Which handgun retention technique describes pressing down on the slide with the palm of the weapon hand while lowering your center of gravity?

• A. Grip
• B. Elbow
• C. Rib
• D. Slide

Answer: (D)

Pressing the slide with the palm of the weapon hand while lowering your center of gravity is the slide retention technique. Using the slide as the control point helps limit the other person’s ability to manipulate the firearm and keeps the weapon under your control, while dropping your stance increases stability and balance so you’re less likely to be off-balance or overpowered. Lowering your center of gravity also makes it harder for someone to yank the gun away or rack the slide. The other techniques involve different contact points: gripping the weapon to secure it, using the elbow as a barrier, or pressing the gun against your body with your ribs. So the action described specifically matches the slide technique.