It might seem small, but the location of cocking serrations on a pistol's slide can make a big difference in how quickly you can get it loaded and into action.

Unless you’ve already become a diehard fan of the Beretta APX line of pistols, cocking serrations are most likely an afterthought on your defensive handgun. They’re there, they work, what more do you need to worry about? More than you might expect.

As Mark Redl explains in the above video, searching out a pistol with forward cocking serrations or having them milled on an existing one can give you an incredible advantage. The ability to rack the slide from the front puts your hands in immediate position to grip the pistol. Whereas, operating the gun from the rear sends your off-hand into flying back at you. This separates your hands, requiring more motion to get into the proper position.

Additionally, notice the style Redl uses to execute the maneuver — pushing the gun forward instead of pulling the slide back. Not only does this give him more control, but a keeps his off-hand relatively static and ready to immediately assume a proper grip. There's an argument this technique could even make working the slide easier for those with less hand strength.

Redl, a pro shooter for Aguila Ammunition, approaches front serrations from a competitor’s standpoint. It makes a world of sense since he’s gunning against the best around. His ability to shave seconds on a reload from a draw or off a table is a positive must. But the concept is more than applicable to self-defense and might give you a life-saving advantage. There's no reason why you wouldn't want to get your pistol into the fight faster in a lethal-force event.

For more information on Aguila Ammunition, please visit: www.aguilaammo.com

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