CPP.

4
1 Oct 12
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WEAPONS TRAINING BATTALION
TRAINING COMMAND
27211 GARAND ROAD
QUANTICO, VIRGINIA 22134-5036

LESSON PLAN

PISTOL WEAPONS HANDLING

CPP.4

COMBAT PISTOL PROGRAM

CID XXXX

REVISED 10/1/2012

APPROVAL____________________________ DATE______________
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INTRODUCTION (3 MIN)

(ON SLIDE #1)

1. GAIN ATTENTION. Proper weapons handling is an essential

part of marksmanship. 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 in combat depend on it.

2. OVERVIEW. This lesson will cover weapons handling of the

service pistol to include safety rules, withdrawing the pistol
from the holster, carries/transports, weapons conditions,
weapons commands procedures, determining the condition of the
weapon, corrective action, and transferring the weapon from one
Marine to another.

3. INTRODUCE LEARNING OBJECTIVES. The Terminal Learning

Objectives and Enabling Learning Objectives pertaining to this
lesson are as follows:

a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE. Given a service pistol, (3)

magazines, magazine pouch, dummy ammunition, unit-issued
holster, and personal protective equipment (PPE), without the
aid of references, perform weapons handling procedures with
the service pistol without violating the four safety rules
IAW MCRP 3-01B.

b. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1) Without the aid of references, state the four safety

rules for the service pistol IAW MCRP 3-01B.

2) Without the aid of references, identify the weapons

conditions for the service pistol IAW MCRP 3-01B.

3) Without the aid of references, identify the

characteristics and nomenclature of the service pistol
IAW MCRP 3-01B and TM 1005A-10/1.

4) Given a threat situation, a service pistol, (3)

magazines, magazine pouch, dummy ammunition, and unit-
issued holster, and personal protective equipment (PPE),
without the aid of references, a carry/transport the
weapon in response to the situation IAW MCRP 3-01B.

5) Given a service pistol, (3) magazines, magazine

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pouch, dummy ammunition, unit-issued holster, and
personal protective equipment (PPE), without the aid of
references, load the pistol (Condition 4 to Condition 3)
in response to a weapons handling command IAW MCRP 3-01B.

6) Given a service pistol, (3) magazines, magazine

pouch, dummy ammunition, unit-issued holster, and
personal protective equipment (PPE), without the aid of
references, make the pistol ready (Condition 3 to
Condition 1) in response to a weapons handling command
IAW MCRP 3-01B.

7) Given a service pistol, (3) magazines, magazine

pouch, dummy ammunition, unit-issued holster, and
personal protective equipment (PPE), without the aid of
references, unload the pistol (any Condition to Condition
4) in response to a weapons handling command IAW MCRP 3-
01B.

8) Given a service pistol, (3) magazines, magazine

pouch, dummy ammunition, unit-issued holster, and
personal protective equipment (PPE), without the aid of
references, unload and show the pistol clear (any
Condition to Condition 4) in response to a weapons
handling command IAW MCRP 3-01B.

9) Given a service pistol, (3) magazines, magazine

pouch, unit-issued holster, and personal protective
equipment (PPE), without the aid of references, transfer
the pistol to another Marine IAW MCRP 3-01B.

c. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE. Given a service pistol, (3)

magazines, magazine pouch, ammunition, target, unit-issued
holster, and personal protective equipment (PPE), without the
aid of references, engage stationary threats with the service
pistol to eliminate threats while achieving a qualifying
score of 264 on the Combat Pistol Program (CPP) Firing Table
One, Training Block Five in accordance with MCO 3574.2_.

d. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE. Given a service pistol with

a stoppage, (3) magazines, magazine pouch, ammunition,
target, unit-issued holster, and personal protective
equipment (PPE), without the aid of references, perform
corrective action to clear the stoppage IAW MCRP 3-01B.

4. METHOD. This lesson will be taught in a classroom/outdoor

setting using lecture, demonstration, and practical application.

5. EVALUATION. Performance of weapons handling will be

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evaluated via a performance checklist during the Pistol Weapons
Handling Test, CPP.10A.

TRANSITION: To engage a target effectively, the Marine must

first learn to handle the pistol safely whenever the weapon is
in his possession. There are four safety rules which must be
observed at all times. No deviation from these rules will be
tolerated and they will be strictly enforced throughout
training.

