How to Know if a Semi-Automatic Handgun is Loaded

Handguns can be dangerous when in the hands of the uneducated. Whenever handling ANY firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun, etc), the VERY first step anyone should take is to determine whether or not the gun is loaded with ammunition. This "How-to" shows how one can determine if a semi-automatic handgun is loaded with ammunition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Grab the handgun by its handle, making sure to keep your finger AWAY from the trigger.
   
   Do NOT make the mistake many instinctively make by placing their finger on the trigger! Keep your trigger (index) finger outside of the trigger guard (the metal or plastic loop that protects the trigger) at all times, except when ready to shoot.

2. Be wary of where the gun is pointed. Do NOT at any time point the gun at yourself or anyone else. It is very important when handling a gun, especially an unfamiliar one, that you keep the barrel pointed away from anyone around you. Pointing a gun up into the air or down toward the ground is usually the safest option. Always be aware of what is around you, whether near or far, when handling a gun.

3. 

   Now that you are holding the gun safely away from anyone or anything, you can check to see if it is loaded. There are two areas that need to be inspected to determine if a semi-automatic handgun contains any ammunition: the magazine or clip, and the chamber.
   
   Let's start with the magazine. Most handguns have a lever or button which releases the magazine. The location of the magazine release will vary from gun to gun. On most handguns today, the magazine release is located in an area where you can easily push it with your thumb or index finger while holding the gun normally. Some guns may have it located at the bottom of the handle or elsewhere. Have a hand underneath the handle to catch the magazine as it releases. Once it is out, a quick look should tell you if the magazine is loaded with bullets.

4. 

   Set the magazine aside once you’ve determined whether it is loaded or not. Now you need to inspect the chamber. The chamber is where the bullet is inserted from the magazine, readying it for firing. In order to inspect the chamber on a semi-automatic handgun, you must pull back on the slide. The slide is basically the entire top portion of the handgun, usually encompassing the barrel, chamber, and other mechanisms.

5. Grasping the handle of the gun firmly, place the other hand on the slide and pull back toward you. Pulling back on the slide will open the ejection port through which fired bullet casings will be ejected. It is located either on the top or side portion of the slide. Be careful, as it will take some strength to pull back the slide.
   
   REMEMBER: keep your finger off of the trigger and the gun pointed away from you or anyone else when pulling back on the slide.

6. If the chamber is loaded with a bullet, pulling back on the slide all of the way will eject the bullet. Whether or not a bullet is ejected, look into the ejection port with the slide pulled back. Inspect the chamber thoroughly. To be extra sure, cycle the slide back and forth completely, a number of times, watching for bullets to come out.
   
   Inspect the chamber once more.
   
   REMEMBER: before inspecting the chamber and pulling back on the slide, the magazine must be removed. If not, each time you pull back on the slide, a new bullet will be inserted into the chamber from the magazine.

7. Now that you know that the gun is loaded or not, you can handle it accordingly. However, regardless of whether or not a handgun is loaded, do NOT point it at anything you do not want to kill or destroy. A gun is not a toy, even when it is not loaded.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be afraid of guns. A gun is as harmless as the person holding it. Education equals confidence.
• If you doubt your ability to handle a gun safely, do NOT handle it! Educate yourself first and gain the confidence and ability to do so safely.
• Guns are not toys, and should be treated as such.
• Keep your finger off of the trigger at all times.
• Point the gun away from yourself and others at ALL times.

[claireworleys]

on 5/14/2009 You also neeed to know if your installed a safetybullet inside. For more info or just curious visit safetybullet.com