How to Reload a Pistol

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Instructions for reloading/loading a pistol that uses a magazine. Methods to maximize reliability, and applicability to the widest variety of handguns.

Steps

1
Treat every firearm as if it is always loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger unless you are ready to shoot. Do not point a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot or destroy. Keep the firearm pointed toward the target or a safe backstop at all times.^{[1]
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2
If a semi-automatic pistol has been shot empty, the slide will usually lock back after the last shot. You will be able to see the empty chamber through the ejection port. If the slide is not locked back a round may still be in the chamber

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3
With the thumb of the firing hand, press the magazine release, which is usually a button or small lever on the grip just behind the trigger on the left hand side of the gun.^{[2]
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4
The magazine may drop out of the grip, or may require you to pull it free, depending on the model of the firearm.
5
Grab a loaded magazine by the narrow front edge. (The side the bullets face.) Place your index finger at the top of the front edge. This will help you guide the magazine.
6
Insert the magazine into the gun by first placing the back of the magazine against the back of the magazine well. (The hole at the bottom of the grip.) Then push it in firmly upward until you hear a click.^{[3]
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7
Pull downward on the magazine to ensure that it is fully seated. Failure to seat the magazine is a primary cause of malfunctions in semi-auto pistols.
8
Place your non-firing hand over the top of the slide, grasp, pull back sharply until it stops, and release. The slide will snap forward, cambering a round from the loaded magazine. Do not hold on to the slide as it moves forward, or attempt to ease it down.^{[4]
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9
The firearm is now loaded and ready to fire.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Do you release the slide before inserting a new magazine?

Darth_Doomslayer

Community Answer

No, you're handgun is empty, the slide will snap back automatically. You just need to insert a magazine and pull back the slide and you're ready to fire.

Warnings

Remember, bullets go through things. Interior walls rarely stop bullets.

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Also, bullets generally bounce off hard things -- so KNOW your backstop is safe, so it won't bounce the bullets back at you. (Proper firing ranges calculate where the bullets will bounce when they are built.)

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Keep the firearm pointed toward the target or a safe backstop at all times.

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Things You'll Need

A pistol that is fed by a detachable magazine and uses a slide mechanism
A magazine (sometimes referred to a clip which is incorrect and not to be confused with real clips.)
A legal place to shoot your handgun