BODY (55 MIN)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: (55 Min) Use the EDIP (Explain,

Demonstrate, Imitate, Practice) method to conduct this
demonstration and practical application. The practical
application requires dummy rounds for students and
demonstrators and (1) pistol, (2) magazines, (1) holster, (1)
belt, and magazine pouches per demonstrator.

STUDENT ROLE: The students will be in a good position to view

the demonstration and will hold all questions until prompted at
the end of the demonstration. The students will be spaced out
to provide enough room to practice the skills.

INSTRUCTOR ROLE: Explain and demonstrate each step of a

procedure and have students imitate that step before moving on
to the next step. Once all of the steps are taught using EDIP,
have students practice the entire procedure until they are
performing it correctly. Emphasize the four safety rules
throughout.

1. Safety Brief: (From the ORAW) Brief the shooters on what

to do if there is a mishap.

2. Supervision and Guidance: The instructor(s) will explain

every step of the procedure/technique. The instructor(s) will
demonstrate at half speed so all shooters can follow every
step. The instructor will supervise performance and provide
feedback.

3. Debrief: The instructor(s) will provide overall feedback,

guidance on any misconceptions, and review the learning points.
1. (1 MIN) SAFETY RULES

INSTRUCTOR'S NOTE: The following safety rules

should be strongly emphasized here
and throughout marksmanship training.

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The four safety rules are the foundation for responsible weapons
handling. These rules must be observed at all times during
training and in combat.

(ON SLIDE #2)

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. Rule 3: Keep Your Finger Straight and Off the Trigger

Until You are Ready to Fire. When not firing, the trigger
finger is straight along the receiver, outside of the
trigger guard. This rule is intended to minimize the risk
of firing the weapon negligently. This rule also reinforces
positive identification of the target.

d. 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.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: If a pistol is handled properly, it is handled

safely. As part of weapons safety, the Marine must know how to
withdraw the weapon from the holster in order to assume a carry.

2. (10 MIN) WITHDRAWING THE PISTOL FROM THE HOLSTER

The weapon should be withdrawn from the holster in one

continuous, fluid motion.

(ON SLIDE #3)

a. Step One

1) Place the heel of the support hand in front of the

center of the chest with the fingers pointing downrange.

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The hand should be in a position that allows a two-handed
firing grip to be established in a minimum amount of
movement.

2) At the same time, release the weapon retention device

with the firing hand by pressing the release button with
the index finger.

3) Grasp the pistol grip with the fingers; the index

finger remains straight and outside the holster.

b. Step Two. Draw the pistol straight up out of the

holster. Once the muzzle clears the holster, rotate the
muzzle forward to clear the body by dropping the elbow of the
firing arm. Ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe
direction.

c. Step Three

1) Establish a two-handed grip on the pistol by joining

it with the support hand in front of the torso.

CAUTION

Ensure the muzzle does not cover the support hand

when establishing the two-handed grip.

2) Place the support thumb behind the safety in a

position to operate it. The firing thumb rests behind
the support thumb.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: Withdrawing the weapon from the holster will

facilitate establishing a firing grip. To assume a carry, the
weapon must first be withdrawn from the holster. We will now
cover the Tactical Carry along with the weapons transports for
the pistol.

3. (5 MIN) WEAPONS CARRY AND TRANSPORTS

(ON SLIDE #4)

a. Tactical Carry. The Tactical Carry with the pistol is

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used for movement in close quarters for better control of the
weapon. With the pistol, the Tactical Carry is used when
there is no target, but contact with the enemy is imminent.
To perform the Tactical Carry:

1) Ensure the pistol is on safe.

2) Grasp the pistol grip firmly with two hands. The

trigger finger is straight and the thumb is on the
decocking/safety lever in a position to operate it.

3) Bend the elbows just enough to drop the rear sight

and allow the eyes to look over the barrel so a clear
field of view is maintained. Bending the elbows is
particularly advantageous in close quarter environments
and for additional control when moving. The muzzle of
the pistol is pointed in the direction of likely enemy
contact.

b. Weapons Transports. The pistol is transported in one of

two transports.

