CHAPTER 2
WEAPONS HANDLING
Weapons handling is a method of providing consistent and standardized procedures for handling, operating, and employing the M9 service pistol. Understanding and applying the principles of weapons handling are critical to developing safe and consistent weapons skills. Strict adherence to training and diligent practice will make weapons handling instinctive. Mission accomplishment and survival during combat depend on a Marine’s ability to react instinctively and with confidence.
_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines should reverse directions as needed.
Safety Rules
The following safety rules are the foundation for responsible weapons handling. They must be observed at all times, both in training and combat.
=Safety Rules=
=Rule 1: Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.=
This rule is intended to prevent unintentional injury to personnel or damage to property from handling or transferring possession of a weapon.
=Rule 2: Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.=
This rule enforces the importance of muzzle awareness and reinforces positive identification of the target.
=Rule 3: Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.=
This rule is intended to minimize the risk of firing the weapon negligently (when not firing, the trigger finger is straight along the receiver, outside of the trigger guard). This rule also reinforces positive identification of the target.
=Rule 4: Keep weapon on safe until you intend to fire.=
This rule enforces the use of the weapon’s own safety feature and reinforces positive identification of the target.
Weapons Conditions
The M9 service pistol’s level of readiness is defined by three specific conditions. The steps in the loading and unloading process take the pistol through the specific conditions that indicate the pistol’s readiness for live fire. The Marine must understand and know the condition of his pistol at all times.
=Condition 1.= Magazine inserted, round in chamber, slide forward, and safety on.
=Condition 2.= Not applicable to the M9 service pistol.
=Condition 3.= Magazine inserted, chamber empty, slide forward, and safety on.
=Condition 4.= Magazine removed, chamber empty, slide forward, and safety on.
Determining a Weapon’s Condition
There are two methods for determining the pistol’s condition: checking the round indicator on the right side of the pistol and conducting a chamber check.
Checking the Round Indicator
When there is a round in the chamber, the upper surface of the extractor protrudes from the right side of the slide. The protrusion can be felt by sliding either the thumb or the index finger of the left hand over the top of the slide and across the extractor. See figure 2-1.
Conducting a Chamber Check
To conduct a chamber check—
Point the pistol in a safe direction and grasp the pistol grip with the right hand.
Place the trigger guard in the palm of the left hand. Use the thumb and index finger to grasp the forward end of the slide at the indentations under the front sight, behind the muzzle. See figure 2-2.
=Caution=
Ensure the muzzle does not cover the hand or fingers.
Keep thumb in place around the pistol’s backstrap and rotate fingers of the right hand over the top of the slide in front of the rear sight.
Pull the slide to the rear by pushing forward with the right thumb and pulling back on the rear sight with the fingers. Use the left hand to steady the pistol and to assist in pulling the slide to the rear.
Use the right hand to hold the slide to the rear (just enough to visually inspect the chamber for a round). Physically check for a round by inserting a finger of the right hand into the chamber area. See figure 2-3.
_Note_: At night or in low light conditions, the Marine’s visibility is reduced; therefore, the Marine will have to rely on the physical check with the finger to determine if a round is in the chamber.
=Caution=
Pulling the slide too far to the rear while inspecting the chamber may cause a double feed or the ejection of a round.
Remove the finger from the chamber and release tension on both hands to allow the slide to go forward. Ensure that the slide is all the way forward.
[Illustration: Figure 2-1. Checking the Round Indicator.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-2. Placement of the Left Hand.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-3. Chamber Check.]
Weapons Commands
Weapons commands direct the Marine to safely load, unload, and employ the M9 service pistol. Six commands are used in weapons handling:
“_Load_”
This command is used to take a weapon from Condition 4 to Condition 3.
“_Make Ready_”
This command is used to take a weapon from Condition 3 to Condition 1.
“_Fire_”
This command is used to engage targets.
“_Cease Fire_”
This command is used to cease target engagement.
