching motion.

 

[BLB68]

I never use them, though their presence isn't a deal breaker if it's a gun I like. I do, however, think that there are many guns which look better without them.

 

[Loosedhorse]

if I want to check that the chamber has a round in there, I just use the rear serration and pull back just a bit. I can still see.

With a "press check" (if that's the right word--I don't press when I check), you can check for a chambered round in the dark, by feel. There may be times when you'd like to make sure you're loaded, but when turning on a light would be, ah, tactically unsound.

 

[lono]

My 1911 has them, I both like and use them often. To each his own.

 

[txhoghunter]

I like them, both the way they look and their functionality

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I dislike them from a looks standpoint. Never had a need for them.

 

[Mad Magyar]

The best thing since the bread slicer....

 

[ElrodCod]

Hate 'em. Grew up on various pistols (and the 1911 in particular) long before they became popular.

I don't perform any manual of arms that requires me to grasp the front of the slide. I clear, load, or conduct slide lock without any necessity to grasp the muzzle end of the weapon.

I don't do "Press Checks" and don't need front serrations for that either. Regard them as silly and a good way to blow a hole through your hand or fingers. I don't put my digits near the muzzle of a loaded weapon. Period.

Lastly, I just don't like how they look. IMHO, a 1911's clean and classic lines are spoiled by front serration cuts to the slide.

I regard slide serrations in the same light as I view full length guide rods and square trigger guards...answers to non-existant problems.

YMMV.

+1, this is exactly how I feel about them. Chindo18Z hit the nail squarely on the head.

 

[Doug Add]

I do not like the look, and have no functional need for them.

I did buy a Springfield Loaded that had them, but it was too good a deal to pass. I doubt I will ever buy another handgun with them, as I find them very unattractive. Kept me away from the S&W that I otherwise really liked.

 

[Water-Man]

They can be useful.

 

[easyg]

I never use front serrations.
I don't want my hand any where near the muzzle.

I don't do press checks either.
In fact, I've never been confused as to whether my handgun was loaded or not.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Prefer without. As was said though, not a deal breaker if one with tickles my fancy.

 

[JoeMal]

I personally like the way they look, but would never use them. My first 1911 purchase, hopefully coming soon, will be a SA Loaded and it has them. I think they look great on the gun

 

[MICHAEL T]

Hate 'em. Grew up on various pistols (and the 1911 in particular) long before they became popular.

I don't perform any manual of arms that requires me to grasp the front of the slide. I clear, load, or conduct slide lock without any necessity to grasp the muzzle end of the weapon.

I don't do "Press Checks" and don't need front serrations for that either. Regard them as silly and a good way to blow a hole through your hand or fingers. I don't put my digits near the muzzle of a loaded weapon. Period.

Lastly, I just don't like how they look. IMHO, a 1911's clean and classic lines are spoiled by front serration cuts to the slide.

I regard slide serrations in the same light as I view full length guide rods and square trigger guards...answers to non-existant problems.

YMMV.

Chindo18Z

He said it all for me also. Leave it on game pistols don't subject rest of us to this ugly

 

[jrod]

I hate the way they look.

 

[Robert101]

Front serrations are on both my 1911's. I do use them (sometimes) and like the looks.

 

[mgmorden]

I don't see them as really all that useful from a practical standpoint. On the other hand IMHO they do enhance the visual appeal (but only minimally). As such, it's one of those things that if they're there, then that's fine. I like them better there than not, but if it affects the price AT ALL then I'd just as soon leave them off.

 

[psyshack]

My M&P .45 has them. I like to know they are there as a useful design element.

BUT,,, I wont pay extra for them.

 

[Shoot66]

I prefer 1911s without front serrations.

 

[Br]

I definitely prefer without serrations.

 

[HM2PAC]

Without.

I never put my hand on the business end. Why start now?

 

[skoro]

Just my geezerly perspective here...

Front slide serrations and rails are just wrong on a 1911.