There are some principles of using the support hand to release the slide. One, it is the technique that is closest to 100% reliable to release the slide. Two it is very much a gross motor movement.
I know there are going to be people who say I never have a problem using the slide stop lever/slide release. Which I am sure they have not. However I help train over 3000 people a year on different handguns and I see routine issues associated with not using the support hand. Here are the things I see happen by thumbing the slide stop. First, people depress the slide stop a millisecond prior to the magazine being fully seated and the slide goes home on an empty chamber. Which results in a click on the next press which results in a stage 1 malfunction clearance (tap, rack with a right hand twist). All of this is nothing but a waste of time when time matters. Second I do see people “miss” the slide stop. Typically this is not as bad because they know it and quickly reengage and release the slide with minimal time lost.
When it comes to using the support hand there are two techniques, one which is referred to as the sling shot, the other is known as hand over slide. The sling shot is probably the most commonly used and typically done wrong. Most will pinch the rear of the slide between the index finger and the thumb and pull the slide to the rear and then letting go. This only allows for two points of contact which has a minimal about of pressure and friction to ensure a proper reliable release of the slide. The correct way is to roll or cant the gun toward the support side. The support hand contacts the slide palm down on the top rear of the slide (not covering the ejection port) in between the heel of the thumb and the 4 fingers. Then clamp the sides of the slide between the heel of the thumb and the other four fingers to gain solid purchase of the slide. The thumb will be oriented in the same direction as the muzzle.
The over hand technique is basically the same but the orientation of the support hand changes. The support hand wraps over the top rear of the slide (not covering the ejection port) in between the heel of the palm and the 4 fingers. Then clamp the sides of the slide between the heel of the palm and the other four fingers to gain solid purchase of the slide. The thumb will be oriented up or back at you.
Hope this sheds some light on the how and why.
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