What can happen if a shooter rides the slide forward instead of allowing it to sling-shot?

When a shooter rides the slide forward instead of allowing it to sling-shot, it can lead to issues with the cycling of the firearm. The correct response indicates that the weapon may not function properly, which can occur for several reasons. In a semi-automatic firearm, the slide plays a critical role in chambering a round and ensuring that the weapon resets for the next shot. By riding the slide, a shooter can inadvertently apply pressure that interferes with the normal operation of the slide.

This action can prevent the slide from moving fully to the rear or may result in it not having the necessary force to strip a round from the magazine and chamber it correctly. Such malfunction could manifest as a failure to feed or a stovepipe jam, where the spent casing does not eject properly. Understanding proper slide manipulation is crucial for maintaining reliability and safety in firearm operations, hence the emphasis on allowing the slide to return under its own spring tension rather than attempting to control it manually.