HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 05 - HANDGUNS 101

Illustration of a magazine being removed from a semi-auto pistol.

Illustration of a hunter's hands turning on a semi-auto pistol's safety.

STEP 1: Turn the safety ‘ON’ (if it can be engaged during the loading process).

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a forward facing semi-auto pistol.

STEP 2: Point the firearm in a safe direction.

Illustration of a hunter's hands keeping off of a semi-auto pistol's trigger.

STEP 3: Make sure nothing touches the trigger during this process.

Illustration of a hunter's hands opening a semi-auto pistol's action.

STEP 4: Make sure the action is open.

Illustration of a hunter's finger checking a semi-auto pistol's chamber for any obstructions.

STEP 5: Clear any obstructions from the chamber and bore (clean, if required).

Illustration of a semi-auto pistol with a close up on its data stamp and matching cartridges head stamp.

STEP 6: Select the correct ammunition by matching the data stamp on the firearm with the head stamp on the cartridge/casing or ammunition box.

Illustration of a magazine being removed from a semi-auto pistol.

STEP 7: Remove the magazine.

Illustration of ammunition being entered into a semi-auto pistol's magazine.

STEP 8: Load the magazine with cartridges.

Illustration of a magazine being loaded into a semi-auto pistol.

STEP 9: Insert the magazine into the firearm (the magazine well is usually located in the handle or grip area).

Illustration of a semi-auto pistol's slide being pulled back.

STEP 10: Pull the slide back towards you.

Illustration of a semi-auto pistol with the safety highlighted in orange.

STEP 11: Turn the safety ‘ON’ (if not already engaged), unless you’re immediately prepared to fire.