If you're in search of the best 1911 extended slide release, you're obviously not alone. However, you need to be aware that there are a ton of them on the market.
It's also important to note that you shouldn't just pick one off the shelf or online on a whim. You may end up getting a cheap model which will fall apart on you in a short amount of time.
To ensure that you're not wasting time or money, we've hand-picked five of the best 1911 extended slide releases currently on the market right now. Each has a unique feature or two that stand out and make the best case as to why they are the best.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 1911 Extended Slide Release
- OUR TOP PICK: Wilson Combat - 1911 Extended Slide Release
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Wilson Combat Semi-Extended Slide Release
- 10-8 Performance Llc - 1911 Performance Slide Stop
Comparison of the Best 1911 Extended Slide Releases
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Benefits of Investing in an Extended Slide Release
It's always good to find a quality upgrade as opposed to working with a stock extended slide release. In fact, most people choose to upgrade for overall better performance for their 1911.
Here are some of the benefits and advantages you'll enjoy should you decide on investing in a good quality slide release for your gun:
Wilson Combat Semi-Extended Slide Release
Good to Use When You Have One Hand To Work With
If one of your hands is disabled, a good stop release can come in handy in certain situations. You can unload the gun with one hand and place a new magazine in it with the slide release button and send the round straight into the chamber.
Faster Reloading
One of the main advantages a user wants for a slide release is faster reloading. Once again, speed matters most. Especially if you're using your 1911 in a shooting competition or to defend your family or your home against criminals. In fact, it's a lot faster to reload with an extended slide release than compared to something like the slingshot method.
What Makes A Great 1911 Extended Slide Release?
There are always a few major things that will distinguish a great slide release from one that is considered to be low quality and cheap. Here are some of the things to look for in order to make the determination of whether or not it is great or cheap:
Material
A great extended slide release for your 1911 would have to be something with excellent quality. So, it's important to find one that is crafted from a material like steel. If you come across a slide release that is heat-treated, there's a good chance that it will likely be a very durable model.
Installation
If you want a slide release, but don’t want to spend a great deal of time with the installation process, you’ll want something that is considered a drop-in. These require little or no gunsmithing skills. These will typically take an upside of 15 to 20 minutes to install.
Speed
No 1911 owner wants a slide release that will leave them hanging during the times when they need it most. If you place speed at a high standard, you’ll want a slide stop that you can release with your thumb.
For example, if you’re a competitive shooter or using your 1911 for home defense, speed matters. For the latter, an extended slide release that doesn’t do its job can mean a more dangerous situation for you.
If you’re in search of an extended slide release, find one where it can be released with the use of your thumb.
Review of the Best 1911 Extended Slide Releases
The following is a list of five of the best 1911 extended slide releases currently available on the market. You should consider looking through each one of these carefully. The reason being is that each one has a unique feature or two that might pique your interest.
As always, your final decision in finding an extended slide release will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Take note of the pros and cons so you'll have a good idea of what to expect when the time comes to use the extended slide release you bought.
Pros
Cons
First up, we have the Wilson Combat 1911 Extended Slide Release. Wilson Combat is one of the brands considered to be one of the best by 1911 gun owners and enthusiasts alike.
This item is deeply grooved to ensure that you deal with no slip at all. This slide release is also designed to reduce recovery time between each and every shot. The Wilson Combat comes in two different finishes: stainless steel or blue.
If you're looking for a slide release that looks good, you'll probably want to consider the Wilson Combat as one of your top choices.
This is a simple to install slide release that you can install in a matter of minutes, despite some assembly being needed. Once you're finished, you'll be able to get it working in no time at all.
Bottom Line
The Wilson Combat once again proves itself as being one of the more trustworthy brands. Some 1911 owners would even buy this on the name alone. With a name like Wilson Combat, it has to be good.
And while it is, it’s always a good idea to dig a little deeper beyond the name and figure out if this slide release really is right for you. The functions and features should be a little bit more important than the brand name.
With that said, if you’re looking for a good slide release and don’t mind taking the time assembling and installing it, you should consider the Wilson Combat. The good news is that you don’t need any gunsmithing skills to install this.
Pros
Cons
For this slide release, we're staying with the Wilson Combat brand. Believe it or not, they also have slide releases available for those looking for one but have the need to stay within their budget. Just another reason why Wilson Combat stands out as one of the best brands. This is for shooters who have a hard time hitting the standard size slide stop.
The design makes it easy to hit under stress or when you're wearing gloves. The pad on the slide release is the same width as the standard bulletproof slide stop. This is appropriate for a lot of purposes such as competitive shooting, target practicing, home defense, or whatever your purpose is for your 1911.
This Wilson Combat product is designed to take a beating in a 1911 auto. It's fully machined from solid bar stock with additional metal remaining in critical areas to ensure the best in durability. The material is key when it comes to a bulletproof slide stop.
Wilson Combat spent time researching what makes an extended slide release the best. The conclusion they've arrived at is the best ones are typically heat-treated before they're even sold. And that's exactly what they've done with their slide releases. They didn't stop there.
Next, Wilson Combat added in other features including a serrated top, built-in detent, and a maximum tolerance shaft. If you're looking for a slide release that is a drop-in, this Wilson Combat model is exactly that. Finally, this comes with a matte black oxide finish and is crafted from stainless steel material.
