Thumbs Riding The Slide - Good or Bad?

Published on March 9, 2021
Duration: 6:55

This video debunks common myths surrounding 'thumbs riding the slide' on a pistol. The instructor demonstrates that resting the thumb on the slide does not cause malfunctions, shear off thumbs, or significantly impact accuracy. Instead, it can aid in recoil mitigation by providing downward pressure on the frame ledge, facilitating better follow-up shots.

Quick Summary

Resting your thumb on the slide of a pistol is generally not dangerous and does not cause malfunctions or significantly impact accuracy. In fact, placing your thumb on the frame ledge can help mitigate recoil, leading to improved follow-up shots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Thumbs Riding the Slide Debate
  2. 00:22Online Discussions and 'Internet Operators'
  3. 01:32Debunking Injury Myths: Disarms and Slide Contact
  4. 01:57Common Myths: Thumb Injury and Accuracy Shift
  5. 02:13Live Fire Demonstration: Thumb on Slide
  6. 02:39Addressing Malfunction and Injury Myths
  7. 03:03Accuracy Myth: Does Thumb Pressure Shift Aim?
  8. 03:37Recoil Mitigation Benefit of Thumb Placement
  9. 04:28Glock 43 Example: Recoil and Slide Mass
  10. 05:00Reiterating Safety and Practicality
  11. 05:25Showing This Video to Skeptics
  12. 05:35Summary: No Negative Impact, Potential Benefit
  13. 05:53Sponsor: Dragon Hide Concealment
  14. 06:08Support the Channel: Patreon and Social Media
  15. 06:14Website and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to have your thumb touch the slide when shooting a pistol?

No, it is generally not dangerous. The common myth that your thumb will be sheared off by the slide is unfounded. While it's not a recommended technique for everyone, it doesn't cause injury or malfunctions in most modern firearms.

Can riding the slide affect my pistol's accuracy?

For most shooters, resting the thumb on the slide does not significantly impact accuracy. The pressure applied is typically minimal and sideways, and the firearm's mechanics are designed to cycle reliably even with slight hand contact.

Does riding the slide cause a pistol to malfunction?

No, riding the slide does not typically cause malfunctions in modern semi-automatic pistols. The firearm's slide is designed to cycle with a degree of hand contact, and the energy of the cycling action is not sufficient to cause a malfunction from thumb contact.

What is the benefit of resting your thumb on the frame ledge while shooting?

Resting your thumb on the frame ledge, often associated with 'riding the slide,' can provide downward pressure that helps mitigate recoil. This can lead to better control of the firearm and faster, more accurate follow-up shots.

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