Loading a Glock magazine with ammunition

This blog entry discusses how to load a magazine with ammunition for a Glock firearm. This information can also apply to most handguns for sale on the market today (IE: Springfield Armory, Smith and Wesson, H&K, etc). Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.

Before we begin I want to review some terminology.


The magazine the the part of the firearm you load ammunition into. Every magazine has rims (also called lips) on the top. The Follower is below the rims, and lowers as you load ammunition into the magazine and rises to feed more ammunition into the firearm as each expended round of ammunition exits the firearm. Inside the magazine, below the follower, is a spring.

On to loading. Place the edge of the ammunition on the front of the follower and push down. Slide the ammunition rearward so that the ammunition goes below the rims/lips of the magazine.


The first round of ammunition should be seated in the magazine and be held in place by the follower pressing upward and the rims / lips framing the ammunition.


Use the second round of ammunition to press down on the first round of ammunition near the front of the follower. This will lower the first round of ammunition deeper into the magazine.


As you press down and the first round has moved down further into the magazine, slide the second round of ammunition along the top of the first round of ammunition and back into the rear of the magazine. Use the same procedure of pressing down and sliding rearward to have all the consecutive rounds of ammunition loaded into the magazine.


Some firearm companies provide a magazine loader assistant to help you load ammunition into the firearm.


If your firearm comes with a magazine loader assistant, you can use it by placing it over your magazine and pressing down on the ammunition already loaded into the firearm as in the photo below.


Using this magazine assistant loader to press down for you will save your fingers from getting pinched or ammunition sliding off as the magazine fills to capacity.


Just use the magazine assistant to press down on the ammunition in the magazine for you and slide a new round of ammunition along the top and rearward as before.

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Securing a Glock for long term storage

This blog entry discusses how to secure a Glock firearm for long term storage. This information can also apply to most handguns for sale on the market today (IE: Springfield Armory, Smith and Wesson, H&K, etc). Click on any of the photos below to enlarge them.

The first step in securing your firearm for long term storage is to make absolutely certain it is unloaded and left with the slide open as discussed here.



Virtually all modern firearms ship with an orange gun lock enclosed. If you do not have one, they are readily available at gun stores and retail outlets online. Open the gun lock and move one side of the cable away from the base.


Now, move the exposed part of the gun lock cable over the top of the firearm and down through the open slide.


Guide the cable through the firearm and through the middle of the magazine well to exit the bottom of the firearm. NOTE: The cable should be obstructing the area where the magazine would normally be inserted.


Place the cable back into the base and close the lock. Remove the key and keep the key in a safe place! The firearm is now ready for long term storage.


Note how the slide can not be closed or moved forward and the magazine can not be inserted into the firearm. The firearm can not be discharged while in this state. Ideally, firearms intended for long term storage should also be kept in a gun safe or other highly secure medium.

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Unloading a Glock

This blog entry covers how to unload a Glock firearm. This information can also apply to most handguns for sale on the market today (IE: Springfield Armory, Smith and Wesson, H&K, etc). Click on any of the photos to enlarge them.


The first step is to go back and re-read the four rules.

#1 ALL FIREARMS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

# 2 NEVER POINT THE MUZZLE AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY

# 3 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

# 4 - BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

While all four rules are equally important, let me emphasize that while unloading a firearm, be certain to keep the firearm pointed away from any target AND your finger off the trigger at all times.



You may unload the Glock firearm in any direction that complies with the four rules, although this entry will show different angles of the firearm for instruction. Again, while unloading a firearm, be certain to keep the firearm pointed away from any target AND your finger off the trigger at all times.

The first step is to press the magazine release button on the left side of the firearm as in the photo below.


This should be a straight press inward toward the firearm and not slide up or down. In the photo I am using my left thumb to press the magazine release button.

After pressing the magazine release button, the magazine will be detached from the firearm. If the magazine does not move downward by itself, you may need to grip the bottom of the magazine and pull the magazine out manually as illustrated in the photo below.


