Q&A for How to Load and Fire a 9mm Pistol

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Question

I have no ammunition in the my new gun. I slid the chamber back, and now it won't close. What should I do?

Community Answer

First of all, you didn't slide the chamber back -- that doesn't go back. You slid the slide back. It has now locked back because you have an empty magazine in your handgun. This also happens when you've been firing and run out of ammo. To fix this, simply take out your magazine with the magazine release, and either use the slide release on the side of the firearm or pull the slide a little back to close.

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Question

How do I know the safety button on my gun is on?

Community Answer

On most guns, including pistols, the safety button is along the side of the gun and has a red or orange color. Push it in and you will hear a click, and then you will be able to pull the trigger and have it fire.

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Question

When I put a round in the chamber, is the safety on?

Community Answer

Some guns have passive safety features, some have active safeties, some have both, and others have neither. All active safeties, that is safeties which prevent you from firing the gun while engaged, are manually activated and deactivated. Always read the manual for your firearm to fully understand all of its safety features. And more importantly, never chamber a round in a gun that you do not understand unless your life depends on it. Find the manufacturer and get yourself the manual.

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Question

Is there a safe way to remove a bullet from the chamber?

Community Answer

Yes. First, ensure that your finger never touches the trigger unless you intend to fire. Point the firearm in the safest possible direction, remove the magazine using the magazine release, pull the slide back, and the cartridge should eject.

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Question

How many bullets are loaded in a pistol's auto 9mm magazine?

Community Answer

Depends on how many fit in the magazine that comes with the pistol you want to load the rounds in. There are aftermarket magazines that fit as many as 100 bullets inside of them, but they have to fit in the gun you use to be used. Often, automatic pistols come with 15 - 30 bullets magazines.

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Question

Is a 9mm pistol automatic?

Community Answer

Most 9mm pistols are semi-automatic, which means that the reload is automatic but you pull trigger each time to fire a round.

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Question

Where can I find a automatic gun loader?

Community Answer

There is no such thing as an automatic gun loader. There are small tools, like mag-loaders, that make loading a magazine for a semi-auto pistol or rifle easier. There are also speed loaders that make reloading a revolver a lot faster in times of emergency.

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Question

Where is the safety on a 9mm Parabellum pistol?

Community Answer

Not all 9mm pistols have a safety.

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Question

How to remove a round from the breach?

Community Answer

Always ensure that your finger is not on the trigger unless you intend to fire. Point the firearm in the safest possible direction. Remove the magazine using the magazine release. Pull the slide back, and the round should automatically eject.

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Question

Is aiming different when using rapid fire?

Community Answer

Aiming is not different when firing quickly. Align the sights on the target and press the trigger to the rear. It may be tempting to pull the trigger before re-acquiring a sight picture but this will greatly diminish accuracy. Having a stable stance and proper grip will expedite the process. The better your marksmanship fundamentals the faster you will be able to shoot accurately.

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Question

How do I handle the recoil of the 9mm?

Community Answer

The recoil of a 9mm is minuscule. If you are unable to handle it, I recommend you step down to a .22LR and get used to that first.

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Question

I have never shot a semi automatic pistol .380 or a 9mm before but would like to purchase both. Is there a strong recoil on either and which one should I get first?

Community Answer

The 9mm and .380 rounds both don't kick too much, but since a handgun has no stock, the recoil can be easily felt. However, 9mm and .380 rounds are on the low end of the spectrum concerning recoil of pistol rounds. The .380, however, kicks less than the 9mm since in a 9mm cartridge has more propellant, gunpowder, and a bigger bullet, resulting in more recoil. Because of this, 9mm is a more powerful cartridge than .380. Depending on what you are going for, power or recoil, it is up to you to decide.

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Question

How can I check the quality of a 9mm?

Community Answer

If it rattles when fired, it may have issues. If it misses the target, maybe your aim could use some improvement, or maybe the sights are misaligned. Join gun forums and ask around about everyone's favorites and manufacturers you should avoid.

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Question

What is the easiest way to load a cartridges into a 9mm pistol?

Community Answer

You would push cartridges into a magazine and push the magazine into the firearm.

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Question

Are the magazines for 9mm handguns all compatible?

Community Answer

No. Some mags are single stack, and others are double stacked. Although, they use the same cartridge, it wouldn't work.

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Question

What happens if I get caught by the police?

Community Answer

It depends on what state or city you are in. Without the proper permit, you are going to spend a lot of money on an attorney and possibly spend time behind bars. There are now thirteen states that have "Constitutional Carry" where no permit is required to "Carry". However, there is a difference between "concealed" carry and "open" carry. Check your state and local laws before you are caught with a firearm on you or in your vehicle.

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Question

How do I get my C9 gun slide to chamber a bullet? I loaded my magazine snapped it in place and my slide will not chamber the bullet. This is a new gun and I have tried for two days.

Community Answer

You can chamber the round by racking the slide back and releasing it, or if the slide is already locked back you can use the slide release (typically on the left side of the pistol, near the slide).

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Question

I am shooting a Ruger auto loader, and I shoot 6 inches low every time. What can I do?

Community Answer

Aim higher. Consult a ballistics chart if you aren't sure where to aim, that should help.

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Question

If I pull the trigger when the chamber is empty but the magazine is loaded, does this cause the chamber to be loaded? Will the gun fire when I pull the trigger a second time?

Arirha ARI

Community Answer

No, it will not. The round will chamber only if you pull back the slide and release.

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