Here is how you rack the slide without causing it to bite you: grasp the gun by the stock with your shooting hand as if getting ready to shoot. The trigger finger, of course, should be alongside the frame, not on the trigger. This is best accomplished standing, with the gun close to your body for proper support, but not right up against you. It might find something else to bite. The muzzle of the gun should be pointed in a safe direction, because we always treat every gun as if it is loaded. Place your thumb on one side of the slide and the other four fingers on the opposite, maintaining a respectful distance between your palm and the slide. Pull backward to chamber the bullet, then let go so that it will snap back into place.