“_Unload_”
This command is used to take a weapon from any condition to Condition 4.
“_Unload, Show Clear_”
This command is used to require a second individual to check the weapon to verify that no ammunition is present before the weapon is put into Condition 4.
Loading the Pistol
Perform the following steps to load the pistol (take the pistol from Condition 4 to Condition 3):
Ensure the pistol is on safe.
Use the right hand to grip the pistol grip firmly. Ensure that the pistol is pointed in a safe direction, bring the trigger guard to the right of eye level and cant the pistol so the magazine well faces inboard at approximately a 45-degree angle to the deck. Draw the right elbow in to facilitate control of the pistol.
Use the left hand to remove a filled magazine from the ammunition pocket. Index the magazine by sliding the index finger along the forward edge of the magazine. See figure 2-4.
Insert the filled magazine into the magazine well by guiding it with the index finger and, with the fingers extended, pushing it in with the heel of the hand until it is fully seated. Do not relinquish contact with the magazine until it is fully seated. See figure 2-5.
[Illustration: Figure 2-4. Indexing the Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-5. Seating the Magazine.]
Making the Pistol Ready
Perform the following steps to take the pistol from Condition 3 to Condition 1:
Firmly grip the pistol grip with the right hand. Ensure that the pistol is pointed in a safe direction and the slide is in its forward position.
Rotate the magazine well outboard to facilitate pulling the slide to the rear. With the fingers and thumb of the left hand, grasp the serrated sides of the slide just forward of the safety. See figure 2-6.
=Caution=
Ensure the muzzle does not cover the hand or fingers.
Pull the slide to its rearmost position by pushing forward with the right hand while pulling back on the slide with the left hand.
Release the slide; this strips a round from the magazine and chambers it as the slide moves forward.
Ensure the pistol remains on safe.
Conduct a chamber check to ensure a round is in the chamber.
_Note_: A chamber check may be conducted at any time to check the pistol’s condition.
Fire
Perform the following steps to fire the pistol:
Keep trigger finger straight and use the right thumb to take the pistol off safe.
Place the trigger finger on the trigger and apply pressure to the trigger until the shot is fired.
[Illustration: Figure 2-6. Grasping the Slide to Make Ready.]
Cease Fire
Perform the following steps to execute a cease fire of the pistol:
Remove the finger from the trigger and place it straight along the receiver.
Place the pistol on safe without breaking the grip of the right hand.
Assume a carry or transport position.
Unloading the Pistol
Perform the following steps to take the pistol from any condition to Condition 4:
Use the right hand to grip the pistol firmly. Ensure that the pistol is on safe.
Rotate the pistol so the magazine well is pointed inboard and angled down.
_Note_: The angle of the magazine well must allow the magazine to fall freely from the well once the magazine release button is engaged.
Depress the magazine release button to remove the magazine from the pistol. Catch the magazine with the left hand and retain it.
Push upward on the slide stop with the right thumb and maintain pressure. Rotate the weapon so the chamber is outboard.
_Note_: A left-handed Marine pushes upward on the slide stop with the left index finger.
Reach over the top of the pistol with the left hand and grasp the slide serrations with the thumb and index finger. The left hand should partially cover the ejection port so it is positioned to catch an ejected round.
Point the pistol in a safe direction and fully retract the slide and lock it to the rear. At the same time, catch the ejected round with the left hand. See figure 2-7.
Rotate the pistol so the inside of the chamber can be seen. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty.
Press the slide stop to release the slide and observe it going forward on an empty chamber.
[Illustration: Figure 2-7. Catching the Ejected Round.]
Unloading and Showing the Pistol Clear
Perform the following steps to take the pistol from any condition to Condition 4. See figure 2-8.
Use the right hand to grip the pistol firmly. Ensure that the pistol is on safe.
Rotate the pistol so the magazine well is pointed inboard and angled down.
