PISTOL (M9 OR M17/M18)
Conditions: You have been directed to conduct maintenance on your pistol.
Understanding This Task
This task tests your ability to clear, disassemble, assemble, and perform a functions check on the M9 Beretta or the newer M17/M18 Sig Sauer. The functions check is significantly different between the two pistols.
M9 Functions Check: Tests double-action, single-action, decocking/safety lever, and trigger reset — a complex 10-step process.
M17/M18 Functions Check: Simpler process — tests slide lock, magazine drop, safety, striker release, and trigger reset.
Common NO-GO Mistakes
- M9: Letting hammer fall with full force when slide is removed — damages receiver
- Wrong sequence in functions check (especially M9 double-action/single-action)
- Forgetting to lock slide to rear with slide stop before inspecting
- Not pointing pistol in safe direction throughout the event
- Exceeding time standards (30 sec disassemble / 45 sec assemble)
Starting Configuration
Weapon: Free of ammunition, loaded with empty magazine, bolt forward, on FIRE.
Position: Standing, weapon resting on flat surface. Nomenclature labels provided.
Task Basis: 071-COM-0001, 071-COM-0002, 071-004-0007, 071-004-0008
Video Resources
- M9: Do NOT let hammer fall with full force when slide is removed — damages receiver.
- If necessary, manually lower the hammer on the M9.
- M17/M18 or other authorized Army pistols may be substituted per unit inventory.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
0/4 GO-
1
Clear the weapon
- Point pistol in safe direction for the duration of the event.
- Place on SAFE. Depress magazine release and remove magazine.
- Grasp slide serrations and fully retract slide. Lock to rear using slide stop.
- Visually inspect chamber, magazine well, and bolt face to ensure clear.
- Release slide forward.
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2
Disassemble the weapon
Place all components on correct nomenclature labels:
- Magazine
- Receiver
- Barrel
- Slide assembly
- Recoil spring guide (M9 also separates recoil spring)
Time stops when you return to standing with all parts on flat surface.
-
3
Assemble the weapon
- Reassemble ensuring slide is locked to rear and on SAFE once assembled.
-
4
Perform a functions check
Option I: M9 Pistol
- Depress slide stop. Insert empty magazine — catch must lock magazine in place.
- Retract slide fully and release — slide should lock to rear.
- Depress magazine release — magazine falls freely into hand.
- Visually ensure decocking/safety lever is in down position.
- Depress slide stop, allow slide forward — hammer should fall to full forward position.
- Squeeze and release trigger — firing pin block should move up and down, hammer should NOT move.
- Place decocking/safety lever in FIRE position.
- Squeeze trigger (double action) — hammer should cock and fall.
- Squeeze trigger and hold to rear. Manually retract and release slide. Release trigger — click, but hammer should NOT fall.
- Squeeze trigger (single action) — hammer should fall.
- Place decocking/safety lever down (SAFE). Manually cock hammer — hammer falls fully forward.
Option II: M17/M18 Pistol
- Insert empty magazine — catch engages and locks magazine.
- Retract slide fully until it locks to rear (follower pushes up on slide stop).
- Press magazine catch — magazine falls free.
- Pull back and release slide.
- Push up on manual safety lever to engage safety.
- Press trigger — striker should NOT be released.
- Push down on manual safety lever (off).
- Press trigger and hold to rear — striker released, audible click.
- While holding trigger to rear, fully retract and release slide.
- Release trigger — light click as striker resets.
- Press trigger — striker should release with loud audible click.
Time stops when you return to standing with weapon on flat surface.