How to Load and Fire a 9mm Pistol

Download Article

Co-authored by Roger Judd

Last Updated: July 15, 2024 Approved

Download Article

This tells a person how to successfully load and fire a 9mm pistol, which could help in time of crisis.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-1.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

A Glock brand pistol works well for most people. Glocks are affordable, reliable, and simple to operate.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-2.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you are not sure about which ammo you need, consult the shop keeper, most are happy to help.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-3.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[1]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-4.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[2]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-5.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Re-insert magazine by moving it briskly and firmly upward into the hand grip until you hear a clicking noise which indicates the magazine has locked in place. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-6.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-7.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If the slide has gone forward completely the weapon is ready to fire! ^{[4]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-8.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[5]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-9.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

^{[6]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-10.jpg\/aid31978-v4-728px-Load-and-Fire-a-9mm-Pistol-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 46
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 58
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 28

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you are using a gun to defend yourself - shoot for the largest part of your attacker - you have a better chance of hitting them.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Keep on training with your 9mm Pistol. Practice makes perfect, especially when it has to do with aiming and quick loading.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Know your target and what is behind it

Thanks
Helpful 115 Not Helpful 20
Keep finger off trigger until on target

Thanks
Helpful 115 Not Helpful 21
Make sure your thumb is away from the hammer, when shooting it'll fly back and it can pinch your thumb.

Thanks
Helpful 139 Not Helpful 27
Never point gun at anything you do not wish destroyed

Thanks
Helpful 125 Not Helpful 25

Things You'll Need

9mm Pistol
9mm Ammo
Pointing finger
Eye-sight
Target
Steady hand
Thumbs

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

Log in

How to Load and Fire a 9mm Pistol

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories