High Standard Victor

I have a HS Victor, Hamden era button gun. It has an installed rail that covers the back 2/3s of the gun.
Pulling back the slide was always a bit of a pull but with arthritis in both thumbs it's now a problem. Searching forums the advice seem split along two lines. Have a gunsmith install a small lever on the side of the slide ( very reluctant with this gorgeous gun). Or, advice to reach over the top with one hand and push/pull with the other. The top rail a red dot scope doesn't allow that to happen.
It's a 'shooter' not a museum piece but I don't want to mess up the gun for whoever has it after me. 

I know to take out the mag ahead of time and would prefer not to leave the hammer cocked between shooting sessions.

Any other advice from shooters who have the same problem?

Thanks

Google 'rear sight cocking lever'.
There are several companies that make a lever that uses the rear sight dovetail. Does not require any permanent modification to the gun.

I use a grip tape that helps a lot.
First layer - cut to fit your slide length on both sides. The glue on the tape is not very strong, and it can be easily removed, but long piece makes sure it does not move on a slide. 
To improve grip, cut couple small pieces (I stack 2 layers) and attach on top of the grip tape at the rear end with a strong glue.

I had High Standard of Texas add a cocking handle to my slide and it works really well.

Dr.Bill wrote:Google 'rear sight cocking lever'.
There are several companies that make a lever that uses the rear sight dovetail. Does not require any permanent modification to the gun.

Doesn't work on a Victor.  The sight isn't on the slide.

I don't think this product requires slide modification and it may give you the leverage you are looking for to move the slide manually.

Drawman623 wrote:

I don't think this product requires slide modification and it may give you the leverage you are looking for to move the slide manually.

Oooo!! I like that.  Have thought many times about making something like that...

Like many of these ideas. I ended up using a 6" cleaning rod with plastic cleaning pad attachment. Push the slide back from the muzzle and click the slide catch to hold it open.  Thanks everyone.

I own a 107 Citation Military that wears a LSP barrel and UltraDot 30mm.



I just hook my left index finger on the rheostat and press the slide open with my left thumb using the serrations.   Takes a little force but not a lot. My right hand can assist from the underside if needed.  Once the slide is locked back the first time, the pistol is either locked back or chambered until the match or training session is over.