Video: How to Effortlessly Reach Your Pistol's Magazine Release

No matter how small your hands are, you can perform this function by following this simple trick.

posted on November 16, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Small-handed shooters would probably agree there are times when even an extra half inch in finger length would make all the difference in being able to more smoothly perform some basic handgun functions. Locking back the slide on a semi-automatic pistol is one, for example. Another, addressed here, is depressing the magazine release button.

The reality is that it doesn't actually matter how big your hands are, how long your fingers are or how large your pistol is. Indeed, smaller hands have the disadvantage when it comes to reaching certain controls on a pistol such as the safety, slide lock and magazine release. But there are very simples techniques small-handed shooters can employ in order to mitigate their hand size and allow all of these functions to be performed easily, and can even be practiced with an unloaded firearm while relaxing at home. 

Watch this video as renowned Gunsite Academy Rangemaster Il Ling New demonstrates a simple tip that lets any shooter effortlessly reach the magazine release.

Additional Reading:

 

 

 

Latest

Women For Gun Rights Academy 2026
Women For Gun Rights Academy 2026

Women for Gun Rights Hosts Ladies Summit

The event, attended by top social media personalities, was designed to introduce women outside the traditional firearms industry to hands-on education rooted in freedom-based values and personal responsibility.

Team Colt's Jalise Williams Victorious at 2025 World Shoot

Williams earned Classic Overall Ladies and Overall Team Champion, and also finished 14th Overall in the Classic Division—the highest placement ever achieved by a woman in Classic Division competition at a World Shoot.

Considerations for Concealed Carry in the Workplace

The odds of you needing to use your concealed carry pistol at work are relatively low, but nonetheless, if you are allowed to carry in the workplace, you must be especially vigilant to follow all the rules.

Review: The Heritage Coachwhip Double-Barrel 12-Gauge Shotgun

This classically styled side-by-side features exposed hammers and a case-color receiver.

New Guns 2026: Henry Repeating Arms Explorer Carbine

Available across the company’s most popular center-fire platforms, the Explorer Carbine draws inspiration from the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest.

How to Shoot Around Cover

Cover is always a good idea in an armed conflict, but you must know how to use it correctly.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.