NOTE: You can easily see on the top of the magazine if there was ammunition ready to feed into the firearm. In the example photo above, you can see the magazine had been loaded with ammunition.

It is very important to realize that even after the magazine has been removed from the firearm, the firearm MAY STILL BE ABLE TO FIRE. A round of ammunition may have previously been loaded from the magazine into the chamber. To clear the chamber, first grip the back of the slide as in the photo below.


NOTE: If you look at the photo closely, you can see the light reflect off a round of ammunition that has been loaded into the firearm.

Now pull back the slide directly back away from the muzzle of the firearm in one strong motion.


If you are new to firearms, don't be afraid to exert some force to get the slide to move on the Glock. At this point, if there was a round of ammunition in the chamber, it will come out of the side of the firearm and fall out to the right when the slide is pulled back.


At this point, the firearm has been completely unloaded. You can release your grip on the slide and have the firearm return the slide forward. However, for demonstration and safety purposes, we can lock the slide in a "open" position to more effectively show there is no ammunition in the firearm. To do this, pull the slide back as far as it can go and press the SLIDE STOP LEVER upward on the left hand side of the firearm.


There should be a visible "notch" on the slide that the SLIDE STOP LEVER will move upward and fit into. Release the slide once the SLIDE STOP LEVER has been pressed upward into the notch.

With the slide "open", we can look down into the firearm and see there is no clip or ammunition feed inserted as illustrated in the following photo.


With the slide "open", we can also look into the chamber (the open circle in the following photo) and see there is no ammunition present.


In this mode, it is easy to verify whether rule Number One applies or not. The firearm is visibly unloaded and can be easily inspected to determine if ammunition is present.


I do NOT recommend leaving a firearm stored in this configuration, though. In upcoming blog entries, I will show how to secure a firearm from this point for long term storage as well as how to re-load a firearm from this point.

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Basic parts of a firearm

Below is a brief photo collection detailing the most basic parts of a firearm and a brief definition of what each part is and the basic function it serves. Click any of the photos to enlarge them.

There are a few common parts of a firearm you will find on virtually all modern handgun models and variations. This firearm is a Glock 19. This model uses 9mm ammunition.


It is a very popular handgun and has found favor worldwide in law enforcement and personal defense. Most of the basic firearm components you need to be familiar with are found on the left hand side of the firearm (when the barrel is pointing to the left as in the photos)

The next photo lists the basic component names and their locations on the firearm.


Starting from the top left going clockwise: The Accessory Rail is used for mounting lights, lasers or other paraphernalia to the firearm. The Front Sight is used in conjunction with the rear sight to align the firearm on target. The Slide houses the internal barrel along with parts of the firing mechanisms and is also used to manually chamber a cartridge (initially load the firearm) or to manually clear a malfunction.

The Rear Sight is used in conjunction with the front sight to align the firearm on target. The Slide Stop Lever is used to lock the slide in an open position or to release the slide from a locked open position. The Frame is the firearm's framework.

The Magazine holds the ammunition for the firearm and can be removed for reloading. The Magazine Release allows the Magazine to be removed or pulled out of the firearm. The Trigger discharges the weapon. Finally, the Disassembly Lever allows for the firearm to be taken apart for cleaning or maintenance.

This next photo has the different areas of the firearm shaded for a better view.



The Frame shading area should also include the narrow strip below the slide, but shading all of the frame made the image more difficult to view.

Although there are many different makes, models and designs of handguns, virtually all modern handguns have these same parts, and all act in a similar fashion. (NOTE: Revolvers are another story and will be detailed later)

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A great free firearms book you need to read

I've been a fan of GUN FACTS since I first read version 3.0. Written by Guy Smith, this free-to-download PDF book is available on his website. So what exactly is it? Well, its easier for him to explain.

