I have a love-hate relationship with extended slide releases for Glocks. On one hand, I appreciate the larger target and easier operation of an extended slide release. On the other hand, I hate how the base of my thumb often rides onto them causing failures to lock back. The best extended slide releases for me have always been relatively compact, relying more on improved texture and shape rather than a true extension for leverage. Enter the Tyrant Designs CNC Glock Extended Slide Release.
Overview
Tyrant Designs’ Glock Extended Slide Release consists of a steel lever with an aluminum pad that has a deep chevron texture machined into its face. As with all Tyrant Designs’ parts, it can be had in a variety of anodized colors including black if you are as basic as I am.
Observations from Use
This is a very, very good extended slide release even though it hardly appears to be extended at all at a glance. While many extended slide releases rely on a much larger contact area, Tyrant chose to go in the direction that I prefer. They increased texture and provided a ledge which makes the release much easier to use while keeping its footprint minimal.
The machined chevron texture is clever because its beveled shape provides grip in both directions – down to release and up during manually locking back the slide. The shape of the upper part of Extended Slide Release provides a ledge (plus that bevel) that is extremely easy to depress. It is so easy to use, that I can hit with the thumb of my firing hand which I can’t typically do unless the lever is very oversized. I certainly can’t do it reliably with the OEM slide release.
The minimal footprint is absolutely clutch for many shooters. Internet gun forums are chocked full of discussions around brand new Glocks that lock back early or won’t lock back on an empty magazine. This is due to the shooter’s support hand contacting the slide release. Many Glock shooters have to take great care when building their grip to work around the lever and this is obviously more difficult when the lever is larger. The Tyrant Designs lever works well without being oversized. I consider that ideal.
The small footprint has another benefit. It fits most holsters. I tried all my holsters and this fit well in all of them. Is there some kind of super stiff, super specifically molded kydex holster that it won’t fit? Maybe. However, the footprint of this lever fits within the fence that Glock molds in the grip frame, a spot that holster makers already accommodate, so I don’t think you will have an issue with holster fit.
I also happen to think it looks pretty snazzy, especially if you have other Tyrant Designs gear on your Glock. Sometimes people need to remember that guns are fun and it’s fun to personalize them.
Wrap Up
This lever gets a little bit lost in the shuffle when compared to some of the more “serious” offerings out there but, make no mistake, this is a functional piece that is well suited to concealed carry. Whether you need an extended slide release that just works or you are buying for looks, this could be the Glock extended slide release for you. It certainly works for me.
