How to Load an M9 Beretta Pistol to Fire

Some magazines have a capacity of 15 rounds or more.

The Beretta M9 replaced the Colt M1911 .45 caliber pistol, which had been the standard personal weapon used by the U.S. military for most of the 20th century. The weapon fires a 9 mm parabellum round; and a standard magazine holds 15 rounds. Before you can fire the Beretta M9, you must first learn how to properly load the magazine and ready the weapon. The weapon shouldn't be loaded with anything other than 9 mm ammunition.

Things You'll Need

• 9 mm ammunition

Instructions

1. Load the magazine. Place one 9 mm bullet at a time onto the top opening of the magazine. Push and simultaneously slide the bullet back against the magazine wall. Repeat until all 15 rounds are loaded into the magazine.

2. Engage the safety switch located on the top-left of the M9, just near the rear sight. Flip the switch down to cover the red dot. The covered red dot indicates that the safety is on.

3. Slide the magazine into the magazine well (pistol grip bottom). When you hear a click, the magazine is locked into the weapon.

4. Grasp the serrated area of the slide, then pull it to the rear and release. This action chambers a round.

5. Disengage the safety switch by flipping it back up, revealing the red dot. You're now ready to fire the weapon.

Tips & Warnings

• Use lower-grade practice ammunition when practice-firing the M9.

• Keep your finger off of the trigger until you're ready to fire.

• Never point the M9 at anything that you do not intend to shoot or kill.

References

• Olive-Drab: Beretta M9
• Beretta Services: Series 92/M9 Manual