Gentleman's Essentials: Unloading a Handgun

[DeaconKC]

Okay folks, this is not a political thread, so please leave politics out.

How to safely check and handle a handgun.
By DeaconKC


“I found Grandpa’s old gun, is it loaded? What do I do now?”
Hello, please allow me to take a few minutes so I can help you through this if you have never handled a firearm before. I am a licensed collector of firearms and a moderator at www.surplusrifleforum.com and handle firearms daily. I am not an “expert” just an experienced shooter.

First there are three main rules of safe firearm safety. Follow these and you will avoid embarrassment, or worse, tragedy.

1. ALWAYS TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS IF THEY WERE LOADED.
Even if you have just checked it, or someone has told you its empty, still treat it as loaded. Also you will check it yourself and still treat it as loaded. This is the mark of responsible firearm handling and avoid anyone who ignores this rule.

2. NEVER POINT THE FIREARM AT ANYTHING YOU DON’T INTEND TO SHOOT.

3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET.

If you cannot use these rules, keep your hands off a gun. Sorry if this sounds blunt, but I handle firearms everyday and carry on duty and even among trained professionals it is easy to become complacent. In the last year I attended the funeral of a fellow law enforcement officer who died from a negligent discharge from his weapon. This happened in front of his 4 year old daughter. Safety first.

Okay, now a quick introduction to handguns. There are two basic types you are likely to encounter, revolvers and semi-automatics [hereby called “autos” from here on out].

Both come in a great variety of sizes, due to intended use. Here is a comparison pic of 3 revolvers all capable of firing .38 Special ammunition:
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/023-1.jpg

From front to back a “snubbie” 5 shot, a K frame and a N frame.

Okay, so here’s a good place to throw in some nomenclature [big word so you will be impressed]. I will use my buddy the “Deacon” to help point out different things as we go along….
The barrel
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/006-4.jpg


The grip [on an auto, this will hold the magazine]
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/007-4.jpg


The hammer
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/008-1.jpg


Cylinder Release
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/009-2.jpg


How to check the revolver:
First keep your finger off the trigger.
Second look at the cylinder release. It may slide forward, ]Smith and Wesson, Taurus, Rossi], it may slide back [Colt’s] press inward [Rugers]. Taking the revolver in your right hand, keep your index finger straight along the frame of the gun.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/028.jpg


Manipulate the release with your thumb and using the middle and ring fingers of your left hand push the cylinder out of the gun.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/027.jpg


Now tilt the gun’s muzzle up and push the ejector rod, which is sticking out of the front of the cylinder, to eject the cartridges.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/030.jpg



Check the cylinder to make sure ALL the holes are empty. Then push the cylinder shut. It will latch back on it’s own. DO NOT “FLICK” the cylinder back into the gun. This is hard on the gun and will get you hurt by the owner of an expensive gun.

[texasPI]

I like the little helper in your pics!

[DeaconKC]

Okay, on to the autos…

Barrel, grip and hammer are the same. But some autos do not have external hammers [Glocks, etc.]
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/020-1.jpg


However, autos hold a magazine in the butt of the gun. It will require a different operating procedure to clear this gun.


The slide release
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/019.jpg


Magazine release, most will be right here, behind the trigger guard, but many will have the release at the rear of the butt of the gun.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/013-1.jpg
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/014.jpg



Again taking the auto in your right hand, and keeping your index finger off the trigger, press the release in. The magazine should pop out, it may fall clear or stop after coming out a little. If it stops just pull it the rest of the way out.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/015-1.jpg


WARNING: THE GUN IS STILL LOADED RIGHT NOW.

You may need to manipulate a safety at this point to clear the gun. Some will have it mounted on the frame [pictured] or on the slide. Frame mounted ones will usually go down, and those on the slide will usually need to be rotated upwards.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/011-1.jpg

You will keep a firm grip on the gun [your finger is still OFF the trigger, right?] and grasp the slide with your left hand and pull it backwards. While you are doing this, roll the gun to the side until the remaining cartridge falls out. Let it fall, it won’t hurt anything, then pick it up. Now look into the chamber area to make sure it is empty.
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/018.jpg
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff303/Kevin-Andra/021.jpg


Some very small autos will not extract a cartridge from the barrel, these “tip up” guns will need you to use a pencil to shove the cartridge out of the barrel, once the slide is back. Most of these are in .22, .25 or .32 and are tiny pocket guns.

