UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Marine Corps University

Sergeants Course

SCRS 1006
31 Aug 2000

STUDENT HANDOUT

M9 SERVICE PISTOL

LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

1. Terminal Learning Objective. With the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol,
Conduct Training on the M9 Service Pistol, per TM 1005A-10/1. (SCRS.10.06)

2. Enabling Learning Objectives.

a. Without the Aid of References and Given Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate the Weapon Firing
Conditions, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06a)

b. Without the Aid of References and Given Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate the Loading of the
Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06b)

c. Without the Aid of References and Given Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate the Unloading
of the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06c)

d. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Immediate
Action with the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06d)

e. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Proper
Disassembly of the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06e)

f. With the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Proper Assembly
of the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06f)

g. With the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Maintenance of the
Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and the Checklist. (SCRS.10.06g)

OUTLINE:

1. THE FOUR WEAPONS SAFETY RULES/CONDITION CODES.

a. Four Weapons Safety Rules. The following safety rules apply to all weapons at all times and must never be
violated. Kept in mind and applied, they will help the Marine to employ his pistol safely and confidently during
training and combat without causing injury or death to himself or his fellow Marines.

(1) Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.

(2) Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.

(3) Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

(4) Keep weapon on safe until you are ready to fire.

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 b. Condition Codes. The readiness/safety status of a weapon is described by one of four conditions. The steps
in the loading and unloading process take the weapon through four specific conditions which indicate the weapons’
readiness for live fire.

(1) Condition 1. Magazine inserted, round in chamber, slide forward, hammer in the forward position and
decocking/safety lever is on.

(2) Condition 2. Does not apply to the M9 Pistol.

(3) Condition 3. The chamber is empty, a magazine is inserted, the slide is forward, and the safety is on.

(4) Condition 4. Magazine removed, the chamber is empty, the slide is forward, and the safety is on.

2. CAPABILITIES AND GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.

a. Description. The M9 pistol is a semiautomatic, magazine fed, recoil operated, double action pistol,
chambered for the 9mm cartridge.

b. General Characteristics.

M9 Pistol Characteristics

Caliber…………………………………….9mm NATO
System of Operation………………………short recoil,
semi-automatic
Length……………………………………….8.54 in
Width………………………………………1.50 in
Height………………………………………5.51 in
Weight (w/empty magazine)……………….33.86 oz.
Weight (w/15 round magazine)…………….40.89 oz.
Muzzle Velocity…………………………….1230.3ft/sec.
Maximum effective range…………………..50 meters
Maximum range…………………………….1800 meters
Magazine……………………………………staggered, 15
round capacity

3. Safeties. The M9 service pistol employs two different safeties.

(1) Manual decocking/safety lever, located on the slide, which separates the firing pin from the hammer,
lowers the hammer when cocked, and interrupts the connection between trigger and sear.

(2) Firing pin block, prevents any motion of the firing pin and is overcome only by pulling on the trigger.

d. Principles of Operation. The M9 Pistol has a short recoil system utlizing a falling locking block.

(1) Upon firing, the pressure developed by the combustion gases recoils the slide and barrel assembly.

(2) After a short run, the locking block will stop the rearward movement of the barrel and release the slide
which will continue its reward movement.

(3) The slide will then extract and eject the fired cartridge case, cock the hammer an decompress the recoil
spring.

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 (4) The slide moves forward under recoil spring pressure feeding the next round from the magazine into
the chamber.

(5) The slide stop holds the slide and barrel assembly open after the last round has been fired and ejected.

3. LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCEDURES.

a. Loading the magazine.

(1) Hold the magazine in one hand. With the other hand place a cartridge on the follower in front of the
lips. Press down and slide the cartridge completely back under the lips.

(2) Repeat the step (1) above until the magazine is fully loaded (15 cartridges). Holes on the backside of
the magazine allow for visual counting of cartridges.

b. Loading the pistol.

