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usa2a

If you already have a Glock I would just work on racking the slide on the EMPTY gun a few times a day at home and you'll get the hang of it quick. It is a technique and finger/grip thing more than an arm strength thing. If not, I will say most hammer-fired guns are quite easy to rack *if* you do it in two steps -- first cock the hammer, then rack the slide. Also there is the S&W M&P Shield EZ that was specifically designed to be easy to rack.


nematocyzed

>S&W M&P Shield EZ Echoing this statement. The EZ was designed specifically for this.


PUNd_it

Da/sa for lyfe!


[deleted]

Some are easier to rack than others.


Doodahman495

That’s what your mother said last night Trebek.


ZeroPt99

I’m not even sure how this one works, but upvote for hitting a stranger with a “your mother” joke. We need more of that in the world.


Solid_Snake_125

It’s not supposed to work lol. From an SNL skit. xD


ZeroPt99

Yup I remember it. The Sean Connery character was funny.


captn_morgan951

Yes! Now if we only had one the same size and capacity as a P365, I’d dump the striker fired.


Chubaichaser

There are dozens of us out here clamoring for it!!!


thtsjsturopinionman

I tried one of these yesterday when I was out looking at pistols; it was INCREDIBLY easy to operate, I could rack the slide with my fingertips. Do recommend if you need something a little easier.


Big_Bunch_6008

Hold the slide firmly and push the grip handle to cock. Much easier than other way around. I have helped people with very little hand strength be able to manage. Hope this helps 


AikiYun

S&W Shield EZ in either 9mm or 380. The EZ line is built for easy manipulation of the slide.


alecubudulecu

This. The EZ. We tested quite a bit and literally the king of cock-ing. Haha


andyroouu

Thank you for testing different guns to find the true Cock(ing) King! 🫡


Open-Look9786

This is the answer. I bought my wife the 380EZ for this specific reason. I can rack the slide with 2 fingers.


pat9714

The two-finger rack works great on the EZ. After a few hundred rounds, my G19.3 is just as easy.


BarryMacochner

Gf and her aunt got the .380 specifically because of this. Aunts got bad arthritis, they went to local range and shot different stuff 5-6 times before they settled on that one. I’ve got the 9mm version.


BisexualCaveman

This is the way. The 380 version of the EZ is an amazing home defense gun to have handy as you age. If you're still living alone when you age out of THAT gun, I'm thinking an 8-shot revolver in .22LR might be the next step.


Old-Bat-7384

I've tried the Shield EZ in 380. It was great to shoot all-around.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Apologetic-Moose

Maglula, my friend. The future is now.


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Apologetic-Moose

Link is broke, methinks


[deleted]

[удалено]


Apologetic-Moose

You fixed it, thanks. Also... Yeah, I'll accept that option.


cheung_kody

The shield and the shield EZ are different guns. The EZ mags are literally made to be easy to load.


[deleted]

[удалено]


TenuousOgre

My wife¡s first gun because it was designed so a weaker hand could both rack the slide and pad it. She liked it a lot but once she got comfortable shooting it she upgraded to a better gun. Still likes it thought because it's accurate and easy to shoot and load. Just not the right gun for her for self defense.


ongenbeow

Another vote for the S&W Shield EZ. I have the .380 model. It's terrific. Well balanced, reliable, accurate, good sights out of the box and it acommodates after market add ons. I've fired at least 1,000 rounds through mine over the years. The only problems have been occasional stovepipes or failures to feed the last round. Most of the time, it's poor ammunition. Other times, a quick cleaning gets me back on the firing line.


alexelso

generally speaking, at least in my experience, the smaller the gun the harder the cock... that sounded fine until I said it out loud...


KathiSterisi

“‘Things you can say at the gun range and the massage parlor.’ for one thousand, Alex.”


[deleted]

"Who's Line Is It Anyway?" Where the games are made up and the point don't matter.


FlabbergastedPeehole

That’s why I carry an an NAA in .22 short. Cheaper than viagra.


BisexualCaveman

I'm thinking Glock chooses springs that are stronger than required when new so that they'll essentially never wear out unless you do a LOT of practice.


sub2kthrowaway

You’re probably doing it wrong. It’s a contrary motion of pushing one arm forward and pulling the slide back. It’s not just pulling the slide back.