If the slide locked back, use the slide release to let it go back forward.

Congratulations, you have now safely cleared the firearm.

[DeaconKC]

I like the little helper in your pics!

Don't tell him that, he'll want a raise!

[Scotto]

Very nice tutorial!

[Prince]

Thanks for the great reminders. Since I know where to buy a gun, where can I buy a Deacon??

[DeaconKC]

LOL, yup try Shadowrun duels the Street Deacon!

[homebrewer]

Very nice tutorial... many of my friends are gun enthusiasts, and I somewhat glaze over when they begin to discuss.

I hope you don't mind me asking a question here though... I will eventually need to by a gun, as I hope to be a home owner soon. One thing that I have never seen is the type of hammer that is on the snub nosed S&W. It appears as if there is no "tab" on which to pull the hammer back with your thumb/palm. Is this an optical illusion, or does this revolver not need to be cocked before firing? Just curious...

[Howard Newell]

I think that's referred to as shrouded hammer. All you need to do is pull the trigger and it will raise the hammer up until the sear releases.

[DeaconKC]

Okay, there are 2 basic types of revolver cocking systems. The first is called single action because the trigger only performs one action, releasing the hammer [or striker]. This is the old "cowboy" type gun where you must manually cock the hammer for each shot. The second is called "double action" because the trigger performs 2 actions, cocking and releasing the hammer. Some revolvers have bobbed [see the little 5 shot in the tutorial], concealed or partially concealed hammers. The reason for this is to make the gun less apt to hang up on drawing in an emergency situation. If a revolver's hammer is totally enclosed, where you cannot manually cock the gun at all, it is referred to as a double action only.
The descriptions pretty much cover auto pistols too.
Hope this helped.

[Rorschuck]

Wow. Just amazing. A great tutorial. More folks should become familiar with firearms safety, and you've done a bang-up job! Kudos indeed.

[homebrewer]

DeaconKC, thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for. Once I heard you say single action vs double action, I think that I may have known my own answer at some point. Anyways, thanks for the help.

[Jac]

Niiice 1911! :001_tt1:

[DeaconKC]

Thanks, it's a 1928 Argentine. Good shooter and still tight as a drum.

[Abdiel]

One thing that I have never seen is the type of hammer that is on the snub nosed S&W. It appears as if there is no "tab" on which to pull the hammer back with your thumb/palm. Is this an optical illusion, or does this revolver not need to be cocked before firing? Just curious...
Revolvers come with a few different hammer types determined by a users preference and the intended use. Most modern revolvers are double action and since you don't need to cock the hammer back, they can be made smaller or completely concealed inside of the frame. This makes it less likely to snag clothing when drawn from a holster and less likely to rub and irritate you if carried concealed under clothing.

There are two basic types of trigger action on handguns, single and double action.

Single action is generally simpler and just as the name implies performs just one action, releasing the trigger. The hammer or striker is cocked by something else. In the case of single action revolvers that something else is typically your thumb. On a semi-automatic pistol the hammer is generally cocked by the action of the slide. First by racking the side to both cock the hammer and chamber the first round, and afterwards by the action of firing the gun and it going through it's cycle of ejecting the case, cocking the hammer, and chambering a new round.

A double action is generally more complicated in design and, again, as the name implies performs two actions. This time it both moves the hammer into the firing position and releases it to strike the primer of the round and fire the gun.

Both have advantages and disadvantages-

Single action almost always has a lighter and what some would say crisper trigger pull. It's also ofter a shorter trigger pull as less things are happening. This is preferred by some shooters for faster and to them more accurate firing.

Double action is generally going to have a longer heavier trigger pull as more is happening. Many who prefer this do so because, as more pressure is required to pull the trigger, the chances of a negligent discharge can be reduced.

Personally I think it comes down to preference. You can be just as accurate and fire just as fast with a double action as a single action so long as you practice IMO. And so long as you carry in a decent holster and keep your booger picker off the trigger until you want to fire SA is no more prone to unintentional firings as a double action.

There is also another common type that blends the two referred to as DA/SA. On these types of guns the first pull of the trigger will be double action cocking the hammer and firing the gun. Once that happens though it will work like a single action cocking the hammer as the slide moves back after firing. These offer the benefits of both, less likely to go off if you snag the trigger on something, and lighter trigger pulls after the first shot. Again, I feel it comes to personal preference more then anything.