(1) Insert the loaded magazine into the magazine well of the pistol until a click of the magazine catch is
heard. This will ensure proper catch engagement.

(2) With the pistol pointing in a safe direction, grasp the serrated portion of the slide and retract the slide
to the rear. Releasing the slide will strip a cartridge from the magazine and chamber it.

WARNING: The pistol is now loaded.

c. Unloading the pistol: For the following steps, refer to figure 1006-1.

Figure 1006-1

(1) Place decocking/safety lever (1) in “safe” (down) position.

(2) Depress the magazine release button (2) to remove the magazine (3) from the pistol.

(3) With the pistol pointing in a safe direction, grasp the slide serrations and fully retract the slide to
remove the chambered cartridge.

(4) Lock the slide to the rear using the slide stop (4) and visually inspect the chamber to ensure that it is
empty.

d. Unloading the magazine.

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 (1) With one hand, hold magazine upright with front end forward. With the thumb firmly press down on
the cartridge rim and push forward. As the cartridge moves forward, tip it upward and out with the
index finger.

(2) Repeat the above step until the magazine is empty.

4. IMMEDIATE AND REMEDIAL ACTIONS.

a. Immediate Action. Immediate action is the prompt action taken by the user to correct a stoppage. The
procedure for applying immediate action should become instinctive to the user, without the user attempting
to discover the cause. It is important that the user apply immediate action instinctively to correct a
stoppage.

WARNING: During the following procedures always keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction.

(1) When the slide is fully forward and the pistol fails to fire, apply immediate action as follows:

(a) Ensure that decocking/safety lever is in the fire (up) position.

(b) In a tactical situation, if the pistol does not fire, ensure that the magazine is fully seated; retract
the slide to the rear and release.

(c) Squeeze the trigger.

(d) In a non-tactical situation, clear/unload the pistol. If the operator cannot determine the cause of
the stoppage, evacuate the pistol to organizational maintenance.

(e) If the pistol still does not fire, remove the magazine and retract the slide to eject the chambered
cartridge. Insert a new magazine; retract the slide and release to chamber another cartridge.

(f) Squeeze the trigger.

(g) If the pistol still does not fire, replace the ammunition.

(h) If the pistol still does not fire, clear/unload the pistol and refer to the Trouble Shooting
Procedures on page 3-2 of TM 9-1005-317-10 (Operator’s Manual).

(2) When the slide is not fully seated forward, remove finger from the trigger. With the other hand,
attempt to push the slide fully forward. If the slide will not move forward, proceed as follows:

(a) Place decocking/safety lever in safe (down) position.

(b) Remove the magazine.

(c) Grasp the slide and retract to the rear, locking it with the slide stop.

(d) Inspect the chamber and bore and remove any obstructions.

(e) Insert another loaded magazine into the pistol.

(f) Release the slide.

(g) Place the decocking/safety lever in fire (up) position, aim and attempt to fire.

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WARNING: If a round has been assembled without powder (a faulty manufacturing process), the primer alone has
enough power to expel the bullet from the case to lodge in the bore. A bullet lodged in the bore will
cause destruction of the pistol if another round is fired, and will also cause personal injury.

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5. MAINTENANCE.

a. Disassembly. Before performing maintenance on the weapon, it stands to reason that a Marine must be
able to disassemble (field strip) it. Keeping in mind that disassembling the pistol beyond field stripping by
the operator is unauthorized, follow these steps to disassemble:

(1) Place the weapon in Condition 4.

(2) Hold the pistol in the right hand with muzzle slightly elevated. With forefinger press disassembly
lever release button, and with thumb rotate disassembly lever downward until it stops.

(3) Pull the slide and barrel assembly forward and remove.

WARNING: Use care when removing recoil spring and spring guide. Due to the amount of compression, assembly
will be released under spring tension and could cause possible injury to personnel, or become damaged
or lost.

(4) Slightly compress recoil spring and spring guide, while at the same time lifting and removing recoil
spring and spring guide. Allow the recoil spring to stretch slowly.

(5) Separate recoil spring from spring guide.

(6) Push in on locking block plunger while pushing barrel forward slightly. Lift and remove locking block
and barrel assembly from slide.

b. Disassembly Of The Magazines.

(1) Unload the magazine.

(2) Grasp the magazine firmly with the floorplate up and the back of the magazine tube against the palm of
the hand.

(3) Release the floorplate by pushing down on the floorplate retainer stud in the center of the floorplate
with the tip of a 9mm round or similar object. At the same time, slide the floorplate forward for a short
distance using the thumb.

(4) While maintaining the magazine spring pressure with the thumb, remove the floorplate from the
magazine.

(5) Remove the floorplate retainer and magazine spring and follower from the magazine tube. Remove
floorplate retainer from magazine spring.

c. Inspection. If faults are found during inspection that cannot be corrected, evacuate pistol to organizational
maintenance.

(1) Slide Assembly. Check for free movement of decocking/safety lever and push on firing pin block.
Check for rear sight looseness. Check for cracks in locking block-retaining slot.

(2) Barrel Assembly. Inspect bore and chamber for pitting or obstructions. Check locking block plunger
for free movement of locking block. Inspect locking lugs and barrel lugs for cracks and burrs.

(3) Recoil Spring and Recoil Spring Guide. Check recoil spring for damage. Check that it is not bent.
Check recoil spring guide for straightness and smoothness. Check to be sure that it is free of cracks
and burrs.

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 (4) Receiver Assembly. Check for chips, bends and cracks. Check for free movement of slide stop and
magazine catch assembly. Check guide rails for excessive wear, burrs, cracks or chips.

(5) Magazine Assembly. Check for spring and follower damage. Ensure that the lips of the magazine are
not excessively bent and are free of cracks and burrs. The magazine tube should not be bent or dirty.

d. Cleaning and Lubrication.

(1) Slide Assembly. Clean the slide assembly with a cloth. A soft brush and CLP can assist in removal of
excess dirt and carbon buildup. Ensure the decocking/safety lever, breech face, slide guides and
extractor are free of excess dirt and residue. Wipe dry with a cloth and apply a light coat of CLP/LSA.

(2) Barrel Assembly.

(a) Using the cleaning rod, insert cleaning patch soaked with CLP in chamber end of barrel and push
out muzzle to remove loose firing residues and soften carbon deposits.

(b) Insert bore brush into chamber end of barrel, making sure it completely clears the muzzle before it
is pulled back through the bore. Repeat several times to loosen carbon deposits.

(c) Wipe loose carbon deposits from bore with another clean patch soaked with CLP.

(d) Dry the barrel by pushing a swab through the bore. Repeat as necessary until a clean swab can be
observed.
(e) Clean locking block with a soft brush.

(f) Apply a light coat of CLP/LSA to the barrel bore and chamber area. Also, lubricate the exterior
surfaces of the barrel and locking block.

(3) Recoil Spring And Recoil Spring Guide. Clean recoil spring and recoil spring guide using CLP and a
soft brush or cloth. After wiping the recoil spring and recoil spring guide clean, apply a light coat of
CLP/LSA.

(4) Receiver Assembly.

(a) Wipe receiver assembly clean with a cloth. Use a soft brush for hard to clean areas. Pay special
attention to disassembly lever, trigger, slide stop, hammer and magazine release button.

(b) Apply a light coat of CLP/LSA.

(5) Magazine. Wipe magazine tube and follower with a cloth. Clean the magazine tube and follower with
CLP and a soft brush. With a cloth, wipe the magazine spring, floorplate retainer and floorplate clean.
Apply a light coat of CLP/LSA.

e. Reassembly. Once your parts have been inspected, cleaned and lubricated, you can now reassemble the
magazines and the pistol. Follow these steps for proper reassembly:

NOTE: For steps 1, 2, and 3, refer to figures 1006-2 and 1006-3.

