Hi Power slidelock extension

[modifiedbrowning]

I have long wondered about the Hi Power slide lock. Why is there an extension on the barrel end that projects out over the slide?
Thanks for any information.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. The sort of semicircular forward end of the slide release lever covers the cutout in the slide in which the rear end of the slide release/holdopen engages it to hold it rearward after the last shot is fired.


Here is the Hi Power with its slide forward with the slide release/holdopen lever in place.


Here is the slide being held rearward by the slide release/holdopen lever. Note the cutout in the slide which is now partially visible.


Here we can see the cutout in the position it is in when covered by the semicircular front end of the slide release/holdopen lever with the slide in its forward position.

Best.

 

[scythefwd]

Easier to grab it and remove the rentention pin? I've also noticed that the indent on the slide on the other side (older models, the new ones did away with it) lines up with the pin... making it easier to push it into the slide deeper (which also facilitates pulling it out the other side).

 

[Dentite]

I've wondered that myself (having never handled a BHP yet...just drooled over photos). Thanks for the explanation. BHP is on my list.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Stephen, thanks for the information. Do you know why FN felt the need to include this feature on the slide lock?

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I am only guessing, but the notch for the holdopen lever's "foot" is relatively "large" compared to some autoloaders manufactured before it. While this may aid reliability in function, with the slide forward, were this notch not covered by this semicircular area of the slide stop/holdopen lever, it might allow enough grit, etc into the slide rail groove area to cause malfunctions.

Again, this is just my best "guess".

Best.