Chapter 1: The M9 Service Pistol

The Marine Corps’ uses the M9 service pistol as a defensive weapon. It is a semiautomatic, magazine-fed, recoil-operated, double-action pistol. The M9 service pistol’s magazine holds 15 rounds and is chambered with a 9-mm ball (NATO M882 round). The M9 service pistol has a maximum effective range of 50 meters (54.7 yards).

_Note_: The procedures in this chapter are written for
right-handed Marines; left-handed Marines reverse instructions
as necessary.

Functional Capabilities

When the M9 service pistol’s safety lever is moved to the firing position, it can be fired in either a single-action or double-action mode. It is designed to fire one round each time the trigger is pulled. When the last round is fired, the slide automatically locks to the rear.

Single-Action Mode

The single-action mode allows the pistol to be fired when the hammer is cocked; single action requires the hammer to be cocked to the rear before the trigger is pulled. The hammer can be manually cocked or mechanically cocked. The hammer is mechanically cocked after the first shot is fired. See figure 1-1.

Double-Action Mode

The double-action mode causes the hammer to move to the rear as the trigger is being pulled. See figure 1-2.

Nomenclature

See figure 1-3 on page 1-2.

Major Components

The M9’s major components consist of the slide assembly, barrel assembly, and receiver. See figure 1-4 on page 1-3.

Slide Assembly

The slide assembly houses the firing pin, firing pin block, striker, extractor, and loaded chamber indicator, and it cocks the hammer during recoil.

_Extractor_

The extractor pulls the brass from the chamber after the round is fired.

_Loaded Chamber Indicator_

When a round is in the chamber, the upper surface of the loaded chamber indicator protrudes from the right side of the slide. This protrusion can be felt with the finger, verifying that there is a round in the chamber.

_Barrel Assembly_

The barrel assembly houses the round for firing, directs the projectile, and locks the barrel in position during firing.

_Receiver_

The receiver supports the major components, controls the functioning of the pistol, and holds the magazine in place. The front and back straps of the grip are grooved vertically to ensure that the hand does not slip while firing. The receiver consists of the disassembly button, slide stop, and magazine catch assembly.

_Disassembly Button_

The disassembly button permits quick disassembly of the pistol.

_Slide Stop_

The slide stop holds the slide to the rear after the last round is fired. It can also be manually operated to lock the slide to the rear or release the slide.

_Magazine Catch Assembly (Magazine Release Button)_

The magazine catch assembly secures the magazine in place when loading, and it releases the magazine from the pistol when unloading. The magazine catch assembly is designed for both right- and left-handed Marines.

_Note_: Reversal of the magazine catch assembly for left-handed
Marines can be performed by a qualified armorer.

Safety Features

The safety features of the M9 service pistol include the decocking/safety lever, firing pin block, and half-cock notch.

Decocking/Safety Lever

The decocking/safety lever, commonly referred to as the safety, permits safe operation of the pistol by both right- and left-handed Marines. As the safety is moved to the safe (down) position, the firing pin striker moves out of alignment with the firing pin. This movement prevents the pistol from firing as the hammer moves forward.

_Note_: In the fire (up) position, a red dot is visible,
indicating that the pistol is ready to fire.

Firing Pin Block

The firing pin block rests in the firing pin notch and prevents movement of the firing pin until the trigger is pulled. As the trigger is pulled, the firing pin block moves up and out of the firing pin notch. This movement allows a round to be fired when the hammer strikes the firing pin.

Half-Cock Notch

The half-cock notch stops the forward movement of the hammer during a mechanical failure.

Cycle of Operation

There are eight steps in the cycle of operation for the M9 service pistol.

Firing

Once the safety is off and the trigger is pulled to the rear, the hammer falls on the firing pin, which strikes the primer and ignites the round. See figure 1-5.

Unlocking

As the slide assembly moves to the rear, the locking block rotates out of the notches in the slide. See figure 1-6.

Extracting

As the slide moves rearward, the extractor withdraws the cartridge case out of the chamber. See figure 1-7.

Ejecting

As the face of the slide passes over the ejector, the case strikes the ejector and it is knocked upward and outward through the ejection port. See figure 1-8.

Cocking

As the slide moves rearward, the hammer is pushed back, allowing the sear to engage the hammer hooks, cock the hammer to the rear, and place the pistol in the single-action mode. See figure 1-9.

Feeding

The slide starts forward, pushed by the recoil spring. The face of the slide makes contact with the cartridge at the top of the magazine, stripping it from the magazine and pushing it toward the chamber. See figure 1-10.

