By disassembling and assembling the pistol, you become familiar with the parts. Understanding how the pistol functions will help you keep the weapon in operating condition and reduce stoppages that may occur during firing.

Each time a cartridge is fired, the parts inside the pistol (fig. 3-29) function in a given order. This is known as the cycle of operation (functioning).

The cycle of operation of the pistol is divided into eight basic steps; however, more than one step may be occurring at the same time. The following steps occur in the order listed below:

1. FEEDING-placing a cartridge in the receiver, approximately in back of the barrel ready for cambering

2. CHAMBERING-moving the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber

3. LOCKING-sealing the cartridge in the chamber and blocking the breech end of the barrel

4. FIRING-igniting the primer and firing the cartridge

5. UNLOCKING-unsealing the breech end of the barrel

6. EXTRACTING-removing the cartridge case from the chamber

7. EJECTING-removing the cartridge case from the weapon

8. COCKING-returning the firing mechanism to the cocked position ready to fire another cartridge

SAFETY DEVICES

The pistol has three safety devices: the safety lock the grip safety, and the half-cock notch on the hammer. The safeties must be tested often, and always before the pistol is fired. The disconnector is not considered a positive safety like the three safeties listed above. The disconnector is not a positive safety because it is designed for use to fire the pistol on semiautomatic fire and cannot be controlled by the firer.