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

Published on February 23, 2026
Duration: 1:24

This guide details a robust handgun clearing procedure demonstrated by an experienced instructor from Warrior Poet Society. It emphasizes treating all firearms as loaded and includes redundant safety checks like visually and physically inspecting the chamber and magazine well, even after cycling the slide. The process ensures the firearm is safely unloaded before being put down.

Quick Summary

Safely clearing a handgun requires a multi-step process: point in a safe direction, drop the magazine, lock the slide to the rear, and perform thorough visual and physical inspections of the chamber and magazine well. Racking the slide twice adds an extra layer of safety to ensure the firearm is unloaded.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Handgun Clearing Overview
  2. 00:08Treat Gun as Loaded
  3. 00:13Drop Magazine
  4. 00:21Rack Slide Twice
  5. 00:42Visual & Physical Inspection
  6. 00:54Lock Slide & Final Check

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential steps for safely clearing a handgun?

Safely clearing a handgun involves pointing it in a safe direction, dropping the magazine, locking the slide to the rear, and performing both visual and physical inspections of the chamber and magazine well. Redundant checks, like racking the slide twice, are recommended for enhanced safety.

Why is it important to treat every firearm as if it is loaded?

Treating every firearm as loaded is the most critical safety rule. This mindset prevents accidental discharges by ensuring you always follow proper safety protocols, such as keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and checking the chamber before handling.

What are common mistakes to avoid when clearing a handgun?

Common mistakes include not performing thorough visual and physical inspections of the chamber and magazine well, and potentially catching ejected rounds during slide racking, which is a safety risk. Always double-check the firearm's status.

What does it mean to lock the slide to the rear when clearing a handgun?

Locking the slide to the rear means manually pulling the slide all the way back and engaging the slide stop. This action keeps the chamber and ejection port open, allowing for a clear visual and physical inspection to confirm the firearm is unloaded.

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