[DeaconKC]

Fast revolvers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uisHfKj2JiI

[Abdiel]

that was a great episode I wish History channel did more of those.

Tales of the Gun was one of my favorite shows on there.

[Hobbesoxon]

Thank you for the great read - it was really very interesting and well-set.


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

P.s. Does gentlemanliness in the USA have much to do with knowledge of the unloading of handguns?

[Abdiel]

Sort of depends on where in the US you are.

In some places kids are generally taught these things (mine will be).

It others gun is just another dirty word.

[Hobbesoxon]

Oh sure, I can understand their presence in parts of the US - but gentlemanliness? :)

[Isaias]

zDQhaoocZPw
This gentleman may help.

[Roman414]

A minor quibble, but perhaps one should say "Gentlemen's and ladies' essentials". There are more than a few pistol-packing mamas around, A five-foot two inch, 95 pound young woman in my unit in the Navy was on the pistol team, and owned her own Gold Cup 1911. She was also on the emergency response team and was more than adequate with a short-barrelled twelve gauge.

[DeaconKC]

Absolutely, I did not mean to slight the ladies. My niece can shoot just as well as any of my nephews, and I know many others of the "fairest sex" who are excellent shots.
"Gun control is the argument that a 110 pound woman has the "right" to fistfight a 220 pound rapist."
"No matter what his strength or size, depend on me, I equalize.", this was a common card included with ladies' guns around the turn of the last century.

[olps]

I've never handled or fired a gun, and I don't know if I should believe what I see on tv and in movies so I have a question? What does 'cocking' a gun do? Does pulling back the slide cock the hammer or does it pull a bullet into the chamber? Is it necessary to pull the slide back? Also, it would be great to see another installment with a rifle or shotgun perhaps? I know in a lot of places you're more likely to find and old rifle than a pistol. Thanks.

[riooso]

There is another axiom that I see seldom adhered to.

When you hand a gun to someone to handle it should be empty and the breach open.

1. Revolvers should have the cylinder open and unloaded.
2. Autos should have the clip out and the slide locked open.

Later,
R

[Hobbesoxon]

Don't get me wrong, I love shooting death-dealing hand cannons as much as the next sociopath, but I'm still unclear as to the relationship between such things and gentlemanliness. Are such things considered sufficiently genteel in the US that they have become "Gentleman's Essentials"? :001_smile


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

[Janno05]

I was told by my grandfather that it is a gentleman's responsibility to defend the honor of the lady holding your arm. Why would you consider "how to escort a lady" a gentleman's essential and not protecting her from the wolves on the street also. I believe that at the very least a basic knowledge of hand gun function is necessary, and this forum is an excellent example of that.

[Howard Newell]

Don't get me wrong, I love shooting death-dealing hand cannons as much as the next sociopath, but I'm still unclear as to the relationship between such things and gentlemanliness. Are such things considered sufficiently genteel in the US that they have become "Gentleman's Essentials"? :001_smile


Toodlepip,

Hobbes

Only if they're dueling pistols and you're wearing a linen suit and a skinny necktie ala Colonel Sanders.

[iron maiden]

Very nice tutorial... many of my friends are gun enthusiasts, and I somewhat glaze over when they begin to discuss.

I hope you don't mind me asking a question here though... I will eventually need to by a gun, as I hope to be a home owner soon. One thing that I have never seen is the type of hammer that is on the snub nosed S&W. It appears as if there is no "tab" on which to pull the hammer back with your thumb/palm. Is this an optical illusion, or does this revolver not need to be cocked before firing? Just curious...

That snubby S&W had a bobbed hammer. Since the gun is used for concealed carry, a regular hammer would get hung up on clothing and as such, might get in the way. And no, you don't need to cock the hammer before you pull the trigger.

[DeaconKC]

olps, You are right on track. The action of pulling the slide back on an automatic pistol allows the return to strip a cartridge from the magazine and load the gun. The same is true of the rotation of the revolvers cylinder to bring a fresh round into line with the barrel. By thumb cocking a revolver, you allow it to be fired "single action" thereby giving it a lighter release for more accuracy.
Hobbesoxon, yes in most parts of this country, knowing how to safely handle a firearm is considered a common and normal part of society for both sexes. Many of our finest shots and hunters are ladies. Check out the Olympic Medal records of the US Shooting Team over the last 50 years. Realize that all of the federal parks and preserves are paid for by Pittman-Roberts funding, a 10% tax on firearms, ammunition and other sporting goods since the time of President Theodore Roosevelt.

