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Autoloading Pistols

Home > Examination of Firearms > Examination > Autoloading Pistols

Dummy cartridge

RCMP Firearms Reference Table

Based on findings from the preliminary examination, proceed with the examination of autoloading pistols as follows:

1. Determine the magazine capacity.
1. Load the magazine to capacity using dummy cartridges.
2. When no more dummy cartridges can be inserted into the magazine, the magazine should be placed into the firearm to ensure it will catch and function in the firearm.
3. If the magazine inserts and functions properly, the dummy cartridges should be removed, counted, and magazine capacity recorded.
2. Cycle the action by pulling the slide to the rear and determine if a slide stop is present.
1. If present, lock slide to the rear; examine the extractor and ejector.
2. If not present, manually hold the slide to the rear; examine the extractor and ejector.
3. Determine if the firearm is capable of full automatic fire.

Note:

A firearm may be capable of full automatic fire by original design or later modification. Modifications often have no selector switch or externally visible indication.

1. Determine if a selector switch is present.
   1. If a factory authorized selector switch is present, the firearm may be capable of full automatic fire by design. In this case use the full automatic fire by design test protocol that follows.
   2. If no selector switch present, proceed with the steps below.
2. Cock the firing mechanism.
3. Pull the trigger and keep it pulled rearward.
4. Holding the trigger to the rear, pull the slide to the rear and release the slide.
5. Release the trigger
6. Pull the trigger to the rear to release the firing mechanism; if the firing mechanism has already been released, then the firearm did not disconnect and it fired in full automatic mode when the slide was manipulated in step 3.
4. Test the trigger pull. Click to view trigger pull section
5. Test the safety functions. Click to view safety section
6. Test fire the firearm. Click to view test fire section

Additional step, if capable of full automatic fire by design test protocol:

1. Perform full automatic functionality test according to laboratory protocols.
1. Determine automatic fire functionality.
1. Insert a minimum of three cartridges into the magazine.
2. Pull and hold the trigger to the rear; all three cartridges should fire.
2. Confirm automatic fire functionality.
1. Load a number of cartridges into the magazine.
2. Fire a short burst of full automatic fire and release the trigger
1. If the firearm stops firing, it is functioning properly as a full automatic firearm.
2. If the firearm does not stop firing, it is not functioning properly (determination should be made of the cause of the malfunction).

Additional step, if capable of full automatic fire by modification test protocol:

1. Perform full automatic functionality test according to laboratory protocols.
1. Determine automatic fire functionality.
1. Insert a minimum of three cartridges into the magazine.
2. Pull and hold the trigger to the rear; all three cartridges should fire.
2. Disassemble, examine, and document modifications.

Click here to watch an autoloading pistol safety and preliminary examination demonstration
Courtesy of Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Tampa, FL

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