(ON SLIDE #5)

1) Administrative Transport. The administrative

transport is used to transport the pistol when the
Marine does not have a holster. To transport the
pistol:

a) Establish a firm grip around the pistol grip with

the strong hand.

b) 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.

c) Bend the elbow to approximately a 45-degree angle

so the pistol is positioned near shoulder level. The
wrist should be straight so the muzzle of the weapon
is pointing up.

(ON SLIDE #6)

2) 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
remote). To transport the pistol in the holster:

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a) With the pistol pointed in a safe direction,
ensure the decocking/safety lever is on, the slide is
forward, and the trigger finger is straight.

b) With the strong hand firmly gripping the pistol

grip, place the pistol in the holster:

(1) Look down at the holster, bring the pistol

back to a position above the holster and rotate
the muzzle down into the holster.

(2) Push the pistol snugly into the holster.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: The weapons carries and holster transport allow the

pistol to be carried in a manner that permits quick engagement
when necessary. Whether the Marine is carrying, transporting,
or handling the pistol, he must understand and know the
condition of his weapon at all times. The service pistol’s
level of readiness is defined by three conditions. Each step in
the loading and unloading process takes the pistol to specific
levels of readiness for live fire.

4. (1 MIN) WEAPONS CONDITIONS FOR THE SERVICE PISTOL

(ON SLIDE #7)

a. Condition 1. Magazine inserted, round in chamber, slide

forward, and decocking/safety lever on.

b. Condition 2. Not applicable.

c. Condition 3. Magazine inserted, chamber empty, slide

forward, and decocking/safety lever on.

d. Condition 4. Magazine removed, chamber empty, slide

forward, and decocking/safety lever on.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: It is important for every Marine to know the

standard procedures for putting his weapon into each condition.

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Weapons commands dictate the steps the Marine should take to
quickly and safely load, make ready, and unload the service
pistol. These procedures ensure safe and effective handling of
the pistol.

5. (15 MIN) WEAPONS HANDLING PROCEDURES

a. Weapons Commands. Weapons commands direct the Marine to

safely load, unload, and employ the service pistol. The
following commands are used in weapons handling:

(ON SLIDE #8)

1) “Make a Condition 3 weapon” is used to load the

weapon, taking it from Condition 4 to Condition 3.

2) “Make a Condition 1 weapon” is used to make the

weapon ready, taking it from Condition 3 to Condition 1.

3) “Fire” is used to specify when the Marine may engage

targets.

(ON SLIDE #9)

4) “Cease Fire” is used to specify when the Marine must

cease target engagement.

5) “Make a Condition 4 weapon” is used to unload the

weapon, taking it from any condition to Condition 4.

6) “Show clear” is used when a second individual must

check the weapon to verify that no ammunition is present
before the weapon is put into Condition 4.

b. Procedures for Filling the Magazine. Prior to loading

the weapon, the pistol magazine must be filled with the
prescribed number of rounds of ammunition. To fill the
magazine, perform the following steps:

(ON SLIDE #10)

1) Hold the magazine with the back of the magazine

against the palm of the hand and the follower up.

2) With the other hand, place a round (primer end

first) on the follower in front of the magazine lips.

3) Press down on the round and slide the round

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completely back under the lips. The thumb or finger may
push down on the back of the round to assist. The base
of the round should be flush with the back of the
magazine.

4) 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.

5) Store the magazine in the magazine pouch with rounds

down and pointed inboard.

c. Load

On the command “Make a Condition 3 weapon,” the pistol is

loaded (Condition 4 to Condition 3) as follows:

1) Ensure the pistol is on safe.

(ON SLIDE #11)

2) With the strong hand firmly gripping the pistol and

the pistol pointed in a safe direction, bring the weapon
up into your workspace, with the magazine well at eye
level. Workspace is defined as the area in which you
can manipulate and control the weapon while maintaining
observation of the downrange area. Cant the pistol so
the magazine well is facing inboard at approximately a
45-degree angle to the deck and the muzzle is pointing
up.

NOTE

The weapon must be positioned so that both the

magazine well and the threat area can be observed.

3) With the support hand, remove a filled magazine from

the magazine pouch. Index the magazine by sliding the
index finger along the forward edge of the magazine.