[TwelveBravo]

An excellent tutorial. Thank you for your time, efforts, and knowledge. Very,very well done.

[Bluestaco]

Very nice tutorial!
I liked it. I also take it as another sign that I am supposed to buy a 1911. :rolleyes:

[Luxem]

Great post!
I enjoy my Glock 19 for both it's simple modern beauty and it's willingness to go with me to the firing range and practice.
Great writeup!! - and your little buddy did a fine job as well!

[stobes21]

I've never handled or fired a gun, and I don't know if I should believe what I see on tv and in movies so I have a question? What does 'cocking' a gun do?

Quite simply, cocking a gun pulls back the hammer. On single action guns, both revolvers and autos, it is necessary to cock the gun before shooting. On double action guns the answer varies somewhat depending on the gun, but cocking it is never necessary. For some double action guns cocking the hammer back will lighten and shorten the trigger pull. For others (referred to as double action only) there is no way to manually cock the gun, and the entire process is always accomplished by the trigger pull.


Does pulling back the slide cock the hammer or does it pull a bullet into the chamber?

I assume you are referring to autos here, as there is no slide on revolvers. Pulling the slide all the way back and letting it slam forward will strip a round from the magazine. Whether it will cock the gun is actually a similar question to above. Those guns that can be manually cocked will be cocked by the slide pulling back. Those that cannot will not be cocked.


Is it necessary to pull the slide back?

For an auto it is necessary to pull the slide back to load your first round regardless of the type. If you have a round in the chamber already, then no, it is not necessary to pull the slide back. If you have a single action gun like the 1911, then it is necessary to cock it, but that is better accomplished by using your thumb. For DA/SA and DAO guns, it is not necessary to pull the slide back or manually cock it.


Also, it would be great to see another installment with a rifle or shotgun perhaps? I know in a lot of places you're more likely to find and old rifle than a pistol. Thanks.

I can do an installment for shotguns if you would like. I have a pump action and both types of double barrel guns available. Someone else will have to do rifles and semi-auto shotguns.

[Abdiel]

f you have a single action gun like the 1911, then it is necessary to cock it, but that is better accomplished by using your thumb
Actually, depending on the type of SA, that's not advisable. There is, generally, no safe way to decock the 1911 (or many other single action handguns) as it is not designed to do so. A 1911 is designed to either be carried condition 3 magazine in the gun, but no round chambered and hammer down. Or condition 1 "cocked and locked" magazine in gun, round chambered, hammer back, and all safeties engaged. Note this is perfectly safe as modern 1911's have three safeties in place, and even older versions two safeties in place, keeping the gun from firing. Lowering the hammer on a singe action auto not designed to do so can be very dangerous.

Either don't chamber at all, or chamber and leave the hammer back and safeties on is the safest way to carry a 1911 or other strictly single auto as thats how they are designed. Never, EVER, leave the hammer down/decock onto the loaded cylinder of a single action revolver that doesn't have a firing pin block.

[Roman414]

The old-timers carried their hoglegs with the hammer down on an empty chamber, making their six-shooters actually five-shooters.

[arcman]

Actually, depending on the type of SA, that's not advisable. There is, generally, no safe way to decock the 1911 (or many other single action handguns) as it is not designed to do so. A 1911 is designed to either be carried condition 3 magazine in the gun, but no round chambered and hammer down. Or condition 1 "cocked and locked" magazine in gun, round chambered, hammer back, and all safeties engaged. Note this is perfectly safe as modern 1911's have three safeties in place, and even older versions two safeties in place, keeping the gun from firing. Lowering the hammer on a singe action auto not designed to do so can be very dangerous.

Either don't chamber at all, or chamber and leave the hammer back and safeties on is the safest way to carry a 1911 or other strictly single auto as thats how they are designed. Never, EVER, leave the hammer down/decock onto the loaded cylinder of a single action revolver that doesn't have a firing pin block.
Yup, manually decocking with the thumb isn't considered safe, and even if you manage it there's the possiblity the hammer could bounce and discharge the cartridge unexpectedly.

Most modern auto-loaders come with a decocking mechanism, usually a thumb lever of some kind that safely lowers a cocked hammer automatically. Some pistols like many of the Sig Sauers expressly use a decocking mechanism in lieu of manual safety, since a resting hammer on a long double-action trigger pull is considered safe enough that the gun will not fire unless the user pulls the trigger deliberately.

