A lady friend wants to get more into pistol shooting, but is having issues with pulling back the "heavier" slides.

I've suggested things like slide assist accessories, but are there other safe methods for lightening the recoil springs to make racking the slide easier? I've also suggested extended mag & slide releases, but she'll need to rack the slide before she needs to worry about changing mags..

Any suggestions appreciated!

What size pistols are we talking about. The med to smaller ones well have stiffer recoil springs.

Smaller slides harder to hold on to. full size guns are easier to operate. Technique and hand position also has a lot to do with it.

Some women just have to go the revolver route.

Weaker recoil springs well cause a lot more problems then it well cure.

A large 9mm. The Glock 34 is an excellent choice.

It's not the heavy slide that's the problem but the heavy recoil spring.
Do it the right way. Hold the pistol in the strong hand against your body. The weak hand goes over the slide [thumb pointing back] The weak hand pushes back and the strong hand pushes forward.The pistol is NOT held away from your body.

The easiest pistols for women to rack the slide are The Glock, new .380 or Model 19 9mm.

Even easier than that is the Walther PK380 naturally in .380 caliber NOt the PPK!!!!

The EASIEST of all IS the new Remington R51. !!!

PAH

I bought a Walther for my wife.

I have sold more Walthers to women than any other handgun.

When I finally convinced Wifey she needed more range time to be proficient with a handgun, it was a trial and error.

She was used to carrying one of my bespoke Colt Detective Specials but was complaining it was to heavy.

She wanted a Ruger LCP .380 and said don't worry I can shoot it. Well after six shots at the range with the LCP she hated it. It stung her hands. Hmmmmmmm Next up was an ultra Light Charter Arms .38 special, again did not like it kicked to much.

How about trying this Wakther PK380 I said. I had some good ammo and away she went. Fit her hand well, really nice grip. The slide is very easy to rack and it has a safety on the back of the slide. I even like shooting it compared to the sub compact LCP 380's. She carries it nicely in her Pistol Packing Mama Purse. Geez don't ask...LOL

Regards PAH...