Glock controls...

[natedog]

Anyone hear have trouble rapidly manipulating the controls on their Glock? I did, in my time renting a Glock 17. It might have been the funky grip angle, though. In comparison to other guns, the magazine and slide release buttons are tiny.

 

[JohnKSa]

There are extended mag releases available if you would prefer something that sticks out farther.

There is some debate as to whether or not the button you referred to as the "slide release" is a release or a catch.

What seems pretty clear is that the slide catch will wear out the slide notch if it is used as a release in a gun that is shot a LOT. It would seem that Glock intended this button to be used as a slide catch (to allow one to lock the slide open manually) and not as a slide release (to drop the slide when it is locked open).

To release the slide on a full mag, use the slingshot technique.

On my 10mm Glocks, it's somewhere between pretty difficult and impossible to get the slide to drop using the control, reinforcing the theory that it's not designed for that function.

There are also larger lever/buttons available from a couple of different sources to replace this Glock part if you wish. I have one installed on my self-defense 10mm since I think it's wise to at least give yourself the option of using a self-defense gun entirely one handed.

 

[Shmackey]

Glocks have controls?

 

[HSMITH]

The only Glock I currently own is a G22 and at 2800+ rounds it has not worn the mag catch or the slide stop or the mag followers noticeably with each and every single round chambered from a fresh mag coming from dropping the slide with the slide release lever. I did not pay much attention to the other Glocks I have had with many many thousands through them. I have smallish hands and did need an extended mag release for use without shifting my shooting grip. Otherwise the stock controls are superb.

The buttons are tiny on a Glock to prevent inadvertant operation of them, most guns have way too big control levers. Shoot 1000 rounds through a Glock and let us know what you want to change other than the sights.........

 

[lunde]

The only two controls that I use on my Glocks are the trigger and magazine release.

 

[denfoote]

The controls on a Glock are simple. Usually, you don't need to ever touch the slide stop lever. To recock the pistol after inserting a new mag, all you have to do is pull back slightly on the slide and release it. The mag release button is the only other control you need to manipulate. You can reach it with just a little practice!!

 

[Blueduck]

FWIW..

I have seen a couple of folks who do to hand size/grip-whatever have had trouble with the mag release later determined to be caused by them blocking the release on the opposite side of the gun. In other words when you push in the release it actually extends a bit from the other side of the gun, if this is prevented due to blockage it won't work.

 

[artherd]

The G34's slide release is great, one of the best I have ever used. I hear it can be fitted to a 17.

 

[9x19]

Glock sells their "extended" slide release, that comes standard on the Modles 34 and 35, separately. The added button is angled to make it easier to push down... not up, so it would seem they endorse the use of it as a slide release.

I've been shooting a 34 in IDPA and GSSF, as well as weekly practice for several years and the slide notch is just fine. No physical wear except for the black coating being gone. Perhaps I just don't shoot enough, but I suspect the slide is a bit harder than the slide release in any case.

Good luck.

 

[Graystar]

...2800+ rounds...

That's practically new for a Glock!

 

[TonyB]

Yeah,I only use the slide release to lock the slide back.....otherwise I pull the slide back manually........just me...also I'm a lefty so I use my trigger finger to push the release up...no problem....the mag release is a problem sometimes and one handed mag drops are REALLY hard........trying to get used to using my trigger finger for that too instead of my weak hand index finger......the Glocks do take some getting used to IMO....

 

[cratz2]

I've never had a problem reaching the slide stop but I don't regularly. It's easier for me to reach than a standard stop on my beloved 1911s.

I do need to change the position of the pistol to drop the magazine though... If my thumb was about 1/16" of an inch longer, I could do it consistantly. Way it is, I can only engage it about 10%-20% of the time without shifting it.

 

[JohnKSa]

Just to clarify...

I'm not saying the slide notch wear is common. However, I have seen several people post on GlockTalk about having to have their slide notch recut.

So, not common, but definitely a possibility. Something to worry about? Not on my G20 pistols. You can hardly drop the slide with the tiny little buttons they give you. They tend to push inward and then you can't get any purchase on them.

Also not something to worry about unless you shoot a LOT of rounds. I'm not talking about 3K either. The guys having trouble with the slide notch were shooting that much in a month.