(This is why I kind of don't like Glock trigger actions, they have no manual safety and a rather short trigger pull. The DEA agent up there in that video is a HUGE dumbass and probably should never touch a gun again, but if his trigger had a longer/harder pull he might not have shot himself in the freakin' foot.)

[stobes21]

Please note that I didn't suggest decocking a 1911 with the thumb (which has been pointed out is very dangerous), I suggested cocking it with the thumb. However, as I reconsider my point I recognize that one should never need to cock the 1911 with the thumb as the gun should never be in a situation with a loaded chamber and the hammer down. The two reasons for this: the dangerousness of decocking with a chambered round and the lack of a firing pin block, have already been covered. If the chamber is empty and the hammer is down racking the slide will both load a round and cock the gun. Thus, manual cocking is never necessary. I apologize for any confusion I caused.

To add to what I already said to olps, when you see someone on TV or the movies cock a semi-auto handgun (this is usually in the tense "standoff" scene) they are either cocking a single action gun which never should have been decocked in the first place, or they are cocking a single action/double action gun. The latter action is not necessary as the gun was just as capable of firing before cocking, but cocking it lightens and shortens the trigger pull.

[BetterSense]

I don't know if I should believe what I see on tv and in movies

You can very seldom believe what you see in movies regarding firearms. It's a major peeve among gun enthusiasts. Not all movies, but the vast majority and especially TV shows. I'm talking facepalm level fiction. Everything from dangerous handling to firearms that operate in completely fictitious manners.

Manipulating the hammer on modern autopistols is something than almost never needs done. One should, in my opinion, never have occasion to touch the hammer on a 1911 style pistol. It is entirely vestigial, regardless of how many hollywierd bad guys cock their (previously uncocked? How did that happen anyway?) pistols for 'dramatic effect'.


Does pulling back the slide cock the hammer or does it pull a bullet into the chamber?
Typically, and traditionally, it does both. On most autopistols it is impossible to load them without also cocking them or otherwise rendering the firing mechanism ready. In the case of 'double action' autopistols, the hammer is not cocked by working the slide, but the trigger cocks the hammer when the gun is fired, so again, the hammer does not need to be thumb-cocked. Only in niche cases would you thumb-cock an autopistol. Perhaps you have a DA/SA autopistol, and you wish to fire the first shot single action. That's about the only case I can think of.

[Abdiel]

Yup, manually decocking with the thumb isn't considered safe, and even if you manage it there's the possiblity the hammer could bounce and discharge the cartridge unexpectedly.
Also, consider where your thumb is if hammer slips and gun goes off while decocking. It wont knock your thumb off or anything...but it aint purdy neither.


This is why I kind of don't like Glock trigger actions, they have no manual safety and a rather short trigger pull.
I'm not a big fan of glocks, but not for lack of a safety. For a carry gun, I actually don't want a safety. In the even I ever have to use it I'm likely to have enough to focus on...I don't want to remember to turn the dang safety off. I love my Sig 239, but if I can find a S&W M&P compact that could go high on the list as well for lightness. Have the normal size and love it.


Please note that I didn't suggest decocking a 1911 with the thumb (which has been pointed out is very dangerous), I suggested cocking it with the thumb. However, as I reconsider my point I recognize that one should never need to cock the 1911
No worries, I tend to get a little more technical on the issue when newbies are involved. I and most who are familiar with guns probably knew you weren't likely advising decocking a 1911, but wanted to spell out the why for those less familiar.

[SRock]

Excellent post and presentation! And most importantly you emphasize safety, safety, safety!

[DVDTracker]

If you didn't cover it, I'll add my two-cents on making an open-bolt firearm safe in the rare off-chance you do find one that you need to unload. Sub-machine guns like Uzis, Mac-10s, Thompsons, Stens, etc. are all examples of open-bolt firearms.

1) Keep your finger off the trigger and keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

2) Remove the magazine and verify that there is no round in the chamber.

3) Holding the cocking knob, found usually on the top or the side, pull the trigger and ride the bolt closed.



I have several firearm videos up on YouTube that include either a shotgun or a rifle and how to unload them.

Remington 870 Shotgun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkPJHzw4PXg&feature=channel_page

Mossberg 500 Shotgun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKbWcPdTRBI&feature=channel

M-1 Garand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnjxnwCRz5k&feature=channel_page

AK-47
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qXCb0TFtHc&feature=channel_page

AR-15 (same as an M-16)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btewvXGw8F0&feature=channel_page

[Ru4scuba?]

