Grabbing the Slide | Part Two

Published on October 19, 2014
Duration: 4:32

Grabbing a semi-automatic pistol's slide during firing does not cause hand injury but will cause a malfunction. Modern firearms have 'out of battery' safety mechanisms preventing firing if the slide is not fully closed. This video demonstrates this on multiple pistols and warns against the extreme danger of doing the same with revolvers due to escaping high-pressure gases.

Quick Summary

Grabbing the slide of a semi-automatic pistol during firing will not injure your hand but will cause it to jam. Modern firearms have an 'out of battery' safety preventing discharge if the slide isn't fully closed. Revolvers are extremely dangerous if manipulated near the cylinder gap due to escaping gases.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Grabbing Pistol Slide Myths
  2. 00:39Myth Busting: Hand Injury vs. Jams
  3. 01:41Demonstration: Multiple Pistols
  4. 02:05Out of Battery Safety Explained
  5. 03:19Extreme Danger: Revolver Cylinder Gap

Frequently Asked Questions

Will grabbing the slide of a pistol while firing hurt my hand?

No, grabbing the slide of a semi-automatic pistol during firing will not injure your hand or break bones. The primary consequence is that the firearm will fail to cycle properly and will jam after the first shot due to the slide being held out of battery.

What is the 'out of battery' safety feature in firearms?

The 'out of battery' safety is a mechanical feature in most modern hammer-fired and striker-fired pistols. It prevents the firearm from discharging if the slide is not fully closed and locked, ensuring a safer operation.

Is it safe to grab the slide of a revolver?

Absolutely not. Grabbing near the cylinder gap of a revolver, especially during or after firing, is extremely dangerous. High-pressure gases escape from this gap and can cause severe injury to your hand.

What happens if you hold the slide of a semi-automatic pistol while it fires?

Holding the slide of a semi-automatic pistol while it fires will prevent it from cycling correctly. The firearm will likely jam after the first shot because the slide cannot move rearward to eject the spent casing and chamber a new round.

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