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 of the
magazine until it is fully seated.

d. Make Ready. On the command “Make a Condition 1 weapon,”

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the pistol is made ready (Condition 3 to Condition 1):

1) Firmly grip the pistol with the strong hand. Ensure

the pistol is pointed in a safe direction and the slide
is in its forward position.

(ON SLIDE #12)

2) To facilitate pulling the slide to the rear, rotate

the magazine well outboard. With the fingers and thumb
of the support hand, grasp the serrated sides of the
slide just forward of the decocking/safety lever.

CAUTION

Ensure the muzzle does not cover the hand or fingers.

3) Pull the slide to its rearmost position by pushing

forward with the strong hand while pulling back on the
slide with the support hand.

4) Release the slide. This will feed a round from the

magazine into the chamber as the slide moves forward.

NOTE

Ensure the weapon remains on safe.

e. Fire. On the command “Fire,” perform the following

steps to fire the pistol:

1) With a straight trigger finger, take the weapon off

safe with the thumb.

2) Place the trigger finger on the trigger and apply

pressure to the trigger until the shot is fired.

f. Cease Fire. On the command “Cease Fire,” perform the

following steps to stop firing the pistol:

1) Remove the finger from the trigger and place it

straight along the receiver.

2) Place the weapon on safe without breaking the grip

of the strong hand.

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3) Assume a carry or transport.

g. Unload. On the command “Make a Condition 4 weapon,” the

pistol is unloaded (any condition to Condition 4):

1) With the strong hand firmly gripping the pistol,

ensure the pistol is on safe.

(ON SLIDE #13)

2) Bring the pistol into your workspace. Cant the

pistol so the magazine well is facing inboard at
approximately a 45-degree angle to the deck. The angle
of the magazine well must facilitate the magazine
falling freely from the well when the magazine release
button is engaged.

3) Depress the magazine release button to remove the

magazine from the pistol. Catch the magazine with the
support hand and retain it on your person.

4) Bring the weapon down to mid-torso. Push upward on

the slide stop with the thumb and maintain pressure.
Rotate the weapon so the chamber is outboard.

NOTE

A left-handed Marine will push upward on the

slide stop with the index finger.

5) Reach over the top of the pistol with the support

hand and grasp the slide serrations with the thumb and
index finger. The support hand should partially cover
the chamber so it is positioned to catch an ejected
round.

(ON SLIDE #14)

6) With the weapon pointed in a safe direction, fully

retract the slide and lock it to the rear. At the same
time, catch the ejected round with the support hand.

7) Rotate the pistol so you can see in the chamber.

Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty.

(ON SLIDE #15)

8) Release the slide by pressing the slide stop with

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the firing thumb and observe it going forward on an
empty chamber.

NOTE

A left-handed Marine will press the slide stop

with the index finger.

9) Return the ejected round to the magazine.

h. Show Clear. On the command “Show Clear,” the pistol is

unloaded with a secondary inspection (any condition to
Condition 4):

1) With the strong hand firmly gripping the pistol,

ensure the pistol is on safe.

2) Bring the pistol into your workspace. Cant the

pistol so the magazine well is facing inboard at
approximately a 45-degree angle to the deck. The angle
of the magazine well must facilitate the magazine
falling freely from the well when the magazine release
button is engaged.

3) Depress the magazine release button to remove the

magazine from the pistol. Catch the magazine with the
support hand and retain it on your person.

4) Bring the weapon down to mid-torso. Push upward on

the slide stop with the thumb and maintain pressure.
Rotate the weapon so the chamber is outboard.

NOTE

A left-handed Marine will push upward on the

slide stop with the index finger.

5) Reach over the top of the pistol with the support

hand and grasp the slide serrations with the thumb and
index finger. The support hand should partially cover
the chamber so it is positioned to catch an ejected
round.

6) With the weapon pointed in a safe direction, fully

retract the slide and lock it to the rear. At the same
time, catch the ejected round with the support hand.

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7) Rotate the pistol so you can see in the chamber.

Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty.

(ON SLIDE #16)

8) While pointed in a safe direction, bring the pistol

to a position where a second party can inspect the
chamber to ensure no ammunition is present.