Deacon,

Just read this post. As an Active Duty member AND 10 year law enforcement professional, I can honestly say...thanks for this post! Its a great, introductory method to a newb picking up their first firearm. Your top 3 Must Dos are so important for anyone picking a gun up.

Everyone should always remember...the minute you touch the gun, it might be loaded. Thus, even when you pick it up from the table the first time...the question to ask yourself is "where is the barrel pointed?" Even if YOU KNOW it is unloaded.

Always treat is as if it were loaded and enjoy your new firearm!

Great post bud!

[DeaconKC]

Thanks!

[The Nid Hog]

Great thread--this is a real service to your readers. If I could offer one suggestion, I would say that a version of ru4scuba's comments would be a good addition to your maxims. Maybe something like "Always keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction."

[stobes21]

Great thread--this is a real service to your readers. If I could offer one suggestion, I would say that a version of ru4scuba's comments would be a good addition to your maxims. Maybe something like "Always keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction."

I think #2 on Deacon's list covers it:


2. NEVER POINT THE FIREARM AT ANYTHING YOU DON’T INTEND TO SHOOT.

[Mazeman]

Seems like a perfect place to reiterate the four major rules of firearms safety:

1) All guns are loaded
2) Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire
4) Know your target, and what's behind it

Adhereing to these simple rules will prevent the vast majority of firearms injuries.

And yes (since this was brought up), being familiar with guns is both manly, and "gentle"-manly. It's sad that much of Western culture has been brainwashed, and feminized, to the point that many people would believe otherwise. When did the ability to protect one's household become uncouth? If anything, it seems rather chivalrous to me.

ETA: I was right. From dictionary.com:

chivalry –noun, plural -ries. 1. the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms....

[DVDTracker]

Your avatar looks strangely familiar...

[Mazeman]

Your avatar looks strangely familiar...

OK'd for use as an avatar by Mr A. himself.:001_smile

[RHVette]

Another arfcommer, huh? Nice avatar. One of the guys on a gun board got an AR15 bolt face tattoo like that. We mess with him every now and again and ask why he's got a tattoo of Pac-Man wearing a top hat....

Excellent tutorial, Deacon. One of the things I've learned that you have to do when teaching newbies is keep it simple. You can teach them how to safely handle and clear 99.99% of firearms in about 15 minutes, but you can't waste time and confuse them with obscure systems or models. When I teach them, I use 5 guns. A safe-action (striker fired) pistol (GLOCK, S&W M&P, etc.), a SA pistol (1911), a DA/SA pistol (SIG P226), a DA revolver, and an SA revolver. Actually, I think that's the only thing this tutorial is missing. If you could cover the SA revolvers with the loading gate instead of the swing out cylinder, I think you'd have everything covered.

[DeaconKC]

The reason I didn't cover SA revolvers is that on most you must bring the hammer back to half cock to open the gate and turn the cylinder. I felt that someone with no experience would be placing themselves and others at great risk with that one.

[RHVette]

Ahh, good point. It's become such second-nature to me that I forgot that you have to put it on half-cock first. I'd have remembered that if I had one near me, but my college doesn't allow CC.:c7:

[tlanning]

:001_huh:was that a 27 glock, my favorite. Nice piece as well as tutorial--Retired USMC active US Combat Pistol Team.

[stobes21]

Ahh, good point. It's become such second-nature to me that I forgot that you have to put it on half-cock first. I'd have remembered that if I had one near me, but my college doesn't allow CC.:c7:

You CC a SA revolver?

[tlanning]

Cc

[DeaconKC]

Glock 23 in the tutorial. Also starring an Argentine Colt 1911A1, a Taurus 85 Ultralight and a S&W M&P in .38 Special.

[RHVette]

You CC a SA revolver?

No. SIG P226. I was feeling a little lazy and didn't want to type "guns on campus." Bring a gun on campus, get a free expulsion. I know my SIG forwards and back because it's my carry piece, but since I only handle an SA revolver about 8 times a year, sometimes I get a little rusty on the handling (but don't worry, I still keep it safe.:wink:)

[Mr-Scruffy]

Dean,

Great tutorial. Thanks for the nice work.

