# Slide stop

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Handgun function to reload faster

A [P226](/source/SIG_Sauer_Pro_series) with breech closed (top) and opened (bottom). On the bottom view, the [slide](/source/Pistol_slide) is locked in place by the slide stop.

A **slide stop**, sometimes referred to as a **slide lock**, **slide release**, **slide catch**,[1] or **bolt hold open**, is a function on a [semi-automatic handgun](/source/Semi-automatic_pistol) that both visually indicates when it has expended all loaded [ammunition](/source/Ammunition) and facilitates faster reloading by pulling back the [slide](/source/Pistol_slide) or depressing the slide lock to advance the first round of a new magazine.

## Description

The various terms relate to the two functions of the component: while it automatically catches the slide (*locking* it back) after the magazine's last round has been fired, thereby allowing the user to easily *release* the slide by pulling down on the switch, it also allows the user to purposefully *stop* or *lock* the slide back by pressing up on the switch while racking the slide.

## Use

It is sometimes debated whether one should use the slide stop to release the slide. Some argue that this may cause extra wear on the firearm, or that the slide stop may be difficult to push.[2][3] Some manufactures recommend using the slide lock as a release, others recommend racking the slide. Using the slide lock as a release can accelerate wear in some models.

		- Slide stop in its "up" position, locking the [slide](/source/Pistol_slide) of this [Glock pistol](/source/Glock_pistol) in its "back" position. Pressing down the switch releases the slide to spring forward.

		- Slide stop (with mechanism exposed, larger circle) and corresponding notch in slide, which catches the slide stop.

## See also

- [Glossary of firearms terms](/source/Glossary_of_firearms_terms)

- [Half-cock](/source/Half-cock)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Slide Lock vs Slide Release – Patriot Firearms School & Defense LLC](https://patriotfirearmsschool.com/blogs/news/slide-lock-vs-slide-release)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Slide Lock vs Slide Release"](https://patriotfirearmsschool.com/blogs/news/slide-lock-vs-slide-release). *Patriot Firearms School & Defense LLC*. 2021-03-11. Retrieved 2024-12-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Brownells, Inc. (2020-10-13). ["Smyth Busters: Is It OK To Use the Slide Release?"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zLH8HTi9IM). Retrieved 2024-12-25. {{[cite journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_journal)}}: Cite journal requires |journal= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#missing_periodical))

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Slide stop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_stop) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_stop?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.