NOTE

The secondary inspection is conducted by

another Marine as follows; the Marine:

1. Visually inspects the pistol’s chamber to

ensure it is empty, no ammunition is present,
and the magazine is removed.
2. Ensures the weapon is on safe.
3. Acknowledges the pistol is clear.

9) Cant the pistol so the magazine well is facing

outboard. Release the slide and observe it going
forward on an empty chamber. There are two methods to
do this:

a) Press the slide stop with the firing thumb.

NOTE

A left-handed Marine will press the slide stop

with the index finger.

b) Grasp the slide serrations behind the open

chamber and pull the slide to the rear and release
it, taking care not to engage the safety.

10) Return the ejected round to the magazine.

i. Procedures for Emptying the Magazine. Once the weapon

is unloaded, the pistol magazine can be emptied of
ammunition. To empty the magazine, perform the following
steps:

1) Hold the magazine upright with the back of the

magazine tube against the palm of the hand.

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2) Push the top round forward with the thumb and catch
it with the other hand as it is removed.

3) Repeat until the magazine is empty.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: A Marine should know the condition of his pistol at

all times to comply with safety rules and, most importantly, to
be prepared for the next engagement. When time or the situation
dictate, the Marine should check the condition of his weapon.

6. (8 MIN) DETERMINE THE CONDITION OF THE WEAPON

The Marine should check the condition of his weapon whenever he

has time or thinks of it. For example, after the fight is over
and before holstering the pistol, the Marine should check the
condition of his weapon. To determine the condition of the
pistol:

a. Determine if There is a Round in the Chamber. Conduct a

chamber check to determine if a round is in the chamber. A
chamber check may be conducted at any time to check the
pistol’s condition (e.g., after placing the weapon in
Condition 1, whenever the time or situation dictates). There
are two methods of checking the chamber: conducting a
chamber check, and by checking the round indicator on the
strong side of the pistol.

(ON SLIDE #17)

1) Chamber Check

a) With the weapon pointed in a safe direction,

place the trigger guard in the palm of the support
hand and, with the thumb and index finger, grasp the
forward end of the slide at the indentations under
the front sight, behind the muzzle.

CAUTION

Ensure the muzzle does not cover the hand or fingers.

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b) Keeping the thumb in place around the backstrap
of the pistol, rotate the fingers of the strong hand
over the top of the slide in front of the rear sight.

c) Pull the slide to the rear by pulling back on the

rear sight with the fingers while providing
resistance with the thumb. Use the support hand to
steady the weapon and to assist, as necessary.

d) Hold the slide to the rear with the strong hand

just enough to visually inspect the chamber for a
round. Physically check for a round by inserting a
finger of the firing hand into the ejection port
area.

CAUTION

Pulling the slide too far to the rear while

inspecting the chamber may cause a stoppage
or the ejection of a round.

e) Remove the finger from the chamber and release

tension on both hands to allow the slide to go
forward. Ensure the slide is all the way forward.

(ON SLIDE #18)

2) 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 a finger or thumb of
the support hand over the top of the slide and across the
extractor. Red paint on the extractor further indicates
a round in the chamber, however, over time the red paint
can be rubbed off.

NOTE

This procedure is not recommended when wearing gloves.

When wearing gloves or under duress, it may be
difficult to feel this protrusion.

(ON SLIDE #19)

b. Determine if There are Rounds in the Magazine. When time

permits, drop the magazine and look at the top of the
magazine for a round present. Look at the holes on the back

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of the magazine. Each hole is spaced in increments
representing five rounds. If rounds are present viewed
through the top hole, there are at least five rounds in the
magazine. If rounds are present in the second hole, there
are at least 10 rounds in the magazine, and so on.

c. If there is a round in the chamber, but no rounds in the

magazine, the Marine should conduct a tactical reload. Stow
the empty magazine before withdrawing and inserting a filled
magazine.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: The service pistol is an effective and extremely

reliable weapon. Proper care and preventive maintenance will
usually ensure the pistol’s serviceability. Stoppages, while
infrequent, do occur. To keep the weapon in action, stoppages
must be cleared as quickly as possible through corrective
action.

7. (10 MIN) CORRECTIVE ACTION

a. Definitions

(ON SLIDE #20)

1) Stoppage. A stoppage is an unintentional

interruption in the cycle of operation. An example of a
stoppage is the slide not going fully forward. 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.

