Grabbing the Slide | Part Two

Published on October 19, 2014
Duration: 4:32

This guide details a technique demonstrated by Firearms Instructor Žiga Polajnar of Polenar Tactical, focusing on the safety and mechanical effects of grabbing a pistol's slide during firing. It clarifies that this action on semi-automatic pistols results in a jam, not injury, and highlights the extreme danger of similar actions with revolvers due to escaping gases.

Quick Summary

Firearms Instructor Žiga Polajnar explains that grabbing the slide of a semi-automatic pistol during firing is safe for the hand but causes a jam. He contrasts this with revolvers, where manipulating the cylinder gap is extremely dangerous due to escaping high-pressure gases, which can cause severe injury.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Context
  2. 00:39Myth Busting: Grabbing the Slide
  3. 01:41Visual Demonstration with Multiple Pistols
  4. 02:05Out of Battery Safety Mechanism
  5. 03:19The Danger of Revolvers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you grab the slide of a semi-automatic pistol firmly while it fires, the firearm will fail to cycle and jam after the first shot. Your hand will remain uninjured due to the firearm's design, which prioritizes preventing cycling over causing harm to the shooter's grip.

Is it dangerous to grab the slide of a pistol?

For semi-automatic pistols, grabbing the slide during firing is not dangerous to your hand; it simply causes a malfunction (jam). However, it is extremely dangerous to do so with revolvers near the cylinder gap, as escaping high-pressure gases can cause severe injury.

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

The 'out of battery' safety is a mechanical feature in most modern semi-automatic pistols. If the slide is not fully closed and locked, the firearm will not fire, acting as a safety mechanism that can also be relevant in certain tactical disarming techniques.

Why is grabbing a revolver near the cylinder gap dangerous?

Grabbing a revolver near the cylinder gap during firing is dangerous because high-pressure gases escape between the cylinder and the barrel. These gases can cause severe burns and injuries to the shooter's hand and face.

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