Question from an old guy

[Ken43]

I have a CW380 which has functioned without any type of malfunction. I am retired LE and have been shooting semi-automatics since 1970. This 380 has a slide that is very skinny and with my old hands I can not operate the slide by hand. I have learned that I can put the muzzle against something hard like my desk and push the slide back until I can lock the slide. Is there anything I can do to make this process easier??? I have two Kahr 9mm pistols and I can operate their slides with out any problem. I have thought about trading the CW380 for a different gun that has a slide that I can operate. But I like all my guns to function the same and have the same trigger pull. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[berettabone]

Maybe it's time to get that revolver that you've been eyeing for some time. Same trigger, DA, smooth it out with some fluff and buff. No slide racking, and you still have 2 Kahr's.

[Ken43]

I have been looking at the Kimber and Colt 380's. I can work the slide on them. I just don't know if I can get used to the thumb safety.

[berettabone]

I know what you mean about the thumb safety........................never liked them myself. Don't own any firearms that have a safety...........................................

[gb6491]

I have been looking at the Kimber and Colt 380's. I can work the slide on them. I just don't know if I can get used to the thumb safety.

My wife carries a Mustang XSP. She's happy with it and picked up the manual of arms pretty quick.


You might try some grip or skate board deck tape on the 380's slide. Some examples:
https://www.google.com/search?client....0.1ZQH8AmRWwM

Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Lakeline makes a little charging handle for the 9's but I just visited the site and they don't show one for the 380.

Depending on what your hand issues are it may or may not help. I'm dealing with some aggravating hand issues myself.

HarryLee awhile back send me some precut strips of skateboard tape that fit between the serrations on my PM45. It helps quite a bit and so far it's holding up much better than I expected. I only had one strip fall off and he of course has sent several extra so just put a new one on.

The thing about good safeties such as the 1911 and the Mustang Greg posted is they are a natural motion. Smiths had the safety backwards where you had to flip it up to fire, an unnatural movement.

I have no issue with a good safety. I use it as a thumb rest. Don't take long to get used to at all.

[wyntrout]

A couple of videos on racking a semi-auto pistol:

https://youtu.be/XSiOq_uvCmg

https://youtu.be/Al2rMXpw6c0

[OldBoldPilot]

I can say from personal experience that the Sig P238's are among the easiest-racking 380s out there. My P380 is a bear.

[b4uqzme]

Lakeline makes a little charging handle for the 9's but I just visited the site and they don't show one for the 380.

^^^ Maybe a new CM9 with a Lakeline charging handle is in Ken's future????

[topgun1953]

My sister had trouble racking slides, even the P238. Her problem was how to pull the slide back and then manipulate the slide lock. I had her put in an empty magazine. When the slide was pulled back, bingo, the mag locked it open. Maybe this might help you a little Ken. The P238 is good. I personally carry the P938...although I'll probably pick up a cm9 at some point.😀