Chambering

As the slide continues forward, it pushes the cartridge into the chamber. See figure 1-11.

Locking

As the slide assembly continues to move forward, the locking block lugs move into the locking block recesses on the right and left sides of the slide. See figure 1-12 on page 1-6.

Ammunition

The only ammunition authorized for the M9 service pistol is the NATO M882 9-mm ball. Dummy ammunition can be used during training (a dummy round has a hole drilled in its side and contains no primer). See figure 1-13.

Do not open ammunition containers until the ammunition is to be used. Ammunition must be maintained in a high state of readiness. To care for ammunition—

Keep ammunition dry and clean. If ammunition gets wet or dirty,
wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.

Wipe off light corrosion as soon as it is discovered. Never
use ammunition that is heavily corroded, dented, or has the
projectile pushed in.

Do not expose ammunition to direct sunlight for long periods of
time.

Do not oil or grease ammunition. Dust or other abrasives can
collect on greasy ammunition and may cause damage to the
operating parts of the pistol. Oiled cartridges also produce
excessive chamber pressure.

Wearing of the M9 Service Pistol’s Gear

The proper placement of pistol gear helps ensure safety and aids the Marine in effectively handling and employing the pistol.

M12 Holster

The M12 holster consists of the holster, removable holster flap, and metal retaining clip. To check for proper placement of the holster, allow the right arm to hang freely. The holster should be slightly in front of the arm to permit easy access to the pistol upon presentation from the holster. See figure 1-14.

_Note_: In most cases, the holster is issued with the holster
flap installed for a right-handed Marine. To convert the
holster for a left-handed Marine, remove the metal retaining
clip and install the clip on the opposite side of the holster.

M1 Ammunition Pocket

The ammunition pocket attaches to the cartridge belt on the side opposite the holster in a position that best permits ready access for reloads. The magazine is stored in the ammunition pocket with the rounds down and pointed inboard.

M7 Shoulder Holster

The M7 shoulder holster consists of a holster with a thumb snap closure, shoulder strap, chest strap, and a belt retaining loop. The holster is positioned on the left side of the chest to provide easy and quick access with the right hand. See figure 1-15. The M7 holster comes fully assembled and has adjustable straps to accommodate each Marine’s body size. The holster is available for right-handed Marines only, therefore, a left-handed Marine has to withdraw the pistol from the holster with the right hand and then transfer the pistol to the left hand before firing. (See chap. 8 for transferring the pistol from one hand to the other.) When the shoulder holster is worn properly—

The shoulder strap lays flat across the left shoulder with the
shoulder pad directly on top of the shoulder.

The chest strap attaches to the D-ring at the top of the
holster and runs diagonally across the chest, underneath the
right arm, and around the back where it attaches to the end of
the shoulder strap.

The belt retaining loop is at the bottom of the holster and
attaches to the belt to stabilize the holster’s position.

The ammunition pocket attaches to the chest strap directly
underneath the right arm.

Assault Holster

Some Marines (i.e., Marine security force, direct action platoon, and military police) are required to carry the assault holster. This holster has a retention strap that fastens over the top of the holster to retain the pistol. This type of holster generally has a thumb break on the retention strap that is disengaged to access the pistol. See figure 1-16.

Concealed Pistol Holster

Some Marines are required to carry a concealed pistol as part of their official duties. The primary consideration for placement of a concealed pistol holster is to ensure the pistol cannot be seen; therefore, the Marine must consider the type of clothing to be worn. A secondary consideration is to place the holster so the pistol can be presented easily. Typically, the best position for a concealed holster is just behind the strong side hip. This position best conceals the pistol while allowing it to be presented quickly. Another placement choice is in a shoulder holster, placing the pistol just under the weak side arm. See figures 1-17 through 1-20 on pages 1-8 and 1-9.

Lanyard

The lanyard aids in pistol retention. It is issued in three sizes and is adjustable. The lanyard consists of a fabric cord, two cylindrical slip rings, and a metal clip that attaches the lanyard to the pistol’s lanyard loop. See figure 1-21.

To don the lanyard—

Adjust the slip rings so they are positioned flush with the
lanyard’s base (clip end).

Place the right arm through the loop and place the loop over
the head, resting on the left shoulder.

Attach metal clip to the pistol’s lanyard loop.

Place the pistol in the holster.

Use the left hand to hold the bottom slip ring against the base
of the lanyard. Use the right hand to slide the top slip ring
upward to position the loop of the lanyard under the arm. The
lanyard should fit snugly against the body, but not restrict
the Marine’s movements.

Tuck any excess cord behind the holster.