[stobes21]

No. SIG P226. I was feeling a little lazy and didn't want to type "guns on campus." Bring a gun on campus, get a free expulsion. I know my SIG forwards and back because it's my carry piece, but since I only handle an SA revolver about 8 times a year, sometimes I get a little rusty on the handling (but don't worry, I still keep it safe.:wink:)

Ah, that makes more sense. SA revolvers are certainly very cool and have their place, but I never thought CC was one of them. And as a grad student I hear you on the campus thing. I don't live on campus, but I can't carry there. Unfortunately it is also about the most dangerous area I travel in and the place I'm most likely to need my CCW.

[Kit Walker]

Ah, that makes more sense. SA revolvers are certainly very cool and have their place, but I never thought CC was one of them. And as a grad student I hear you on the campus thing. I don't live on campus, but I can't carry there. Unfortunately it is also about the most dangerous area I travel in and the place I'm most likely to need my CCW.

Don't write SA off just as a knee-jerk reaction. When you consider that the vast majority of armed encounters involve less than 4 shots, the choice really should depend more upon which weapon the individual has the most familiarity and skill with. For close range, it would be hard to beat a Sheriff's model loaded with heavy slugs over a maximum charge of black powder. If you missed, you could still incinerate them with the muzzle blast. :biggrin:

[stobes21]

Don't write SA off just as a knee-jerk reaction. When you consider that the vast majority of armed encounters involve less than 4 shots, the choice really should depend more upon which weapon the individual has the most familiarity and skill with. For close range, it would be hard to beat a Sheriff's model loaded with heavy slugs over a maximum charge of black powder. If you missed, you could still incinerate them with the muzzle blast. :biggrin:

You're right that familiarity with a weapon should be one of the top considerations in a carry weapon. That said, to fire more than one shot quickly a person must use both hands to operate a SA revolver. For me that does disqualify the SA revolver from CCW use. Plus, most SA revolvers cannot be carried safely cocked, and for most you can forget about trying to reload in a firefight if it does last longer than 5 or 6 shots. It doesn't take much training for someone to get used to the operation of a DA revolver, and the DA offers a whole lot of advantages over the SA.

[nrek619]

I like the Taurus 85 Ultralight.....it's going to be my next firearm purchase......:wink: I've always been a semi-auto kinda guy but like the revolver for ultra light off duty carry........

[TheDoctor]

Excellent thread but would modify safety rules 2 & 3 as follows:


2. NEVER POINT THE FIREARM AT ANYTHING YOU DON’T INTEND TO KILL OR DESTROY. (Instead of "SHOOT").

3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET [and YOU ARE READY TO KILL OR DESTROY IT].

I have found that "shoot" too often fails to convey the gravity of the danger inherent in mishandling firearms, whereas "kill or destroy" drives the point home.

Love the graphics and explanation, btw.

[DavyRay]

Safety training can save your life.
Even when drunk, an idiot with good training can clear a gun without killing room-mates. I know. Dead drunk, I decided to clear an ancient Spanish auto pistol. I went through the steps correctly, almost. Remove mag. Rack slide. Reinsert mag. Drop hammer (


point at remote baseboard first!


).

BANG!

Oh, S***!.

I'm perfectly sober! Really!

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

The History Channel should do a segment on Shotguns (say like a Automatic / Combat 12 Gauge shotgun with open breach, safety, load, loading and firing). :gunsmilie:

Christopher :badger:

[Chalice]

As an Australian who has never fired a gun (gun ownership being very rare in Australia unless you are a farmer) I found this very informative. Thank you.

[SRock]

Excellent thread but would modify safety rules 2 & 3 as follows:


2. NEVER POINT THE FIREARM AT ANYTHING YOU DON’T INTEND TO KILL OR DESTROY. (Instead of "SHOOT").

3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET [and YOU ARE READY TO KILL OR DESTROY IT].

I have found that "shoot" too often fails to convey the gravity of the danger inherent in mishandling firearms, whereas "kill or destroy" drives the point home.

Love the graphics and explanation, btw.

I agree. When I teach my classes I always say:

Never point your weapon at anything you don't intend to kill, cripple, detonate, or destroy.

[ThePatrician]

1. ALWAYS TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS IF THEY WERE LOADED.

It is my experience as an experienced shooter that EVERY firearm safety rule boils down to this one.

[dpmtherrien]

As someone who is very comfortable with handguns, and having over 41 years experience with them, I found this very informative.