HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 05 - HANDGUNS 101

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a forward facing 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 unloading 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 area during the process.

Illustration of a hunter's hands inserting a magazine into a semi-auto pistol.

Step 4: Push the magazine release button to remove the magazine.

Illustration of a hunter's hands pulling a semi-auto pistol's slide backward.

Step 5: Pull the slide to the rear by doing the following:

Hold the handgun in your strong hand and point it in a safe direction. Extend your arm, locking your wrist and elbow.
Pinch the rear of the slide with your weak hand. Make sure your hand does not cover the ejection port.
Pull the slide quickly and completely to the rear. This will extract and eject any cartridge or casing from the chamber.
Let any cartridge or casing fall onto the shooting bench or range floor and leave it there until you've completed all of the unloading steps.

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a semi-auto pistol with its action open.

Step 6: Look in the chamber to confirm that there’s no ammunition or empty casings in there.

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

Step 7: Verify that there is no ammunition by inspecting the feeding path for any objects. Make sure the magazine has been removed.

Illustration of a hunter's hands holding a backward facing semi-auto pistol to check the bore for obstructions.

Step 8: Examine the bore for lubricant, rust or obstructions. Now you’re officially UNLOADED.