When you spend years familiarizing yourself with the mechanics of shooting, it’s easy to believe that the techniques you’ve become accustomed to are the only way to travel. In my case, the notion of ignoring a pistol’s slide stop/release in favor of “power-stroking” the slide—gripping the slide and pulling it rearward to disengage it from the release—seemed completely unnecessary. After all, manufacturers have been integrating slide stops in their handguns for over a century. Why would they do that if there was a simpler, more reliable way to release the slide? Moreover, you can operate the slide release and maintain your grip with only one hand. The power stroke technique requires two. But the more I thought about it and practiced with it, the more the power stroke technique began to make better sense.

Why not use the slide stop/release?
Not every pistol’s slide stop lever is located in an accessible spot or is easy to use. Particularly in pistols designed for concealed-carry, the lever may be more ergonomic than functional. Though this may only be a slight inconvenience at the range, it could mean a lethal delay in a defense scenario. The power stroke technique gives you more surface area to grip, which, when your adrenaline is pumping and your fine motor skills are diminished, can be life-saving.
Why should I switch to the power stroke?
CK5150 As you probably already know never release the slide stop of a 1911 on an empty chamber. Its not good on any gun but really bad on the 1911 design.
We default to the using the slide. As stated, it’s a motion that is useful in multiple situations. This is especially true when dealing with strange guns under stress.
I have no problem with having the ability to release the slide-stop. Especially if you are running a personal weapon that you are intimately familiar with (Read perhaps game gun).
But no technique is perfect. Some pistols do have recessed slides. One needs to be flexible.
TTR
I always wandered how easy could it be to power stroke a CZ, the slide is very thin compared to other pistols.
Don1974 Thanks, Don! Excellent insight from you, too. 🙂
Don1974 Thanks, Don! Excellent insight from you, too. 🙂
JoeFabeetz Thank you, Joe!