Ensure that the lanyard is adjusted properly by removing the
pistol from the holster and fully extending the right arm. The
lanyard should be taut. Adjust as necessary.

_Note_: Re-adjust the lanyard if any equipment
changes are made (e.g., flak jacket).

Firing the M9 Service Pistol While Wearing Gloves

Not all combat engagements occur during ideal weather conditions. During cold weather, the Marine may find it necessary to wear gloves to protect the fingers from frostbite and help prevent stiffening of the hands. Gloves may also be worn in mission-oriented protective posture conditions. Gloves provide protection to the hands, however, they also may interfere with the Marine’s ability to engage targets effectively. The added bulk of the gloves may affect the Marine’s ability to manipulate the safety, magazine release button, magazine, hammer, and slide stop/release. For example, the Marine may need to exert more pressure to engage the magazine release or slide release buttons to compensate for the thickness of the gloves.

The principles of target engagement (see chap. 7) do not change while wearing gloves, however, the specific ability to manipulate and control the trigger is greatly affected by the thickness of the gloves around the fingers. Wearing gloves reduces the Marine’s ability to feel, which makes it difficult to apply trigger control when firing. The Marine may find that more pressure than normal must be applied with the trigger finger just to establish initial contact with the trigger. Once the Marine can “feel” the trigger through the gloves, then the pressure required to fire a shot can be applied. This action may increase the chances of firing the pistol prematurely due to excessive pressure on the trigger. Dry firing while wearing gloves allows the Marine to learn how to apply trigger control consistently and determines how much pressure is needed to effectively fire a shot.

While wearing gloves, the Marine may find it difficult to fire the pistol in the double-action mode due to the position of the trigger and the limited amount of space between the trigger and the trigger guard. Therefore, if the situation permits, the Marine may wish to thumbcock the pistol to fire in single-action mode. In single-action mode, there is more space between the trigger guard and the trigger, making it easier to position the finger on the trigger. However, the Marine’s ability to thumbcock the pistol may also be hindered by the gloves’ bulk. Therefore, to thumbcock the pistol while wearing gloves, the Marine may perform one of the following methods:

For method one, loop a section of 550 cord (approximately 2
inches) through the loop located on the top rear portion of
the hammer. The length of the cord should not interfere with
the pistol’s cycle of operation or with the Marine’s ability
to establish sight alignment. Once the cord is attached to the
hammer, take the pistol off safe and pull downward on the cord
to cock the hammer. See figure 1-22.

For method two, take the pistol off safe, rotate the pistol
inboard, and place the top of the hammer against a secure
surface (e.g., cartridge belt, table top, heel of boot). Apply
pressure on the pistol to keep the hammer in place and push
downward on the pistol in one continuous motion to cock the
hammer. See figure 1-23.

Preventive Maintenance

If the M9 service pistol is to be effective, it must be maintained in a state of operational readiness at all times; therefore, maintenance of the M9 service pistol is a continuous effort. A clean, properly lubricated, well-maintained pistol will fire when needed.

Pistol Disassembly

Before disassembling the M9 service pistol, ensure that the pistol is in Condition 4. The pistol is in Condition 4 when the magazine is removed, the chamber is empty, the slide is forward, and the safety is on. To disassemble the pistol, perform the following steps in sequence:

Hold the pistol in the right hand with the muzzle slightly
elevated. Reach over the slide with the left hand and place the
left index finger on the disassembly button and the left thumb
on the disassembly lever. Press the disassembly button and
hold it in place while rotating the disassembly lever downward
until it stops.

_Note_: A left-handed Marine places the right thumb
on the disassembly button and the right index finger
on the disassembly lever.

Pull the slide and barrel assembly forward and remove it while
wrapping the fingers around the slide to hold the recoil spring
and recoil spring guide in place.

Turn the slide assembly over in the left hand until the recoil
spring and recoil spring guide face up. Place the right thumb
on the end of the recoil spring guide next to the locking block
and compress the recoil spring and spring guide while lifting
and removing them from the slide and barrel assembly. See
figure 1-24. Allow the recoil spring to decompress slowly.

Separate the recoil spring from the recoil spring guide.

Push in on the locking block plunger with the right index
finger while pushing the barrel forward slightly. Lift and
remove the locking block and barrel assembly from the slide.

A Marine is not authorized to disassemble the pistol any further than the preceding steps. Any further disassembly must be performed by ordnance personnel. See figure 1-25.

Disassembly of the Magazine

To disassemble the magazine, perform the following steps:

Grip the magazine firmly in the left hand with the floorplate
up and the thumb resting against the flat end of the floorplate.

