Tactical Training Technique: How To Load And Unload A Pistol

Good tactical training starts with the fundamentals. Few things are as fundamental as how to load and unload a pistol.

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Alien Gear Holsters was proud to host Jason Beighley of Skeleton Key Tactical. Jason Beighley is retired from US Army Special Forces, having spent more than 20 years defending our nation with expert use of small arms.

Remember that safety is critical. When loading or unloading a pistol, keep it pointed downrange at all times and keep your finger off the trigger, unless you're about to shoot.

There are two primary methods for loading a pistol.

First is to lock the slide to the rear using the slide stop lever. Insert the magazine until it clicks into place, and then hit the slide stop lever, loading the pistol.

The other method is to start with an empty pistol with the slide all the way forward. Be sure to check the gun to make sure it's clear before loading it.

Insert a loaded magazine into the gun, until the magazine clicks and locks into place. Keeping the pistol pointed downrange, grasp the slide and pull it all the way back until the recoil spring is fully compressed. Then release the slide, which pushes the bullet into the chamber. Alternatively, you can pull back the slide and lock it in place with the slide stop, and then release the slide.

At all times, keep the pistol pointed downrange or otherwise in a safe direction.

To unload a pistol, keep it safely pointed downrange or otherwise in a safe direction at all times. Push the magazine release, and let it drop free. Pull the slide to the rear, with the pistol pointed in a safe direction, which will eject a chambered cartridge if one is chambered.

Run the slide a few more times to check clear. If you want, you can dry fire the gun - pointed downrange or otherwise in a safe direction - to decock the pistol. Then you can put the gun away, such as in a holster or range bag, and safely leave the range.

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