p09 slide lock - is modification to reduce release force feasible?

[bversteegh]

Hi.  just finished polishing the trigger bar and hammer strut, reduced tension on the trigger bar spring, and  installed the CGW pro kit in my P09.  Well worth the time (fairly simple to follow the youtube videos) - so I have a really sweet trigger .  So my next project is to figure out how to reduce my magazine change time.  I don't reliably achieve a slide release when I seat the new mag (maybe 1 in 3); hopefully more practice and technique improvement will improve that.  But still need a better solution when I need to manually come out of slide lock quickly. 

I'm a lefty, so to use the slide lock lever, I have to use my index finger.  It is awkward and hard to get enough force to release the slide (I'm using the 18lb spring from the CGW kit).  So right now, I slingshot the slide after mag change to engage next target - not very time efficient (shooting IDPA).  So was wondering if anyone has successfully tried working on the slide stop to reduce the force required to release the slide? Or if there are any aftermarket slide stops that have a ledge on the bottom so you can get a little more leverage to release the slide?  Thanks.

[M1A4ME]

I admit I use the slide stop, just a habit from my 1911 days.

However, some instructors are teaching people to ignore the slide stop and just pull the slide back enough to disengage the slide stop and then letting the slide go.  The recoil spring will take over from that point and get it done.

Your left hand is holding the gun, your right hand inserts the fresh magazine and then goes to the slide to pop it back just a tad, before letting go of it

[Col._Joe]

I am also a lefty. I use my index/ trigger  finger also. In addition to grabbing the slide you could try the following. After inserting the magazine the right hand continues up to the slide stop. The right hand fingers release the lever.  It may  be faster than racking the slide because  your hand doesn't move as far.

[Colorado Shooter]

How fast are your mag changes? Are you shooting in a Production class?

[Col._Joe]

If you are asking me. I need to clarify.  I use my trigger finger to release the lever.
I will time my self on a few of each method. In the next week or so. I will post the results

[Colorado Shooter]

If you are asking me. I need to clarify.  I use my trigger finger to release the lever.
I will time my self on a few of each method. In the next week or so. I will post the results

My question was for the OP.

[Col._Joe]

Ok.
Cool

[bversteegh]

Sorry I've been totally tied up at work the last couple weeks and haven't been on line much.   I have been working  with the gun more and have found that if I hit the mag firmly on the bottom left corner when I seat it I get slide release most of the time. That is faster for me than using the slide release - but it is probably just habit. My prior gun had an ambidextrous slide release - so I could.use my left thumb which was a lot more natural.

[bversteegh]

I shot a match yesterday - 8 stages and only had to rack slide once the entire match.  Rest of the reloads was able to release slide by a firm mag seating.  Occasionally I have to give a second tap with the heel of my hand. Ill have to put my timer in my pocket next match and see what my reload splits are.

[DOC 1500]

If your po9 is anything like my p0 7 just slap that mag in there and slam shut goes the slide every time.

[mkop]

Sure, just sand down the slide release.

The slide release on my P-07 was very hard to activate as well. I knew I could sand down the slide, and/or the slide release lever to make it easier to activate. I chose to sand down the slide release lever since I know over time material will be worn down and I didn't want to risk sanding too much off the slide and having it no longer lock back. A new slide release is only $30 so if you mess it up or take too much material off so it no longer locks back it's no big deal to replace.

I sanded the slide release where it contacts the slide and rounded over the corner.  I also smoothed the finish on the slide where it contacts the slide release just enough so that it was smoothed but some of the finish remained.

[Thechef1]

I'm having the same issue with my new (to me) p 09. I just did all new CJW internals and polishing but can't get the slide to go home consistently on reloads. I am also lefty and have been shooting M&PS for years in USPSA and my M&P does it 99 percent of the time so I really don't want to re-learn a new technique. Ill try light sanding and polishing the slide release

[Thechef1]

Sure, just sand down the slide release.

The slide release on my P-07 was very hard to activate as well. I knew I could sand down the slide, and/or the slide release lever to make it easier to activate. I chose to sand down the slide release lever since I know over time material will be worn down and I didn't want to risk sanding too much off the slide and having it no longer lock back. A new slide release is only $30 so if you mess it up or take too much material off so it no longer locks back it's no big deal to replace.

I sanded the slide release where it contacts the slide and rounded over the corner.  I also smoothed the finish on the slide where it contacts the slide release just enough so that it was smoothed but some of the finish remained.

Do you think you could take a picture?