The .45-caliber service pistol shown in figure 3-29 is an individual weapon intended for use in close combat. The .45-caliber pistol is a semiautomatic, recoil-operated, magazine-fed hand weapon. The pistol fires one round each time the trigger is squeezed. The pistol can be carried in either a hip or shoulder holster. The magazine holds seven cartridges. The forward movement of the slide strips the upper cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. After the last cartridge from the magazine has been fired, the slide remains in the rear.

Only your ability to change magazines, aim, and squeeze the trigger rapidly limits the rate of fire of the .45-caliber service pistol.

The pistol is 8 5/8 inches in length and weighs 3 pounds frilly loaded, with a maximum range of 1,500 yards, and a maximum effective range of 50 yards. It uses different kinds of .45-caliber ammunition. (These will be discussed later under ammunition.)

As a Seabee, you are expected to keep this weapon in good working condition. To ensure that it will function correctly, you must disassemble it to inspect and clean the parts. Procedures for general disassembly (field-stripping), assembly, functioning, loading, firing, unloading, malfunctions, stoppages, immediate action, and the care and cleaning of the service pistol will be covered in the following sections.

Figure 3-30.--Magazine removal and chamber inspection for a right-handed firer.

Figure 3-31.-Recoil spring plug removal from the recoil spring.