Handgun Operation: Unloading Semi-Automatic Pistols

by
posted on December 13, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
unload-lede.jpg

To unload a semi-automatic pistol, first ensure that it is pointed in a safe direction. Remove the trigger finger from the trigger and place it outside the trigger guard, alongside the frame. Next, press the magazine release button to drop the magazine from the gun. In most modern pistols, this button is located to the rear of the trigger guard, near the firing-hand thumb. As with other pistol controls, some firearms offer ambidextrous magazine releases that are equally convenient for both right- and left-hand users. Left-handed shooters operating right-handed guns will have to depress the magazine release button either with the tip of the trigger finger, or with the fingers of the non-firing hand. Note that some semi-automatic pistols (mostly older models) do not have a magazine release near the trigger guard, but instead feature a latch at the rear of the magazine well, typically operated by the non-firing hand.

Once the magazine is removed from the pistol, it is still necessary to extract the live cartridge from the chamber. With the pistol kept pointed in a safe direction, and the trigger finger still outside the trigger guard, use the support hand to sharply retract the slide fully to the rear. This will extract the live round from the chamber and eject it. Do not attempt to catch or capture the cartridge flying out of the ejection port. At this time, with the slide fully rearward, visually inspect the chamber to ensure that it is empty.

Unloading a semi-auto pistol
To unload a semi-automatic pistol, first put the trigger finger along the frame, out of the trigger guard (A), engage the safety or decocker if present (B), remove the magazine (C), and retract the slide forcefully to eject any live cartridge that may be in the chamber (D). The slide is then locked back (E) and the chamber visually inspected to ensure it is empty.


If further shooting is anticipated, the pistol may be left on the shooting bench with the slide locked open and the magazine removed. On the other hand, if the firearm is to be put back into its case, the slide should be eased forward and, while the gun is pointed in a safe direction the hammer dropped either by engaging the decocker or by pulling the trigger on the empty chamber. Some semi-automatic pistols, most notably rimfire pistols, can be damaged by dry-firing them. With any pistol, the owner's manual should be consulted to determine if dry-firing is safe to do.

Learn about firing semi-automatic pistols.


Read more: Unloading Double-Action And Single-Action Revolvers

Latest

Mullers ARC July2025 1
Mullers ARC July2025 1

NRA Announces Dianna & Ryan Muller As Brand Ambassadors For America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA announces Dianna & Ryan Muller as brand ambassadors for America’s Rifle Challenge program, promoting AR-15 marksmanship, safety and training.

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Vincent Hancock Claims 30th ISSF Medal As Team USA Dominates 2025 Lonato World Cup

Team USA shines at 2025 ISSF Lonato World Cup with golds from Vincent Hancock and Sam Simonton, plus silver for Dania Vizzi.

Jon Shue Clinches Third Straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship Title

Shue continues his dominant streak in bullseye pistol shooting after 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championship victory.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.