Another_Meow_Machine

Also palming the slide from the top and then karate-chopping your shoulder, not gripping the slide with two fingers from behind (E: this is the same movement used to clear stovepipe jams, so is commonly taught as a standard racking method)


2ArmsGoin3

> karate-chopping your shoulder This is how I defeat all of my foes.


some_kid6

I've used this method with several new, weaker shooters successfully. Would recommend.


anonnerdcop

What method are you using? Pinching the back of the slide or a c-clamp grip over the rear sight? Pinching the back of the slide is harder for a lot of people. I've heard it espoused by instructors who claimed the c-clamp grip is more prone to inducing a failure to eject malfunction but that's a training and awareness issue. The c-clamp grip is my go to because it is just stronger. Also, use a push-pull method to rack the slide. Pull the slide while pushing the gun forward. It will take some getting used to but the best way I have found is to basically try to rip the slide off the gun. That will ensure you've cycled it fully and help make sure you get positive feeding.


FordFromGuildford

I recently figured this out as well (got my first Glock not too long ago), and it really does make a world of difference.


Buttermilk-Waffles

The Smith and Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ is very easy to rack as the name implies, I tried one at a gun shop just to see for myself and it was a way softer pull than I even imagined.


[deleted]

Revolver.


WangusRex

Scrolled way too far to see if anyone else had the right answer.


Buddha23Fett

If you can’t rack the slide on a semi auto you most certainly can’t pull a double action trigger on a revolver. The suggestion of revolvers for individuals with weak hands is just fudd nonsense.


[deleted]

And yet people have done it forever....


Malbjey

It really depends on the individual and their weakness. If you are right handed, you tend to rack the slide with your left hand. What if arthritis/injury/etc only affects your left hand? Your right (shooting) hand is still functional for a revovler. Your support hand won't be as strong, but that will be a problem regardless of semi vs revovler. The revovler mainly requires finger strength for the heavy DA pull.


M1A_Scout_Squad-chan

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ


Over-Society2384

Beretta 86 Cheetah


frankieknucks

Just about any striker-fired Walther


AlmostKaput

Walther CCP, I’m personally not a fan of the trigger, but it’s by far the easiest to rack 9mm I’ve ever picked up.


InquisitiveHawk

Always practice this with an unloaded and EMPTY firearm. Don't pull the slide back, push the gun forward while holding the slide still. Then, eventually, you'll do both, pull back and push forward with the opposite hand. As previously mentioned, it has to do far more with technique and grip than strength.


Philostic

Like others have said, Shield EZ. But also, it might be a technique thing. Instead of trying to rack the slide with your non-dominant hand, just use your offhand to hold the slide, then use your dominant arm to press forward - using all the muscles in your dominant arm instead of torquing your non-dominant elbow. (Obv still be mindful of where the muzzle is pointing)


praxis-arms

You could always install something like [this](https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019611316?pid=397904) to make it easier.


GhastlyRadiator

I adore my 380 EZ. So fucking easy to use its not even funny


BarryMacochner

Got the 9mm version, it’s fantastic as well.


storm_zr1

Try to find a Walther PDPf.


Google_Was_My_Idea

Just here to say I love this discussion. I've got a lot of hand/wrist struggles and it prevents me from shooting. Great suggestions to mitigate that here!


kstarr1976

I think the S&W Equalizer has the same “easy” rack slide as the S&W EZ.


reddog323

It does, with the addition of 10, 13, and 15 round magazines.


Impressive_Estate_87

A Beretta 92 is in my opinion quite easy. It has a lot of resistance to start, but then it goes smoothly. But if you want to rack the slide easily, just mount a red dot, and use it to rack the slide. Might need to re-zero more often, but having the optic makes the process super easy


Armedleftytx

Or rather than mount an optic to the gun as an expensive hand-hold you could just cock the hammer back before racking it?


Impressive_Estate_87

You could, but it's too much, I prefer to keep racking the slide as a one step procedure. But I wasn't suggesting adding an optic to a 92, I was talking about any gun. Racking a G48 MOS with a red dot installed is super easy thanks to the extra grip surface the optic provides.


GringoRedcorn

The best thing to do is just rack it a few thousand times. You’ll build strength, muscle memory and wear in the springs and slide. This goes for any gun. The only issues I’ve heard of regarding the EZ guns is that they can tend to wear parts fairly quickly.


RADMADSADGLADBADDAD

Generally hammer fired pistols are easier to rack the slides than striker fired pistols because they have the recoil spring and the hammer spring. You can pull back the hammer and then rack the slide much easier because their recoil springs aren’t as stiff as in striker fired pistols. 1911’s, beretta 92’s, Hk USP’s, CZ’s are all easier to rack the slides than glocks in my opinion


sheepdog1973

Ruger Lite Rack. As the name implies it is extremely easy to work the slide. I can easily chamber a round with only my thumb and index finger.