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 Figure 1006-2 Figure 1006-3

(1) Grasp the slide (1) with the bottom facing up. With the other hand grasp the barrel assembly (2) with
the locking block (3) facing up.

(2) Insert muzzle of the barrel assembly into the forward open end of the slide. At the same time lower the
rear of the barrel assembly by aligning the extractor cutout with the extractor. The locking block will
fall into the locked position in the slide.

(3) Insert the recoil spring (4) onto recoil spring guide (5).

NOTE: For the next steps, refer to figure 1006-4.

(4) Insert end of recoil spring and recoil spring guide (4) into slide recoil spring housing (5). At the same
time, compress the recoil spring and lower the spring guide until fully seated onto the locking block
cutaway (7).

Figure 1006-4

WARNINGS: Be sure hammer is uncocked and firing pin block lever is in the down position. If the hammer is
cocked, carefully and manually lower the hammer.

Do not pull trigger while placing the slide onto the receiver.

Before reassembly ensure that decocking/safety lever is in the safe (down) position.

Note: For the next steps, refer to figure 1006-5.

(5) Grasp the slide and barrel assembly, sights up (8), and align the slide (9) onto the receiver assembly
guide rails (10).

(6) Push until the rear of the slide (9) is a short distance beyond the rear of the receiver assembly (11) and
hold. At the same time, rotate the disassembly latch lever (12) upward. A click indicates a positive
lock.

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Figure 1006-5

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 f. Reassembly of the Magazine.

(1) Insert the follower into the top coil of the magazine spring. The top coil has an upward and forward
pointing end. Ensure that the notches on the follower and magazine tube are on the same side.

(2) Insert the magazine spring with follower into the magazine tube.

(3) Turn the magazine bottom up with the back side against the palm of the hand.

(4) Attach and center the floorplate retainer to bottom spring coil.

(5) Push and hold the magazine spring and floorplate retainer down. At the same time, slide floorplate
over the side walls until fully seated. This will be indicated by a click.

g. Safety/Function Check. Before you perform the following safety/function check, ensure you clear the pistol
and magazine using the unloading procedures.

(1) Depress the slide stop. Insert an empty magazine into the pistol, and ensure that the magazine catch
locks the magazine in place.

(2) Retract the slide and release it. The magazine follower should push up on the slide stop, locking the
slide to the rear.

(3) Depress the magazine release button allowing the magazine to fall free.

(4) Ensure the decocking/safety lever is in the safe (down) position. Depress the slide stop allowing the
slide to return fully forward. At the same time, the hammer should fall to the full forward position.

(5) Squeeze and release the trigger. Firing pin block should move up and down. Hammer should not
move.

(6) Place the decocking/safety lever in fire (up) position.

(7) Squeeze trigger to check double action. Hammer should cock and fall.

(8) Squeeze trigger and hold to rear. Manually retract and release slide while holding trigger to the rear.
Release trigger, click should be heard, hammer should not fall.

(9) Squeeze trigger to check single action. Hammer should fall.

(10) If the above safety/function checks perform as indicated, pistol is mission ready. If the checks do not
perform as indicated, return the pistol to the armory for maintenance.

APPENDIX:

A. M9 Service Pistol Performance Evaluation Checklist.

REFERENCE:

1. TM 1005A-10/1, Operator’s Manual, Pistol, Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9.

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 APPENDIX A

M9 SERVICE PISTOL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

Learning Objectives.

1. Terminal Learning Objective. With the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol,
Conduct Training on the M9 Service Pistol, per TM 1005A-10/1. (SCRS.10.06)

2. Enabling Learning Objectives.

a. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate the Weapon
Firing Conditions, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06a)

b. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate the Loading of
the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06b)

c. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate the Unloading of
the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06c)

d. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Immediate
Action with the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06d)

e. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Proper
Disassembly of the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06e)

f. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Proper
Assembly of the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06f)

g. Without the Aid of References and Given a Training Site, M9 Service Pistol, Demonstrate Maintenance of
the Weapon, per TM 1005A-10/1 and Checklist. (SCRS.10.06g)

Instructions To The Student.