_Note_: The angle of the magazine well must allow the magazine to fall freely from the well once the magazine release button is engaged.
Depress the magazine release button to remove the magazine from the pistol. Catch the magazine with the left hand and retain it.
Push upward on the slide stop with the right thumb and maintain pressure. Rotate the weapon so the chamber is outboard.
_Note_: A left-handed Marine pushes upward on the slide stop with the left index finger.
Reach over the top of the pistol with the left hand and grasp the slide serrations with the thumb and index finger. The left hand should partially cover the ejection port so it is positioned to catch an ejected round.
Point the pistol in a safe direction and fully retract slide and lock it to the rear. At the same time, catch the ejected round with the left hand.
Rotate the pistol so the inside of the chamber can be seen. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty.
Bring the pistol to the administrative transport and have another Marine visually inspect the chamber to ensure that—
The chamber is empty, no ammunition is present, and the magazine is removed.
The pistol is on safe.
Acknowledge that the pistol is clear.
Press the slide stop to release the slide and observe it going forward on an empty chamber.
[Illustration: Figure 2-8. Unload, Show Clear.]
Emptying the Magazine
Once the pistol is unloaded, the pistol magazine can be emptied of ammunition. To empty the magazine, perform the following steps:
Hold the magazine upright with the back of the magazine tube against the palm of the hand.
Push the top round forward with the thumb and catch it with the other hand as it is removed.
Repeat until the magazine is empty.
Filling the Magazine
Prior to loading the pistol, the pistol magazine must be filled with the prescribed number of rounds of ammunition. See figure 2-9. To fill the magazine, perform the following steps:
Hold the magazine with the back of the magazine against the palm of the hand and the follower up.
Use the other hand to place a round (primer end first) on the follower in front of the magazine lips.
Press down on the round and slide the round completely back under the lips. The thumb or finger may push down on the back of the round to assist movement. The base of the round should be flush with the back of the magazine.
Repeat this procedure until the magazine is filled with the appropriate number of rounds. Holes on the back of the magazine allow the visual counting of rounds in five-round increments.
[Illustration: Figure 2-9. Filling the Magazine.]
Reloading the Pistol
The Marine’s ability to reload the pistol quickly improves his chance for success on the battlefield.
Dry Reload
A dry reload is conducted when the pistol runs out of ammunition during engagement and the slide locks to the rear. See figure 2-10. Perform the following steps to conduct a dry reload with the slide locked to the rear:
_Note_: The pistol is not placed on safe during a dry reload; the trigger finger is taken out of the trigger guard and placed straight along the side of the receiver.
Seek cover, if the situation permits.
Retain the firing grip with the right hand and pull the pistol in close to the body to facilitate control. Bring the trigger guard to the right of eye level and cant the pistol so the magazine well is facing inboard at approximately a 45-degree angle to the deck. See figure 2-11.
Press the magazine release button and let the empty magazine fall to the deck. At the same time, unfasten the ammunition pocket to withdraw a filled magazine. See figure 2-12.
_Note_: The primary objective during a dry reload is to get the pistol back in action as quickly as possible. Following engagement, retrieve the magazine before moving.
Grasp the magazine by curling the middle finger and thumb of the left hand around the base of the magazine, with the index finger straight along the ammunition pocket. See figure 2-13.
Index the magazine: as the magazine is being withdrawn from the pocket, the index finger should be along the front of the magazine. See figure 2-14.
Rotate the hand up so the magazine is aligned with the magazine well.
Glance quickly at the magazine well, insert the magazine into the magazine well (see fig. 2-15).
Bring the eyes back on target at the same time as the heel of the left hand seats the magazine, do not relinquish contact with the magazine. See figure 2-16.
Roll both hands inward to establish a two-handed grip and press the slide release with the left thumb to allow the slide to move forward, chambering the first round, and present the pistol to the target. See figure 2-17.
_Note_: A left-handed Marine presses the slide release with his trigger finger.