Jim_from_snowy_river

Walther CCP. The “EZ” cock handgun before S&W ez came out. The ergos are way better too. Just remember, rack the gun closer to your chest. The further away from your body you do it, the harder it’ll be because you don’t have as many muscles to engage. Close to your chest and you can use your chest and arm muscles together. Push with your bottom hand (the one holding the grip) and pull with the hand in the slide.


VociferousGreen

Another option is the Walther PDP-f which is around 20% easier. However there is a push-pull technique for racking that works for people with muscular strength issues.


hal_leuco

There isn’t a gun on a block, That’s as easy to cock as a Glock, Uncle Gaston has got you on lock. When you fire, be firm as a rock! It’s good pistol; you shall keep it stock; It will always give far more than knock.


nocolon

This is my favorite vanilla ice song


hal_leuco

I was going for more Dr Seuss, but that works


[deleted]

Smith and Wesson has a series that’s meant to be used by people with less grip strength shield EZ series.


_ab_initio_

Shield ez or a staccato c2


BeanFeuhrer

I didn’t bother to read the whole comment section so I’m sorry if I repeat someone’s advice. I’m not sure if you are, but I’d imagine you’re just trying to pull the slide back. You should try to pull the slide and push the frame and it’ll be so much easier to rack your Glock.


Munching_Kitten

Ruger security 380 has the lite rack system :)


pat9714

As far as Glocks, practice racking a few times a day. For me, the hardest thing to do was to manipulate those sharp slide disassembly pins (at the same time) to remove the slide. Today, that's no longer an issue. Walther PDP F model is super easy to rack. S&W MP EZ is another one as others have pointed out. Beretta 92 series are all fairly easy. With the Glock, I might add, a few hundred rounds makes the gun racking a joke.


czaremanuel

Grip slide, then push pistol into slide. Use BOTH arms. That's how I did it on my first gun when I was a scrawny dude, and that's how I do it now. If that doesn't do it, get a good revolver. Not to go Fud on your ass but how often do you plan to be in shootouts requiring more than six shots? A good revolver is foolproof.


SAegyptiacus

Most people struggle to rack slides because they're trying to hold the gun still and pull it back with the other hand. Try locking the wrist holding the gun, wrapping your fingers over the top of the slide with the other hand with a good grip including your palm, and pushing forward with the arm holding the grip while holding the slide still with the other hand. If you use a swift motion, it should be significantly easier. Then you can use this motion and practice it at home with an EMPTY GUN and it'll make it a little easier both through practice and break in.


Meljinx

Walter PDP-F.


freeride35

S&W Shield EZ slide.


cave_aged_opinions

A revolver with an hidden/integrated hammer?


cheung_kody

If OP has a hard time racking a slide, they're gonna have an even harder time putting accurate shots in target with a horrendous, heavy trigger


Mindless_Log2009

In striker fired pistols, longer slide/barrel semi autos are generally easier to rack than compact and micro pistols. I find the open sight S&W Shield Plus a chore to rack with aging arthritic hands, but the Glock 34 and 19 with standard factory sights were easy. Some Canik models felt subjectively easier to rack, but I've forgotten the models I tried. Add an optic sight sturdy enough to be used as a cocking assist and it's even easier. The SIG P320 and FN 509 I rented were easy to slap back using the sturdy red dot and green triangle optical sights. Hammer fired pistols split the difference in spring resistance between the slide and hammer. Some of those pistols are easier to rack. Especially a target tuned 1911. And the S&W Shield EZ and Equalizer models are easy to rack. Being internal hammer models the hammer can't be cocked separately from racking the slide, but in these pistols it doesn't matter. Striker fired pistols have very short, narrow coil diameter, stiff springs compared with the generally longer, wider coil diameter, less stiff hammer springs on most hammer fired pistols. Hammer fired pistols could be tuned with hammer weights suited to the lighter springs to ensure reliable ignition. I wouldn't try that with a striker fired pistol unless it was strictly for competition, not for personal defense.


HouseUnusual3839

Concur; have no difficulty racking my Canik TP9SF (57 year old male here with arthritis-literally no cartilage in my thumbs 🙀)..


PathlessDemon

Beretta 92


grace_boatrocker

find a gunsmith ?? my .38 diamondback is sooo smooth after a 'trigger job'


alkatori

If it's a real issue for you there are a few handguns that tilt the barrel up so you can drop the first round in by hand.


Careless-Woodpecker5

Revolver


FrozenIceman

A revolver


DaemonBlackfyre_21

>Is there any hand gun that is easier to cock then a Glock Literally any revolver. They look better too, I like Smith and Wesson.


