Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic pistol of the kind that has a slide catch, having an automatic slide catch release mechanism located within the magazine chamber and comprising:i) a first bar adapted for reciprocation in longitudinal direction and biased into the uppermost position, comprising near the upper end means for pulling the lever from the slide engaging to the slide releasing position;ii) a second bar normally aligned with said first bar, adapted to reciprocate longitudinally and fitted near its distal end with motion transmission means;iii) a resilient link linking said first and second bars whereby an additional degree of freedom is imparted to the latter to be swingable out of alignment with said first bar;iv) an actuator member reciprocable between upper and lower positions and which in the lower position projects partly out of the magazine chamber, there being provided stop means for arresting the actuator in its lower position; andv) a swingable pawl pivoted intermediary between two end portions