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.]