Release the floorplate by pushing down (with a blunt object;
e.g., an ink pen) on the floorplate retainer stud in the center
of the floorplate. At the same time, slide the floorplate a
short distance forward with the thumb.

Maintain the magazine spring pressure with the thumb and remove
the floorplate from the magazine.

Remove the floorplate retainer and magazine spring and follower
from the magazine tube.

See figure 1-26.

Inspection of the Pistol

Once the pistol has been disassembled, it must be thoroughly inspected to ensure it is in a serviceable condition. Pistol inspection is continuous during the pistol’s cleaning and re-assembly:

_Slide Assembly_

Check for free movement of the safety. Ensure the rear sight is
secure.

_Barrel Assembly_

Inspect the bore and chamber for pitting or obstructions.

Check the locking block plunger for free movement of the
locking block.

Inspect the locking lugs for cracks and burrs.

_Recoil Spring and Recoil Spring Guide_

Check the recoil spring for damage.

Check that it is not bent.

Check the recoil spring guide for straightness and smoothness.

Check to be sure it is free of cracks and burrs.

_Receiver Assembly_

Check for bends, chips, and cracks.

Check for free movement of the slide stop and magazine catch
assembly.

Check the guide rails for excessive wear, burrs, cracks, or
chips.

_Magazine Assembly_

Check the spring and follower for damage.

Ensure 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.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Pistol

Only authorized cleaning materials should be used to clean and lubricate the pistol. If these items are not issued with the pistol, they may be obtained from the armory. The following procedures are used to clean and lubricate the pistol—

_Slide Assembly_

Clean the slide assembly with a cloth. A general purpose brush
and cleaning lubricant protectant (CLP) can also assist in the
removal of excess dirt and carbon buildup.

Ensure the safety, bolt face, slide guides, and extractor are
free of dirt and residue.

Wipe dry with a cloth and apply a light coat of CLP.

_Barrel Assembly_

Insert a bore brush with CLP into the chamber end of the
barrel, ensuring that it completely clears the muzzle before it
is pulled back through the bore.

=Caution=

Insert the bore brush through the chamber to prevent
damage to the crown of the barrel.

Repeat several times to loosen carbon deposits.

Dry the barrel by pushing a swab through the bore.

Repeat until a clean swab can be observed.

Clean the locking block with a general purpose brush.

Use the barrel brush to apply a light coat of CLP to the bore
and chamber area and lubricate the exterior surfaces of the
barrel and locking block.

_Recoil Spring and Recoil Spring Guide_

Clean the recoil spring and recoil spring guide using CLP and a
general purpose brush or cloth.

Apply a light coat of CLP after wiping the recoil spring and
recoil spring guide clean.

_Receiver_

Wipe the receiver assembly clean with a cloth.

Use a general purpose brush for areas that are hard to reach,
paying special attention to the disassembly lever, trigger,
slide stop, hammer, and magazine release button.

Apply a light coat of CLP.

=Caution=

Do not allow the hammer to fall with full force by
pulling the trigger when the slide is removed. This
can damage the receiver and hammer.

_Magazine_

Clean the magazine tube and follower with CLP and a general
purpose brush.

Wipe the magazine spring, floorplate retainer, and floorplate
clean with a cloth.

Apply a light coat of CLP.

Pistol Re-assembly

After the M9 service pistol has been cleaned and lubricated, it must be properly re-assembled to ensure its serviceability. To re-assemble the M9 service pistol—

Use the left hand to grasp the slide with the bottom facing up
and the muzzle pointing toward the body. Use the right hand to
grasp the barrel assembly with the locking block facing up. Use
the index finger to push in the locking block plunger while
placing the thumb on the base of the locking block.

Insert the 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 slightly moving the barrel downward.
The locking block should fall into the notches of the slide
assembly.

Slip the recoil spring guide into the recoil spring.

Insert the end of the recoil spring and recoil spring guide
into the slide recoil spring housing. At the same time,
compress the recoil spring and lower the spring guide until it
is fully seated onto the locking block cutaway.

Use the left hand to grasp the slide and barrel assembly,
sights up, and wrap the fingers around the slide assembly to
hold the recoil spring and guide in place. Align the slide
assembly guide rails onto the receiver assembly guide rails.

Push the slide rearward while pushing up on the slide stop
with the thumb. Lock the slide to the rear while maintaining
upward pressure on the slide stop. Rotate the disassembly
lever upward. Listen for a click, an audible click indicates a
positive lock.