"INTRODUCTION: Gun Facts is a free e-book that debunks common myths about gun control. It is intended as a reference guide for journalist, activists, politicians, and other people interested in restoring honesty to the debate about guns, crime, and the 2nd Amendment.

Gun Facts has 84 pages of information. Divided into chapters based on gun control topics (assault weapons, ballistic finger printing, firearm availability, etc.), finding information is quick and easy.

Each chapter lists common gun control myths, then lists a number of documented and cited facts that directly dispute the gun control claim. Thus when a neighbor, editor, or politician repeats some slogan propagated by gun control advocacy groups, you can quickly find that myth, then rebuke."

Links to download the Gun Facts book are below. I highly recommend you download and read this free PDF book, and please buy a hard copy from the link on his home page if you have the means.

LINK TO THE GUN FACTS WEBSITE

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The FOUR RULES

Before I go too far into blogging, I wanted to mention the four rules... the essential rules on firearms everyone must know. The four rules are phrased differently by some people, but the intent is the same.

RULE 1 - ALL FIREARMS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

Always. Whenever you pick up a firearm, automatically act as if it is loaded and ready to fire. The only exception is when you personally check the firearm to make certain it is not loaded. This means removing the ammunition clip or feed, checking the chamber to see if a shell or cartridge is present, and clearing any obstructions. If the firearm ever leaves your control, rule number one applies again.

RULE 2 - NEVER POINT THE MUZZLE AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY

This is a safety mindset and a tactical mindset. To point a firearm at a target means you intend to destroy it. No exceptions. If you do not intend to destroy something, do not point the muzzle at it. And never ever point your firearm at another human being unless you intend to immediately fire the weapon.

RULE 3 - KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

This is a major one. In the movies you see every action hero and bad guy have his finger on the trigger every second they have a firearm in their hand. This is unsafe and outright stupid. Most firearm accidents happen because the trigger is pressed before the muzzle is pointed at the target. Put your finger on the frame (the part of the firearm that is parallel to the barrel) and not on the trigger until the sights of the firearm are on the target. Only then should you move off from the frame to the trigger.

RULE 4 - BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

If you are not certain of what you are firing at, do not fire at it. Do not fire your weapon at a closed door, a shadow behind a window, or at a spooky sound. Only after you have positively identified your target and its exact location should you fire your weapon. Once the bullet has left the barrel, you can not change its direction or target.

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Another gun ban proposed by congress

House Resolution 1022 has already been dubbed a "sweeping gun ban" even though it is still only a house resolution right now.

As usual, people with good intentions are solving the wrong problem. Instead of focusing on the perpetrators and causality of crimes, they intend to ban firearms themselves. Gun "control" is nothing of the sort. I think personal responsibility is the core problem.

My father told me when he was a child, Roy Rogers had a television show that aired every week. On one of his episodes, he showed in great detail how to make your own rifle at home. Do you know how many children were killed the next day that watched that show? How many cities were razed to the ground by that information being made public? None. As in zero.

Try re-airing that show today. Or spoof it on Family Guy. Watch the outrage take headline news by storm.

Did you know the poster child for gun control, good old London, England, is wanting to ban pointy knives? No, really. Or how about this link that talks about their ban on selling knives to those under 18? Or how about this one, where a child was chased down and stabbed to death by a mob? Or how about this link to their knife amnesty program - where you can turn in a knife, no questions asked, at any local police station.

My point is even if a genie came and magicked all the guns away, evil people would still do bad things with knives, pointy objects, rocks, or even their own fists.

Guns are not the problem.

You can read the actual house resolution on the website govtrack.us by CLICKING HERE. You can check the status of this resolution on the govtrack.us website, or just BY CLICKING HERE.

Here's the email I got from my distributor about it...

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THE MOST SWEEPING GUN BAN EVER INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS;

McCarthy Bill Bans Millions More Guns Than the Clinton Gun Ban

On Feb. 14, 2007, Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 1022, a bill with the stated purpose, "to reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes."