Bottom Line
If you simply couldn't afford the previous Wilson Combat model that was being reviewed, don't fret. You can still get a good Wilson Combat slide release at an affordable price. At this point, this is arguably the best slide release at a cost-effective price as far as quality goes.
Just because you're on a budget, doesn't mean you should go cheap. This is something to keep in mind the next time you shop for quality gun accessories. With that in mind, if you're looking for a very strong slide release, the Wilson Combat may be what you want.
3. 10-8 Performance LLC - 1911 Performance Slide Stop
Pros
Cons
Next on the list is the 10-8 Performance 1911 Slide Stop. This is a redesigned slide stop that is machined from bar stock for strength and is contoured for easy, reliable, and positive operation.
This features a long, wide finger pad with aggressive serrations to ensure excellent traction. It also comes with a .200” diameter pin for secure lockup and smooth operation.
The engagement surfaces contacting the magazine follow and the slide notch are modified and optimized for performance. Meanwhile, the rear face is angled so the detent plunger keeps its place under recoil until the magazine is empty.
The 10-8 is crafted from carbon steel material, so you know that this will be a very strong slide release. This also has a matte black oxide finish so it looks aesthetically pleasing, even on your 1911. If you want a strong, but good looking slide release, you’ll want the 10-8 Performance to be your top choice.
Bottom Line
The 10-8 might be the best slide release to have if you’re considering something that won’t give you grief during the installation process. Since this is made from carbon steel, there’s a good chance that this one will last you a long time. The more durable a slide release is, the better. If you’re looking for a slide release that has the potential to last long, you should consider the 10-8 Performance.
4. Ed Brown - 1911 Hardcore Slide Stop
Pros
Cons
Another reliable brand for 1911 owners is Ed Brown. This 1911 slide stop is fully machined in house by Ed Brown Products. Their goal is to make their slide stop the strongest on the market for their users.
The question: is it really?
This is heat-treated to the perfect hardness to ensure lifetime performance. So, on paper, the answer to that question is yes. But it's up to you to be the judge of that.
This features a serrated lever, a .200 diameter pin, and a built-in detent for easy installation. This also has a beautiful chamfered profile. This can be easily installed with most 1911s with little to no fitting at all.
These slide releases didn't earn the name "hardcore" for nothing. These are guaranteed to last you a long time. They stand by this with a lifetime warranty. If something happens, you'll be able to replace it no problem.
If you're looking for the last extended slide release you'll ever need for a while, the Ed Brown might be the best choice for you.
Bottom Line
If you’re on a budget, the good news is that you can get this super strong slide release. Even better, it’s one of the best slide releases under $100. Talk about a steal. If you’re looking for something that will last you a lifetime at a reasonable price, you’d be hard pressed to find anything else other than an Ed Brown.
5. EGW - 1911 Heavy Duty Slide Stop
Pros
Cons
For our last slide release, we'll be taking a look at the EGW Heavy Duty Slide Stop. Of course, it lives up to the name itself--heavy duty. This is precision machined from steel bar stock and heat-treated for superior hardness and durability. This ensures a precise fit to frame for maximum security and consistent lockup.
This is available with the standard .200" diameter pin or an oversized .203" pin for custom fitting for the tightest possible lockup for maximum accuracy. This is also designed to prevent slop or play that can compromise accuracy.
Both sizes of this slide release are available in blued 4140 carbon steel or stainless steel. They also come with a bead-blasted matte finish. The fine-line serrations on the pad give your finger a secure purchase to release the slide on the first pass.
Bottom Line
This is another super strong slide release that is going for a price below $100. In fact, this could give the Ed Brown a run for its money. If you’re torn between this and the Ed Brown, this is a good time to dig a little deeper and learn about each one.
From there, you can make a decision on which one you trust the most. With that in mind, this does fit w most 1911s. And the quality alone is something that will get a 1911 owner to buy it. If you have high standards when it comes to quality, you might want the EGW slide release.
How To Install A 1911 Extended Slide Release
Installing a 1911 extended slide release may be easy for a lot of gun users. But what if it’s a challenge for you or it is your first time installing one? The following are instructions on how you can install an extended slide release on your 1911:
- Please make sure that the safety is on. While your gun should be unloaded, it’s always important to remove the magazine and check the chamber.
- Disassemble parts of your gun that will allow you to freely remove the slide. You don’t have to remove the slide completely.
- When placing it in the side of your gun, you’ll need to snap it in place. While it’s not wise to force anything in place, sometimes it might be necessary to apply a little bit of pressure to ensure it’s installed securely.
- Test the slide release from a fire position.
- Re-assemble the parts you’ve disassembled to secure the slide.
If you still have questions or difficulty, check out the video below.
Conclusion
Finding the best 1911 extended slide release doesn’t have to be a challenge. If you know what you’re looking for, the search process will be easy enough.
Remember to dig a little deeper in your research if you come across a slide release that interests you. The last thing you want to do is experience buyer’s remorse after purchasing and installing one. So, be sure to check out what the majority of users have said in the reviews so you can make the determination to buy or pass.
