No on both counts. Nearly all plastic frame pistols will release the side on a good solid mag insertion. My M&P .45 does this and I for one like it. Faster that way!
As for the slide release, last time I tried mine, it was stiff also. However, I never use it any way. I never drop the side on an empty chamber and I always rack the slide by hand when I need to chamber a round.
As for the slide release, last time I tried mine, it was stiff also. However, I never use it any way. I never drop the side on an empty chamber and I always rack the slide by hand when I need to chamber a round.