How to Load and Fire a 9mm Pistol

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Co-authored by Roger Judd

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 Approved

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This tells a person how to successfully load and fire a 9mm pistol, which could help in time of crisis.

Steps

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A Glock brand pistol works well for most people. Glocks are affordable, reliable, and simple to operate.
If you are not sure about which ammo you need, consult the shop keeper, most are happy to help.

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Re-insert magazine by moving it briskly and firmly upward into the hand grip until you hear a clicking noise which indicates the magazine has locked in place.^{[1]
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If the slide has gone forward completely the weapon is ready to fire!^{[2]
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Question

I have no ammunition in the my new gun. I slid the chamber back, and now it won't close. What should I do?

Community Answer

First of all, you didn't slide the chamber back -- that doesn't go back. You slid the slide back. It has now locked back because you have an empty magazine in your handgun. This also happens when you've been firing and run out of ammo. To fix this, simply take out your magazine with the magazine release, and either use the slide release on the side of the firearm or pull the slide a little back to close.

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Question

How do I know the safety button on my gun is on?

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On most guns, including pistols, the safety button is along the side of the gun and has a red or orange color. Push it in and you will hear a click, and then you will be able to pull the trigger and have it fire.

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Question

When I put a round in the chamber, is the safety on?

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Some guns have passive safety features, some have active safeties, some have both, and others have neither. All active safeties, that is safeties which prevent you from firing the gun while engaged, are manually activated and deactivated. Always read the manual for your firearm to fully understand all of its safety features. And more importantly, never chamber a round in a gun that you do not understand unless your life depends on it. Find the manufacturer and get yourself the manual.

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Tips

If you are using a gun to defend yourself - shoot for the largest part of your attacker - you have a better chance of hitting them.

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Keep on training with your 9mm Pistol. Practice makes perfect, especially when it has to do with aiming and quick loading.

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Warnings

Know your target and what is behind it

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Keep finger off trigger until on target

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Make sure your thumb is away from the hammer, when shooting it'll fly back and it can pinch your thumb.

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Never point gun at anything you do not wish destroyed

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