[Illustration: Figure 2-10. Pistol Ran Dry of Ammunition.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-11. Bring the Pistol Toward the Body.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-12. Release Magazine and Unfasten Ammunition Pocket.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-13. Grasping the Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-14. Indexing the Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-15. Glance at the Magazine Well.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-16. Seating the Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-17. Present Pistol Back to Target.]
Condition 1 Reload
In a Condition 1 reload, a partially-filled magazine is removed from the pistol and replaced with a fully filled magazine. A Condition 1 reload is performed when there is a lull in the action or whenever deemed necessary by the Marine. To perform a Condition 1 reload—
Retain the firing grip with the right hand and pull the pistol in close to the body to facilitate control. Keep the pistol pointed in the direction of the likely threat. See figure 2-18.
Withdraw a filled magazine from the ammunition pocket with the left hand. Index the magazine and bring it up to the left of eye level. See figure 2-19.
Slide the index finger to the side of the magazine to grasp the magazine between the index and middle fingers. See figure 2-20.
Raise the pistol and bring the trigger guard to the right of eye level and cant the pistol so that the magazine well is facing inboard at approximately a 45-degree angle to the deck.
_Note_: The angle of the magazine well must allow the magazine to fall freely from the well once the magazine release button is engaged.
Press the magazine release button with the right thumb to eject the partially-filled magazine from the magazine well. Grasp the magazine between the index finger and thumb. See figure 2-21.
Insert the filled magazine into the magazine well (see fig. 2-22). Use the heel of the hand to ensure it is fully seated (see fig. 2-23).
Lower the pistol and point it in the direction of the likely threat.
[Illustration: Figure 2-18. Facilitating Control of Pistol.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-19. Withdrawing and Indexing a Filled Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-20. Grasping a Filled Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-21. Removing a Partially-Filled Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-22. Inserting a Filled Magazine.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-23. Seating a Filled Magazine.]
If time permits, examine the partially-filled magazine to determine the number of rounds remaining. Stow the partially-filled magazine in the ammunition pocket for later use.
Reloading Considerations
If possible, take cover before reloading. Always reload before leaving cover to take advantage of the protection.
When reloading, the first priority is to reload the pistol quickly so that it is ready to fire. During a reload, the Marine focuses on reloading only—not on the enemy.
The next priority is for the Marine to retain the magazine during the reload. However, the combat situation may dictate dropping the magazine to the deck when performing a reload (i.e., dry reload). If time permits (i.e., Condition 1 reload), the Marine picks the magazine up or secures the magazine (e.g., ammunition pocket, flak jacket) before moving to another location.
Remedial Action
The M9 service pistol is an effective and extremely reliable weapon. Proper care and preventive maintenance usually ensures the pistol’s serviceability. However, stoppages, while infrequent, do occur. To keep the pistol in action, stoppages must be cleared as quickly as possible through remedial action. A malfunction cannot be corrected through remedial action by the Marine.
Stoppage
A stoppage is an unintentional interruption in the cycle of operation; e.g., the slide not moving forward completely. A stoppage is normally discovered when the pistol will not fire. Most stoppages can be prevented by proper care, cleaning, and lubrication of the pistol.
Many stoppages of the M9 service pistol are caused by shooter error. The Marine must be aware of shooter-induced stoppages in order to avoid them or to quickly identify and correct the stoppage and return the pistol to action. In a shooter-induced stoppage, the Marine—
Fails to make ready.
Fails to take the pistol off safe prior to firing.
Engages safety while firing.
Engages magazine release button while firing.
Engages slide stop while firing (particularly prevalent when firing with an Isosceles grip).
Fails to reset the trigger.
Fails to recognize the pistol has run dry and the slide has locked to the rear.
Malfunction
A malfunction is a failure of the pistol to fire satisfactorily or to perform as designed (e.g., a broken front sight that does not affect the functioning of the pistol). A malfunction does not necessarily cause an interruption in the cycle of operation. When a malfunction occurs, the pistol must be repaired by an armorer.
