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How to Take Apart a Handgun

How to Take Apart a Handgun

Sep 20, 2019

You may want to disassemble your handgun for maintenance or safety purposes. The Glock series is one of the most popular set of handguns in the U.S. So for this guide, we’re going to use the Glock as an example. The Glock is used in this guide also because of its similarity to other popular handguns.

Disassembling your handgun is simple but it’s important to practice gun safety rules during the process to avoid any injuries.

1. Unloading the Handgun

The simplest part of disassembling a handgun is removing the ammunition. Point the gun in a safe direction and keep your fingers away from the trigger. Press the magazine release and remove the ammunition.

After unloading the gun, check the slide for any remaining ammunition. You do this by pulling the slide back and using the slide stop lever to hold it in position. Check a few times to make sure you’re certain that there’s no ammunition in the chamber.

2. Taking Apart the Slide

Before you continue with the process, put on your safety glasses. There are many spring components inside a gun that can damage your eye if you’re not careful.

After removing ammunition from the chamber, pull the slide all the way back to release the stop hinge. The slide will get back to the original position. Pull the trigger to release the striker.

Hold the gun firmly with one hand and the handle with the other hand. Pull back the slide about one-tenth of an inch and push the slide to the open position. With your hand on the top, push the slide until it’s removed from the frame.

3. Remove the Barrel

After removing the slide, the spring that brings the slide into position will be exposed. Removing the spring is the next step. Simply push it forward and move it away from the barrel of the gun. Carry out this stage of the process with care as the spring is under pressure.

Next, remove the barrel using the indentations designed for this purpose. Push the barrel inside and lift it. This will dislodge it from its position. Raise it and pull it out.

 

We’ve designed a comprehensive online concealed carry training course. After completing the course, you’ll be able to apply for a concealed carry permit in majority of the states. Register today!

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What people ask about our concealed carry course

  • Which states recognize this course?

    The Carry Academy course meets the requirements for many different states, most of which through the reciprocity of a VA nonresident concealed handgun permit. See the state list.

  • How does The Carry Academy fulfill the necessary training requirements in so many different states?

    The majority of these states allow you to carry a concealed weapon by obtaining an Virginia Nonesident Concealed Handgun Permit. If you live in Iowa, Oregon or Virginia; you can apply for a Residents Permit as this course fulfills their necessary training requirements.

  • What is the process for obtaining my Virginia resident and nonresident concealed handgun permit?

    Virginia Resident Concealed Handgun Permits are issued by the circuit court of the county or city in which the applicant resides. You can obtain your application form by visiting the Resident Concealed Handgun Permits page on the Virginia State Police website. Non-residents will need to visit the Nonresident Concealed Handgun Permits page on the Virginia State Police website.

  • Am I guaranteed CCW permit approval if I live in one of your approved states?

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  • What is reciprocity?

    Many jurisdictions have established arrangements where they recognize or honor permits or licenses issued by other jurisdictions with comparable standards, for instance in regard to marriage or driver's licenses. This is known as Reciprocity and is based on U.S. Constitution "full faith and credit" provision. Due to the nature of gun politics, reciprocity in regard to weapons carry permits or licenses has been controversial.

  • What is a concealed carry permit?

    A concealed carry permit is the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on one's person or in close proximity.

  • Where do I find resident application links for my state?

    Please refer to the State Laws page.

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  • Are there places where you cannot conceal carry?

    While generally a concealed carry permit allows the permit holder to carry a concealed weapon in public, a state may restrict carry of a firearm including a permitted concealed weapon while in or on certain properties, facilities or types of businesses that are otherwise open to the public. These areas vary by state (except for the first item below; Federal offices are subject to superseding Federal law) and can include State and Federal goverment facilities, political events, educational institutions, hospitals, churches and others.

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  • What training requirements are needed in order to obtain a CCW?

    Some states require concealed carry applicants to certify their proficiency with a firearm through some type of training or instruction. Certain training courses developed by the National Rifle Association that combine classroom and live-fire instruction typically meet most state training requirements. Some states recognize prior military or police service as meeting training requirements.

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  • Where do I find more information about my states laws including reciprocity/traveling information?

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  • What are the training requirements of Virginia?

    Virginia recognizes eight specific training options to prove competency in handgun handling, ranging from DD214 for honorably discharged military veterans, to certification from law enforcement training, to firearms training conducted by a state or NRA certified firearms instructor including electronic, video, or on-line courses. While any one of the eight listed options will be considered adequate proof, individual circuit courts may recognize other training options.

  • What is the process for obtaining my Virginia, Iowa or Oregon residents permit?

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    Refunds will only be issued in the event that you are unable to access the Resources through no fault of your own (i.e., due to an outage or other non-functionality of The Carry Academy websites) for a period forty-eight (48) hours commencing with the time that you register and pay for access to the Resources. No refunds will be issued once you receive a Certificate of Completion.