Malfunction?

[Fizzle1985]

Just had a quick question. I bought a new gun recently, and when i try to use the release to load a round in the chamber, its very hard to push down. I usually have to end up pulling the top back while pushing the release. Is this jamming or do I just need to wear it in?

Thanks

[Shawn.L]

some will argue that the part you speak of is a SLIDE LOCK and not a release, and that you should be using the slingshot method of dropping the slide.

either way, it is common for that lever to be stiff and hard to work when new on many guns.

what type of pistol is it?

[RoyJackson]

You need to compare it to another of the same brand and, perhaps a few models of other brands.
It could be stiff due to the newness or, maybe you need to build a bit more strength in your thumb.
That said, I rarely use the slide release anyway. I prefer to pull the slide back and release. Glock (my preferred semi-auto) slide releases are pretty small, so racking the slide is easier and just as effective.

[mythaeus]

I can test it when you come down to Philly. I have a way that guarantees to work every time, unless there's something wrong with the gun. I've heard of 1911's requiring breaking in period/rounds, but not Glocks. I'm not sure about XD, check the manual. Ball ammo vs. hollow points is a factor, although very minor.

Al

[RoyJackson]

I can test it when you come down to Philly. I have a way that guarantees to work every time, unless there's something wrong with the gun. I've heard of 1911's requiring breaking in period/rounds, but not Glocks. I'm not sure about XD, check the manual. Ball ammo vs. hollow points is a factor, although very minor.

Al

The OP, Fizzle1985, didn't specify the brand. I wrote about Glocks.

[mythaeus]

The OP, Fizzle1985, didn't specify the brand. I wrote about Glocks.

Yeah, I remember that he has an XD45 through another communication so I assumed as much. It may not be the same gun, but I think it is.

Al

[andrewjs18]

the slide lock on the XD is very stiff when it's NIB....put some rounds through the gun and it should loosen up.

[Bug44]

give it time and some oil

[synergy]

Eat more spinach and keep using it...it'll wear in with use.

Taurus pt145's are pretty tough, too.

It'd be nice to know what model the OP is talking about, though.

[Fizzle1985]

That's what I though, but just wanted to make sure. Thanks guy! +1 to all