2) Malfunction. A malfunction is a failure of the

pistol to fire satisfactorily or to perform as designed.
A malfunction does not necessarily cause an interruption
in the cycle of operation. An example of a malfunction
is a broken front sight which does not affect the
functioning of the weapon. When a malfunction occurs,
the weapon must be repaired by an armorer.

b. Introduction to Corrective Action. There is no one set

of procedures that can be performed to clear all or even
most of the stoppages that can occur with the service
pistol. Therefore, with the pistol, the stoppage must be

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investigated and corrective action must be performed to
clear it.

c. Shooter-Induced Stoppages. Most stoppages of the

service pistol are caused by shooter error. The Marine must
be aware of these shooter-induced stoppages so he can avoid
making these mistakes and, if he does make a mistake, can
quickly identify and remedy a problem and get his weapon
back into action. Shooter-induced stoppages include:

(ON SLIDE #21)

1) The shooter fails to make ready.

2) The shooter fails to take the weapon off safe prior

to firing.

3) The shooter engages the safety while firing.

4) The shooter engages the magazine release button

while firing.

5) The shooter engages the slide stop while firing.

This is indicated by the slide locked to the rear with a
round in the magazine.

6) The shooter fails to reset the trigger.

7) The shooter fails to recognize the weapon has run

dry and the slide has locked to the rear.

8) The shooter fails to offer enough resistance to

recoil.

d. Corrective Action Procedures. Corrective action is the

process of investigating the cause of the stoppage, clearing
the stoppage, and returning the weapon to operation. Once
the pistol ceases firing, the Marine must visually or
physically observe the chamber area to identify the problem.
The pistol must be brought in to a position where the Marine
can observe the chamber and operate and function the weapon.
The Marine must also seek cover if the tactical situation
permits or requires. The steps taken to clear the weapon are
based on observation of the following indicators:

NOTE

The trigger finger should be straight along the receiver.

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(ON SLIDE #22)

1) Indicator – The Slide is Forward. To return the

weapon to operation:

a) Observe – Observe the chamber area.

b) Tap – Bring the weapon into your workspace and

tap or strike upward on the bottom of the magazine to
ensure it is fully seated.

c) Rack - Pull the slide all the way to the rear and
release it to ensure a round is chambered.

d) Bang - Sight in and attempt to fire.

(ON SLIDE #23)

2) Indicator – Visible Obstruction. This occurs when a

round or a piece of brass gets stuck in the chamber. To
return the weapon to operation:

a) Observe – Observe the chamber area.

b) Rotate the pistol so the chamber is facing

outboard and hold the slide to the rear.

c) Shake the pistol to free the brass/round.

(1) If brass is still observed in the chamber,

lock the slide to the rear.

(2) Attempt to remove the magazine and clear the

chamber.

d) Release the slide to chamber a round.

e) Sight in and attempt to fire.

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e. Audible Pop or Reduced Recoil

WARNING

When an audible pop or reduced recoil is experienced, under no

circumstances is corrective action performed. An audible pop
occurs when only a portion of the propellant is ignited. It is
normally identifiable by reduced recoil and a lower report - the
pistol will not cycle. This is sometimes accompanied by
excessive smoke escaping from the chamber area.

1) Training Environment. If an audible pop or reduced

recoil is experienced during firing, immediately cease
fire. Do not apply corrective action; instead, perform
the following steps:

NOTE

The trigger finger should be straight along the receiver.

a) Point the pistol down range.

b) Place the pistol on safe.

c) Raise your hand for assistance from range

personnel.

2) Combat Environment. The tactical situation may

dictate correction of an audible pop or reduced recoil.
To clear the pistol, perform the following steps:

NOTE

The trigger finger should be straight along the receiver.

a) Unload the pistol, but leave the slide locked to

the rear.

b) Insert something into the bore and clear the

obstruction.

c) Observe the barrel for cracks or bulges.

d) Reload the weapon.

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Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: There are many types of stoppages that can be

cleared using corrective action. We have discussed the most
common. Any weapon that is rendered inoperable or unsafe must
be repaired by an armorer. Another area that is critical to
safe weapons handling is the Marine’s ability to transfer a
weapon to another Marine.

