Of course, if you insert the mag very firmly, basically ramming it home, that should be enough to release the slide stop and send the slide forward, which is how I train.
I disagree with the use of the word "should", in this case. "Should" implies that it is the proper function, the way it ought to work, every time, and the way the designer(s) intended it to be used. I don't believe "should" is the proper word for closing the slide by ramming the magazine home.
It CAN happen, but I don't think its something to be counted on.
As far as releasing the slide with the slide stop vs. slingshotting, your choice, I suppose. The discussion = can of worms with open other end printed on each end
)
Wear on the parts from using them the way they were intended? Yep, it happens, happens to all moving parts, in everything. It's a fact of life. However, undue wear is a different matter. The real question is, "is it going to matter?"
If you put 80,000 rounds through the gun, it might, but I think other things are going to matter more, and first.
I don't know about the new guns, don't have any idea of their durability, especially if made by ACME or some other maker, but I know the GI 1911A1a the Army used. I used to work on them, in the mid-late 70s. The newest of them was at least 30 years old. Got any idea how many I saw that needed to have the slide or slide stop replaced due to wear?
None. Not one. Ever.
And this included a few guns that were actually 1911s, NOT 1911A1s, and still in service!
OK, the GI guns don't get shot a lot (especially between wars) but they do get handled a lot. And they do get closed A LOT using the slide stop. Indeed, I'd say they get closed most often using the slide stop, and very often on an empty magazine (where using the slingshot method WILL NOT WORK).
Considering this, the fact that the GI guns never seemed to need repair to the mating surfaces of the slide and slide stop, I'd say its not an issue to be very concerned with on your personal pistol. Feel free to disagree.
I use the slide stop on 1911 pattern guns, my Dad's Colt Govt Model has Micro sights for match work, and slingshotting that slide in a hurry can lead to cut hands from the sight's sharp edges. (ok, its a match gun)
On the other hand, I sling shot the slides of my Desert Eagles, every time. It's simply nearly impossible for me to release them using the slide stop. Different guns mean differences in the way you work them.