[BullseyePrecision]

If you press the slide release while there is an empty mag or no mag does this damage the gun at all?

[danf_fl]

Most pistols should not be allowed to let the slide slam forward on an empty chamber.
When a pistol is functioning correctly, the slide normally slams forward loading another round.
This is when the trigger is held to the most rearward position (which "locks" the works in position).
Allowing the slide to slam forward on an empty chamber is normally done with the finger off the trigger (and the internals are not "locked" in place).

After fixing numerous 1911's that have been so treated by overzealous gun pushers in sports stores, I believe it is a bad idea and a bad habit one should not get into.

[JonM]

you can damage the bolt face or the chamber. 22lr are the exception, there is not enough recoil spring force to cause damage.

dont do it