Remedial Action
There is no one set of procedures (i.e., immediate action) that can be performed to clear all or even most of the stoppages that can occur with the M9 service pistol. Therefore, remedial action requires investigating the cause of the stoppage, clearing the stoppage, and returning the pistol to operation. When performing remedial action, the Marine should seek cover if the tactical situation permits. Once a pistol ceases to fire, the Marine must visually or physically observe the pistol to identify the problem before it can be cleared:
_Note_: The steps taken to clear the pistol are based on what is observed.
Remove the finger from the trigger and place it straight along the receiver.
Bring the pistol in close to the body and in a position to observe the chamber.
Pull the slide to the rear while observing the chamber area to identify the stoppage. See figure 2-24 on page 2-14.
_Note_: Ensure the pistol does not move to safe when pulling the slide to the rear.
Correct the stoppage:
If there is a round in the magazine but not in the chamber (see fig. 2-25), the slide is released and a round is observed being chambered.
If a round being chambered is not observed, the bottom of the magazine is tapped to seat it properly, and the slide is racked to the rear. See figure 2-26.
If there is no round in the magazine or chamber, a reload is conducted. See figure 2-27.
Fire the pistol.
[Illustration: Figure 2-24. Observing Chamber.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-25. Round in Magazine but Not in Chamber.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-26. Round Not Being Chambered.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-27. No Round in Magazine or Chamber.]
Audible Pop or Reduced Recoil
=WARNING=
=When an audible pop or reduced recoil is experienced, the Marine DOES NOT perform remedial action unless he is in a combat environment. An audible pop occurs when only a portion of the propellant is ignited. It is normally identifiable by reduced recoil and the pistol will not cycle. Sometimes, it is accompanied by excessive smoke escaping from the chamber area.=
_Training Environment_
If an audible pop or reduced recoil is experienced during firing, cease fire immediately. Do not apply remedial action; instead, perform the following steps:
Remove the finger from the trigger and place it straight along the receiver.
Point the pistol down range.
Place the pistol on safe.
Raise a hand to receive assistance from available range personnel.
_Combat Environment_
The tactical situation may dictate correction of an audible pop or reduced recoil. To clear the pistol, perform the following steps:
Remove the finger from the trigger and place it straight along the receiver.
Seek cover if the tactical situation permits.
Unload the pistol, but leave the slide locked to the rear.
Insert something into the bore and clear the obstruction.
Observe the barrel for cracks or bulges.
Reload the pistol.
Weapons Carries
As the threat level increases, so should the Marine’s readiness for engagement. Weapons carries are designed to place the Marine in a state of increased readiness as the threat level increases. There are two carries with the pistol: the Alert and the Ready. The carries permit quick engagement when necessary.
Alert
The Alert is used when enemy contact is likely (probable). See figure 2-28. The Marine performs the following steps to assume the Alert:
Ensure the pistol is on safe.
Grasp the pistol grip firmly with two hands. The trigger finger is straight and the right thumb is on the safety and in a position to
Extend the arms down at approximately a 45-degree angle to the body or bend the elbows. See figure 2-29.
The muzzle of the pistol is pointed in the likely direction of the threat.
[Illustration: Figure 2-28. Alert.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-29. Alert—Close Quarters.]
Ready
The Ready is used when there is no target, but contact with the enemy is imminent. The Marine performs the following steps to assume the Ready (see fig. 2-30):
Ensure the pistol is on safe.
Grasp the pistol firmly with two hands. The trigger finger is straight and the right thumb is on the safety and in a position to operate it.
Extend arms and raise the pistol to just below eye level so a clear field of view is maintained.
Point the muzzle of the pistol in the direction of enemy contact.
[Illustration: Figure 2-30. Ready.]
Weapons Transports
The M9 service pistol is transported in either the holster transport or the administrative transport.