For this evaluation you will be graded on your performance with the M9 Service Pistol according to the evaluation
checklist. Keep in mind and adhere to the safety rules first and foremost. For each step, wait for the instructor to
tell you to begin, and inform the instructor when you have finished each step. If you have any questions, feel free to
ask you faculty advisor or myself for assistance. However, you may not ask questions during the performance of
each step. You must score at least 80% to pass this evaluation. After the evaluation, initial your score on the
Performance Checklist. Are there any questions? You will either receive or not receive the total allowable points
per item (the points will not be broken down any further).

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 M9 SERVICE PISTOL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

STUDENT NAME: __________________________________________ DATE: ____________________________

PLATOON: ________________________________________________ INSTRUCTOR: _____________________

CLEAR THE WEAPON:(4 points max, 1 point per step ) SCORE

1. Place weapon on safe. _____

2. Pull slide to the rear and lock it. _____
3. Inspect chamber. _____
4. Allow slide to go forward. _____

DEMONSTRATE 4 WEAPONS CONDITIONS: ( 9 points max, 3 points per step) SCORE

1. COND. 1: Mag. inserted , round in chamber, slide forward, weapon on safe. _____
2. COND. 2: Does not apply to the M9. _____
3. COND. 3: Chamber empty, mag. inserted. slide forward, weapon on safe. _____
4. COND. 4: Chamber empty, no mag. inserted, slide forward, weapon on safe. _____

DISASSEMBLY: (21 points max, 3 points per step) SCORE

1. Place weapon in condition 4. _____

2. Press disassembly lever release button with the forefinger. _____
3. Rotate disassembly lever downward until it stops. _____
4. Remove slide and barrel assembly. _____
5. Remove recoil spring and spring guide. _____
6. Separate recoil spring from the spring guide. _____
7. Remove locking block and barrel from slide. _____

ASSEMBLY: ( 20 points max, 4 points per step) SCORE

1. Replace locking block and barrel on slide. _____

2. Replace recoil spring on spring guide. _____
3. Replace recoil spring and guide on slide. _____
4. Replace slide and barrel assembly on the receiver. _____
5. Rotate disassembly latch lever upward. _____

FUNCTION CHECK: ( 18 points max, 2 points per step) SCORE

1. Insert empty magazine. _____

2. Retract slide and release, slide should lock to the rear. _____
3. Depress magazine release button allowing the magazine to fall free. _____
4. Weapon on safe, depress slide stop allowing slide to go forward. _____
5. Squeeze and release trigger, firing pin block should move up and down,
hammer should not move. _____
6. Place weapon on fire. _____
7. Squeeze the trigger, hammer should move to the rear and fall forward. _____
8. squeeze the trigger again and hold to the rear. Manually retract and release the slide
while holding trigger to the rear. Release trigger, click should be heard, hammer should fall. _____
9. Squeeze trigger to check single action. Hammer should fall. _____

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IMMEDIATE ACTION (TACTICAL SITUATION) ( 10 points max, 2 points per step) SCORE

1. Weapon on fire. _____

2. Ensure magazine is fully seated. _____
3. Retract slide to the rear and release. _____
4. Attempt to fire, (did not fire) _____
5. Remove magazine, retract slide, insert new magazine. _____

LOADING PROCEDURES: ( 9 points max, 3 points per step) SCORE

1. Ensure weapon is on safe. _____

2. Insert magazine. _____
3. Retract slide to the rear and release. _____

UNLOADING PROCEDURES: ( 9 points max, 3 points per step) SCORE

1. Ensure weapon is on safe. _____

2. Remove magazine. _____
3. Retract slide to remove chambered round, lock slide to the rear, inspect chamber. _____

STUDENT
INITIALS ______ TOTAL SCORE _____

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