McCarthy's verbiage warrants explanation. Presumably, what she means by "assault weapons ban" is the Clinton Gun Ban of 1994. Congress allowed the ban to expire in 2004 for multiple reasons, including the fact that federal, state and local law enforcement agency studies showed that guns affected by the ban had been used in only a small percentage of crime, before and after the ban was imposed.

With the nation's murder rate 43% lower than in 1991, and the re-legalized guns still used in only a small percentage of crime, reauthorizing the Clinton Gun Ban would be objectionable enough. But McCarthy's "other purposes" would make matters even worse. H.R. 1022 would ban every gun banned by the Clinton ban, plus millions more guns, including:

. Every gun made to comply with the Clinton ban. (The Clinton ban dictated the kinds of grips, stocks and attachments new guns could have. Manufacturers modified new guns to the Clinton requirements. H.R. 1022 would ban the modified guns too.)

. Guns exempted by the Clinton ban. (Ruger Mini-14s and -30s and Ranch Rifles; .30 cal. carbines; and fixed-magazine, semi-automatic, center-fire rifles that hold more than 10 rounds.)

. All semi-automatic shotguns. (E.g., Remington, Winchester, Beretta and Benelli, used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense. H.R. 1022 would ban them because they have "any characteristic that can function as a grip," and would also ban their main component, called the "receiver.")

. All detachable-magazine semi-automatic rifles-including, for example, the ubiquitous Ruger 10/22 .22 rimfire-because they have "any characteristic that can function as a grip."

. Target shooting rifles. (E.g., the three centerfire rifles most popular for marksmanship competitions: the Colt AR-15, the Springfield M1A and the M1 "Garand.")

. Any semi-automatic shotgun or rifle an Attorney General one day claims isn't "sporting," even though the constitutions of the U.S. and 44 states, and the laws of all 50 states, recognize the right to use guns for defense.

. 65 named guns (the Clinton law banned 19 by name); semi-auto fixed-magazine pistols of over 10 rounds capacity; and frames, receivers and parts used to repair or refurbish guns.

H.R. 1022 would also ban the importation of magazines exempted by the Clinton ban, ban the sale of a legally-owned "assault weapon" with a magazine of over 10 rounds capacity, and begin backdoor registration of guns, by requiring private sales of banned guns, frames, receivers and parts to be conducted through licensed dealers. Finally, whereas the Clinton Gun Ban was imposed for a 10-year trial period, H.R. 1022 would be a permanent ban.

Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative and urge him or her to oppose H.R. 1022!

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Texas Castle Doctrine Update

I just got this email from the Texas State Rifle Association Political Action Committee. Its a great summary of the castle doctrine progress as it stands as of March 14th 2007. If you live in Texas, it wouldn't hurt to give your local rep a email or call expressing your support in this bill. (It also wouldn't hurt to join the TSRA! You can visit their website by clicking here.)

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Texas Castle Doctrine Update
The Senate version of Texas Castle Doctrine, SB 378 by Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio), moved ahead of the House bill (HB 284) in the legislative process yesterday, March 14, 2007.

SB 378 had passed on the senate floor and was referred to the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. Committee Chairman, Rep. Aaron Pena (D-Edinburg), called a meeting of his committee on the House floor at the end of Wednesday's Session and SB 378 was heard and voted out. Our thanks to Chairman Pena, Vice Chair Allen Vaught (D-Dallas), Rep. Juan Escobar (D-Kingsville), Rep. Robert Talton (R-Pasadena), Rep. Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball), the five members of the nine member committee who supported moving this important legislation onto the floor of the House.

On Monday, March 19, Rep. Joe Driver will make a motion to substitute SB 378 for his bill, HB 284, and then the full House will debate and vote on SB 378.
It's time to call your State Representative and urge them to vote for Texas Castle Doctrine, SB 378. Remember over 100 House members were joint or co-authors to the House version. Thank them for their past support and urge them to vote for SB 378.

http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php

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