Manual

If the pistol is so equipped, check the decocking lever by thumbing it in the appropriate

direction and visually observing the hammer as it moves forward to its rest position. This

verifies the action of the decocking lever.

The double action function of the pistol may be checked with the hammer starting forward

in the rest position. By pulling the trigger and observing the hammer, the

FUNCTION INSPECTION continued

cocking and releasing of the hammer should be accomplished with one full compression

of the trigger. This verifies that the pistol may be fired from its normal rest position.

One of the internal safeties found on all semiautomatic firearms is the disconnector. The

disconnector may be checked by depressing the trigger and holding it to the rear while

retracting and releasing the slide. The trigger should have to be released forward in order

to allow the firing of the next cartridge. Another way of checking the disconnector is to

retract the slide until the barrel and slide are no longer locked together. Movement of the

trigger should have no effect on the hammer.

What has been accomplished in performing these operations is to verify that the pistol will

only fire one shot per pull of the trigger and that it will not fire in an unlocked condition.

If the pistol has single action capabilities, cocking the hammer and then releasing the

hammer by pulling the trigger ensures that the single action function of the pistol is

working, as it should.

A firing pin function check may be incorporated into the overall weapon inspection. First

force the firing pin forward. No protrusion should be observed at the breech face. Next

operate the firing pin blocking mechanism to release the firing pin. The firing pin should

now protrude through the breech face when forced forward. The firing pin spring is tested

for strength by releasing the safety mechanism and then firing pin. After the firing pin

resets itself force it forward to ensure its interlock with the safety mechanism.

AMMUNITION

Ammunition should be inspected for the following:

· Overall length of the cartridge

· Bullet seating: tightness and depth

· Deformed or inverted bullet

· Defective jacket or core

· Crimp in the mouth of the case

· Damage to the cartridge case

· Condition of the extraction groove