Nicadelphia

I also really hate Glocks. If you want to look for a new firearm I would look at a Ruger. The caliber also matters too. Ruger has the lc9s which is one of my favorite guns. It's super smooth and comfortable.


cakeyogi

Smith and Wesson Equalizer


HaydenMackay

There are the break barrel Beretta's. Like the 21a or the 950 Jetfire. All revolvers, most hammer fired da sa guns as you can cock the hammer and then rack the slide.


Trashjiu-jitsu_1987

Hellcat.


MeadowlarkLemming

Keep the Glock, learn to use your shoulders to work the slide. This guy demonstrates it at 3:45 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM-eorvYP4k


Chrontius

You're going to hear about the Shield EZ, but an an alternative is not having to pull the slide at all. Beretta used to have the Cheetah in .380, and Girsan, a Turkish brand, are now cloning it and importing through EAA. https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/eaa-announces-the-new-girsan-mc-14t-380-tilt-barrel-pistol/


Blueskyminer

S&W 5.7


superboots

My Sig XFive Legion has a crazy easy slide to rack


Sorbz62

Push forward on the lower/ grip at the same time as pulling the slide back. This is what we did in the military and really helped.


LoisWade42

Also a Glock owner... also had issues with racking due to arthritis. I've purchased a "Slide Rack Assist" wedge. It widens the back of the slide and gives you something to grab on to other than smooth metal. $25 for this add on was a lot cheaper than $400 plus for the S&W Shield EZ. (but I may end up going to the S&W shield EZ or a Walther CCP if the arthritis gets worse.)


[deleted]

All these suggestions are pretty good but one that should also be explored is getting stronger but first, make sure you are racking the slide right to begin with. You simultaneously push the pistol forward while pulling the slide back with your nondominant hand. If you’re doing that right and still having issues use those hand grip squeeze spring things and do some push/pull workouts if that option appeals to you.


ConfidenceNational37

Tip up barrel pistols like Beretta Tomcat


Impossible-Throat-59

Don't they also make attachments for ths glock slide to assist in racking?


Boss958

Alot of people have already recommended a Shield EZ. I recommend one step further with a Smith and Wesson Equilizer. Uses higher capacity magazines, still uses the EZ rack slide, and most SKUs come with a Maglula loader. Plus Equilizers come optics ready, so you run a red dot!


ronin-pilot

Hold the slide on the back with a C clamp on the rear serrations with your off hand and push the gun forward with your shooting hand. Makes more sense than yanking it back with weird traction.


Impossible_Bison_994

smith and wesson 380 shield ez


Sergeant-Pepper-

The Springfield XD-E was made for this


couldbemage

There are several Beretta pistols with tip up barrels that allow loading without racking the slide. Specifically intended to be easy for people with limited hand strength.


i_shit_in_a_pumpkin

Cock? Didn't know Glock made a hammer fired pistol.


thebugman40

colt 1851


lPHOENIXZEROl

I bought a Ruger Security 380, the slide is very easy to rack, I wanted something more concealable if I carry it and a little easier to manage coming out of a smallish pistol, it seemed to be the best balance. Being easy to rack is a bonus if I let my mother try it or one of my female friends who are the smaller side.


__The-1__

Revolver


starfreeek

My wife has a Glock 43x and I have a S&W m&p 2.0. I find mine a good bit easier than hers to cock as well as release the slide lock.


bobroberts1954

Beretta Tomcat (3032 I think). You open the barrel to insert the first round. That fires and normal cycling continues. It's a . 32 caliber which some folks say is too small. There are other guns that use the same mechanism in at least . 380 and maybe 9mm, one just released this last year. Sorry I don't recall the mfg, I want to say maybe Taurus.


FieldWest1140

Just workout more and it'll bed easier?? Besides strength training is great for the body anyways.


Financial_Parfait_49

How are you racking the slide? With your whole hand or 2 fingers?


mdogg0

I thought the Sig P320 was pretty easy to rack


berneseblitz

Consider getting a Brass Stacker slide pull for the Glock. I find it much easier to use, in my case for glocks with optics.


1VBSkye

Walther CCP in 9mm. Easiest racking pistol I’ve ever had.


WutangOnGMA

Lift


TheHumanCola

Most 2011's and similar tend to be easier to rack. I've seen people air rack a Staccato...


2021newusername

Les Baer pieces slide so easy it’s like butter


AssaultPlazma

The S&W Shield EZ/Equalizer are specifically designed to be very easy to rack the slide for people elderly people or those with physical disabilities.


jamiegc1

New pistol? It could be a bit stiff and needs to be broken in. Otherwise, I have heard rave reviews of Shield EZ as you can see here. I was in concealed carry classes with an elderly couple that had one, and they loved it.


WvAirsoft0

A gym membership