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Semiautomatic pistols hold the removable magazine in the grip.

In order to ready a semiautomatic for firing, the magazine must be loaded with cartridges. There is a often great deal of difference in the ease of inserting cartridges into the magazines of different semiautomatic pistols. A long spring inside the magazine places pressure on the magazine follower, and the spring tension increases as each successive cartridge compresses the spring. The magazines of some pistols have a small button on the side that allows pressure to be applied to compress the magazine spring that way rather than by applying force from the top by pressing on the cartridges. Some magazines have buttons on both sides of the magazines so that the follower can be pulled downward and held there as cartridges are inserted. Check the magazine of any semiautomatic pistol that you consider buying to see how easily it can be loaded.

After a loaded magazine is inserted in the grip of the pistol, a cartridge must be moved from the magazine into the chamber. Pulling the slide fully to the rear and letting it go accomplishes this. The strong recoil spring forces the slide forward and as it moves, it takes with it the top cartridge from the magazine. Here a word of caution is needed. Some pistols allow the slide to be drawn to the rear only when the safety is in the “off” position. When the slide on such a pistol moves forward during the initial loading, the pistol is ready to fire! Other models allow all operations to be conducted with the safety in the “on” position, which is highly desirable. Generally, it is the older models that must have the safety off to operate the slide. It is an advantage to be able to open the slide with the safety on.