8. (5 MIN) TRANSFERRING THE PISTOL FROM ONE MARINE TO ANOTHER

There are two methods for transferring the pistol from one
Marine to another. Each is performed based on the operational
environment/combat situation.

(ON SLIDE #24)

a. “Show Clear” Transfer. To transfer the weapon:

1) While grasping the pistol firmly in the strong hand,

ensure the pistol is on safe.

2) Remove the magazine.

3) Lock the slide to the rear and catch the round if

there is a round in the chamber.

4) Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty

and leave the slide locked to the rear.

a) If the other Marine is to the right: Cradle the

trigger guard in the palm of the support hand and
wrap the fingers around the top of the pistol.
Release the firing grip.

b) If the other Marine is to the left: With the

support hand, grasp the slide of the pistol with the
fingers over the slide and the thumb underneath.
Release the firing grip.

5) With the muzzle pointed up at a 45-degree angle in a

safe direction and the chamber exposed, hand the pistol
to the other Marine, grip first.

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NOTE

Return the ejected round to the magazine.

6) The other Marine:

a) Grasps the pistol grip with the trigger finger

straight along the receiver.

b) Visually inspects the chamber to ensure it is

empty.

c) Ensures the pistol is on safe.

(ON SLIDE #25)

b. Condition Unknown Transfer. To transfer the weapon:

1) While grasping the pistol firmly in the strong hand,

ensure the pistol is on safe.

a) If the other Marine is to the right: Cradle the

trigger guard in the palm of the support hand and
wrap the fingers around the top of the pistol.
Release the firing grip.

b) If the other Marine is to the left: With the

support hand, grasp the slide of the pistol with the
fingers over the slide and the thumb underneath.
Release the firing grip.

2) With the muzzle pointed up at a 45-degree angle in a

safe direction, hand the pistol to the other Marine,
grip first.

3) The other Marine:

a) Grasps the pistol grip with the trigger finger

straight along the receiver.

b) Ensures the pistol is on safe.

c) Conducts a chamber check to determine the

condition of the weapon.

d) If time permits, removes the magazine and counts

the number of rounds in the magazine by using the

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counting holes. Reinserts the magazine into the
magazine well ensuring it is fully seated.

Confirm by questions.

TRANSITION: 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 in combat depend on it.

OPPORTUNITY FOR QUESTIONS: (1 MIN)

1. Respond to questions from the class.

2. Prompt Marines with questions to the class.

a. QUESTION: What are the four safety rules?

ANSWER: Rule 1 - Treat every weapon as if it were loaded;

Rule 2 - Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend
to shoot; Rule 3 - Keep your finger straight and off the
trigger until you are ready to fire; Rule 4 - Keep the weapon
on safe until you intend to fire.

b. QUESTION: What is Condition 4 with the service pistol?

ANSWER: Magazine removed, slide forward, chamber empty, and

decocking/safety lever on.

c. QUESTION: When and why is a chamber check conducted on

the pistol?

ANSWER: A chamber check can be performed at any time to

check the pistol’s condition.

d. QUESTION: Where should the pistol muzzle be pointed when

loading and unloading the pistol?

ANSWER: In a safe direction.

e. QUESTION: If the pistol fails to fire and you observe

the slide forward, what corrective action do you take?

ANSWER: Tap, rack, bang.

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f. QUESTION: What are three common shooter-induced
stoppages?

Answer: 1) Fails to make ready; 2) Fails to take the weapon

off safe prior to firing; 3) Engages the safety while firing;
4) Engages the magazine release button while firing; 5)
Engages the slide stop while firing; 6) Fails to reset the
trigger; 7) Fails to recognize the weapon has run dry and the
slide has locked to the rear; 8) Fails to offer enough
resistance to recoil.

INSTRUCTOR'S NOTE: Ask Marines as many questions

as necessary to ensure they fully understand
the material presented in this lesson.

SUMMARY: (1 MIN)

Pistol safety is the responsibility of every Marine at all

times. A thorough understanding of basic handling and safety
for the service pistol is critical to safe and effective pistol
marksmanship. Weapons handling includes the procedures for
loading, making ready, and unloading the pistol. Procedures
learned and practiced in training must become habitual to ensure
effective weapons handling in combat.

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