Holster Transport
The holster transport is the most common method of carrying the pistol because it can be transported safely in the holster. This transport is used when there is no immediate threat (enemy contact is remote). See figure 2-31. To transport the pistol in the holster:
Point the pistol in a safe direction.
=WARNING=
=Ensure the pistol is pointed in a safe direction at all times and does not cover any part of the body while holstering.=
Ensure that the safety is on, the slide is forward, and the trigger finger is straight.
Use the right hand to firmly grip the pistol grip and place the pistol in the holster:
Lift the flap of the holster with the left hand.
Look down at the holster, bring the pistol back to a position above the holster, and rotate the muzzle down into the holster.
Push the pistol snugly into the holster and fasten the flap with the right hand.
[Illustration: Figure 2-31. Holster Transport.]
Administrative Transport
The administrative transport is used to transport the pistol when the Marine does not have a holster. See figure 2-32. The Marine performs the following steps to assume the administrative transport:
Establish a firm grip around the pistol grip with the right hand.
Ensure the pistol is on safe, the magazine is removed, the slide is locked to the rear, and the trigger finger is straight along the receiver.
Bend the elbow to approximately a 45-degree angle so the pistol is positioned near shoulder level. The wrist should be straight so the pistol’s muzzle points up.
[Illustration: Figure 2-32. Administrative Transport.]
Combat Mindset
In a combat environment, the Marine must be constantly prepared to engage targets. When a target presents itself, there may be little time to react. The target must be engaged quickly and accurately. It is not enough to simply know marksmanship techniques, the Marine must be able to react instinctively.
The development of a combat mindset can be associated with the carries and holster transport for the pistol. The use of each carry/transport is dictated by the perceived level of threat. Each carry and transport should signify a stage of mental and physical preparedness for combat. The intensity of the Marine’s mental and physical preparation depends on the likelihood of enemy contact.
Physical and Mental Preparation
_Physical Preparation_
In combat, targets can present themselves without warning. Therefore, it is essential for the Marine to maintain proper balance and control of the pistol at all times so that the pistol can be presented quickly and the target engaged accurately.
Speed alone does not equate to effective target engagement. The Marine should fire only as fast as he can fire accurately, never exceeding his physical ability to apply the fundamentals of marksmanship. To be effective in combat, the Marine must train to perfect the physical skills of shooting so they become second nature. The more physical skills that can be performed automatically, the more concentration that can be given to the mental side of target engagement.
_Mental Preparation_
While combat is unpredictable and constantly changing, the Marine can prepare mentally for the contingencies of the operational setting and confrontation with a threat. The stress of combat, coupled with the limited time available to engage targets, requires concentration on the mental aspects of target engagement; e.g., identification of targets, shoot/no-shoot decisionmaking, and the selection and use of cover. Minimizing stress and maximizing the limited time available to engage targets can be accomplished by—
Knowing the combat environment and being constantly aware of the surroundings (e.g., terrain, available cover, possible threats) enables the Marine to quickly present the pistol and accurately engage targets.
Identifying and evaluating possible courses of action and developing potential plans for target engagement that will be appropriate to the combat situation.
Instilling confidence in a Marine’s ability to fire well-aimed shots in the stress of a combat situation. A key factor in a Marine’s level of confidence is the degree to which he has mastered the tactics, techniques, and procedures of pistol marksmanship.
Threat Levels
_No Immediate Threat_
When there is no immediate threat, the Marine assumes the holster transport. The pistol should be in Condition 1. This is the lowest level of awareness for the Marine in a combat environment, but the Marine must stay alert and aware of any nearby activity. To prepare for target engagement at this level, the Marine must—
Be aware of likely areas of enemy contact.
Be aware of the condition of his pistol.
Establish a plan or course of action to present the pistol to a target should a target appear.
Mentally review appropriate actions such as reloading and remedial action.
