How to Safely Clear Your Handgun: Step by Step with Redundancies

Published on February 23, 2026
Duration: 1:24

This video provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to safely clear a handgun, emphasizing redundant safety checks. The instructor, demonstrating experienced authority, walks viewers through dropping the magazine, racking the slide twice, and performing both visual and physical inspections of the chamber and magazine well. The procedure ensures a firearm is rendered safe before being put away.

Quick Summary

To safely clear a handgun, first point it in a safe direction and drop the magazine. Then, rack the slide twice to eject any chambered round. Finally, perform both visual and physical inspections of the chamber and magazine well to confirm the firearm is unloaded.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Handgun Clearing Overview
  2. 00:08Treating a Loaded Handgun
  3. 00:13Step 1: Dropping the Magazine
  4. 00:21Step 2: Racking the Slide (Double Check)
  5. 00:42Step 3: Visual & Physical Inspection
  6. 00:54Step 4: Locking Slide & Final Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in safely clearing a handgun?

The first step is to point the handgun in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. Then, press the magazine release to drop the magazine, ensuring the muzzle remains pointed downrange throughout this action.

How many times should you rack the slide when clearing a handgun?

It is recommended to rack the slide twice when clearing a handgun. This provides a double-check to ensure any round in the chamber is ejected and confirms the firearm is unloaded.

What types of inspections are crucial after racking the slide?

After racking the slide, both visual and physical inspections are crucial. You should look into the chamber and magazine well, and also physically touch these areas to confirm they are empty.

What is the most important safety rule when handling any firearm?

The most important safety rule is to always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. This fundamental principle ensures a cautious and safe approach to handling any gun, regardless of its perceived state.

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