How to Load a Semi-Auto Handgun Magazine

If you've never loaded a semi-auto handgun, you'll soon find that it's quite different than loading a revolver. A semi-auto handgun has a magazine that must be ejected from the grip of the gun in order to load it, rather than a cylinder into which bullets are placed. If you're ready to load your semi-auto handgun magazine, here's how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Eject the magazine from the handgun by pressing the magazine release button. Set the handgun aside.

2. Press rim or back of cartridge on top of magazine follower. Push cartridge toward back of magazine while pushing down at the same time. Make sure cartridge is underneath magazine feed lips.

3. Follow steps one through three until magazine is fully loaded. The number of cartridges it takes to fully load the magazine is dependent on the type and size of magazine.

4. Hold the magazine by the base and slap it against the palm of your other hand in order to properly seat the cartridges.

5. Insert the loaded magazine into the handgun by sliding it firmly until the magazine locks into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect the magazine for any defects including chips, cracks or rust before loading.
• It will get more difficult to push the cartridges into the magazine after the second or third cartridge is loaded due to the resistance of the internal spring inside the magazine. A speedloader can make loading a semi-auto handgun magazine easier.
• Be sure to use the proper ammunition for the type of magazine and handgun you are loading.
• Do not force cartridges into the magazine. If they do not snap into place, you might be using the wrong type of ammunition.

[bern117]

on 4/18/2009 Should you keep ammo in a magazine or does it weaken the spring if you are not using it for a while