_Contact Likely (Probable)_
If enemy contact is likely (probable), the Marine assumes the Alert. When enemy contact is likely, the Marine should—
Expect enemy contact and be constantly prepared to present the pistol.
Search the entire area for indications of enemy targets and for suitable terrain features that offer cover and concealment. The Marine should avoid restricting the search to a single terrain feature because this hinders awareness to a sector of the battlefield and to approach by the enemy.
Be mentally prepared for contact. Plan a course of action for immediate response to a target. Modify the plan of action as needed.
Be physically prepared to fire. Maintain proper balance at all times. Avoid self-induced physical fatigue. For example, do not grip the pistol so tightly that fingers, hands, and arms tire from carrying the pistol.
_Contact Imminent_
When contact with an enemy target is imminent, assume the Ready. In this carry, the Marine is at the highest level of awareness and is constantly searching for and expecting a target. To fire well-aimed shots upon target detection, the Marine must be at the peak of his mental preparation, all distractions must be eliminated, and his focus must be on firing an accurate shot. In the Ready, the Marine must—
Keep the pistol oriented in the general direction of observation (eyes, muzzle, target).
Maintain a clear field of view above the pistol sights until the target is detected.
Be mentally and physically prepared to engage the target. The Marine must be ready to:
Identify the target.
Sweep the safety.
Apply the fundamentals of marksmanship.
Move only as fast as he is capable of delivering well-aimed shots, ensuring that speed of engagement does not exceed his physical abilities.
Search the entire area for indications of enemy targets, lowering the pistol enough to observe a clear field of view of the area.
Transferring the Pistol
The Marine’s ability to transfer a pistol to another Marine is critical to safe weapons handling. There are two methods for transferring the pistol from one Marine to another: show clear transfer and condition unknown transfer. Each transfer is performed based on the operational environment/combat situation.
Show Clear Transfer
To transfer the pistol—
Grasp the pistol firmly in the right hand while ensuring that the pistol is on safe.
Remove and retain the magazine.
Lock the slide to the rear and catch the round if there is a round in the chamber.
Inspect the chamber visually to ensure it is empty and leave the slide locked to the rear. To transfer the pistol—
If the receiving Marine is to the right: Cradle the trigger guard in the palm of the left hand and wrap the fingers around the top of the pistol. Release the firing grip.
If the receiving Marine is to the left: With the left hand, grasp the slide of the pistol with the thumb over the slide and the fingers underneath. Release the firing grip.
Ensure that the muzzle points up at a 45-degree angle in a safe direction and the chamber exposed. Hand the pistol to the other Marine, grip first. See figure 2-33.
The receiving Marine—
Grasps the pistol grip with the trigger finger straight along the receiver.
Inspects the chamber visually to ensure it is empty.
Ensures the pistol is on safe.
[Illustration: Figure 2-33. Show Clear Transfer.]
Condition Unknown Transfer
To transfer the pistol—
Grasp the pistol firmly in the right hand while ensuring that the pistol is on safe. To transfer the pistol—
If the receiving Marine is to the right: Cradle the trigger guard in the palm of the left hand and wrap the fingers around the top of the pistol. Release the firing grip. See figure 2-34.
If the receiving Marine is to the left: With the left hand, grasp the slide of the pistol with the thumb over the slide and the fingers underneath. Release the firing grip. See figure 2-35.
Ensure that the muzzle points up at a 45-degree angle in a safe direction. Hand the pistol to the receiving Marine, grip first.
The receiving Marine—
Grasps the pistol grip with the trigger finger straight along the receiver.
Ensures the pistol is on safe.
Conducts a chamber check to determine the condition of the pistol.
Remove the magazine and count the number of rounds in the magazine by using the counting holes, if time permits. Re-insert the magazine into the magazine well ensuring it is fully seated.
[Illustration: Figure 2-34. Condition Unknown Transfer to the Right.]
[Illustration: Figure 2-35. Condition Unknown Transfer to the Left.]