Pistol Magazine Re-assembly

To re-assemble the magazine—

Grip the magazine firmly in the left hand with the floorplate
end up and the counting holes facing the Marine. Insert the
follower into the magazine so the flat end of the follower is
against the flat end of the magazine.

Ensure the floorplate retainer is attached to the first curve
of the bottom coil.

Hold the spring upright with the right hand and insert the
spring into the magazine tube so that the flat end of the
floorplate retainer is against the flat end of the magazine.

Push the magazine spring and floorplate retainer down with the
right hand and hold it in place with the thumb of the left
hand. Use the right hand to slide the floorplate over the side
walls of the magazine until fully seated, which is indicated by
an audible click.

Safety/Function Check

A safety/function check is performed after reassembling the M9 service pistol. Perform the following steps to ensure the pistol is operational:

Ensure there is no ammunition in the chamber of the pistol.

Ensure that the safety is in the safe position, then depress
the slide stop, allowing the slide to return fully forward.
At the same time, the hammer should fall to the full forward
position.

Pull and release the trigger. The firing pin block should move
up and down but the hammer should not move.

Place the safety in the fire position.

Pull the trigger to check the double action. The hammer should
cock and fall.

Pull the trigger again and hold it to the rear. Use the fingers
and thumb of the left hand to grasp the serrated sides of
the slide just forward of the safety. Pull the slide to its
rearmost position and release it while holding the trigger to
the rear. Release the trigger, a click should be heard and the
hammer should not fall.

Pull the trigger to check the single action. The hammer should
fall. Place the safety in the safe position.

If the safety/function check does not indicate an operational pistol, the Marine takes the pistol to organizational maintenance or the next authorized repair level.

User Serviceability Inspection

The Marine is responsible for performing a user serviceability inspection on the pistol prior to live fire. The user serviceability inspection ensures the pistol is in an acceptable operating condition. This inspection is not intended to replace the detailed pistol components inspection following disassembly or the limited technical inspection or pre-fire inspection conducted by a qualified armorer. To conduct a user serviceability inspection on the pistol, perform the following steps:

Ensure the magazine release button is on the left side of the
pistol for a right-handed Marine, the right side of the pistol
for a left-handed Marine.

Ensure the magazine seats into the magazine well when it is
inserted and that it cannot be pulled out.

Ensure the slide stays locked to the rear when the slide is
pulled rearward with an empty magazine in the pistol.

Ensure the magazine falls out freely when the magazine release
button is depressed.

Repeat the preceding four steps with the second magazine.

Ensure the slide is locked to the rear before lubricating
the spring guide, the top of the barrel just forward of the
front sight, and the guide rails of the slide assembly behind
the safety. With the muzzle pointed downward, work the slide
several times and release.

Inspect the pistol’s external parts visually to ensure that
there are no cracks or excessive wear.

Perform a safety/function check of the pistol.

Pistol Maintenance in Adverse Conditions

Combat situations can place Marines in a variety of adverse conditions. Therefore, the M9 service pistol must be maintained properly to ensure its continued operation.

Extreme Cold

In extreme cold conditions, ensure that the following maintenance is performed:

Clean and lubricate the pistol inside at room temperature, if
possible.

Apply a light coat of lubricant, arctic weather (LAW) to all
functional parts.

Always keep the pistol dry.

Keep the pistol covered when moving from a warm to a cold
area. This permits gradual cooling of the pistol and prevents
freezing.

Ensure that a hot pistol is not placed in snow or on ice.

Keep snow out of the bore of the barrel. If snow should enter
the bore, use a swab and cleaning rod to clean the bore before
firing.

Hot, Wet Climates

Maintenance in hot, wet climates must be performed more frequently:

Inspect hidden surfaces for corrosion. If corrosion is found,
clean and lubricate.

Remove handprints with a clean cloth in order to prevent
corrosion.

Dry the pistol with a cloth and lubricate it with CLP.

Check ammunition and magazines frequently for corrosion.
Disassemble and clean the magazines with CLP and wipe dry with
a clean cloth. If necessary, clean ammunition with a dry cloth.

Hot, Dry Climates

In a hot, dry climate, dust and sand can cause stoppages and excessive wear on component contact surfaces during firing; therefore, keep the pistol covered whenever possible.

Corrosion is less likely to form on metal parts in a dry climate. Therefore, lightly lubricate internal working surfaces with CLP. Do not lubricate external parts of the pistol. Wipe excess lubricant from exposed surfaces. Do not lubricate internal components of the magazine.

Heavy Rain and Fording Operations

The following maintenance procedures are followed during periods of heavy rains or during fording operations:

Always attempt to keep the pistol dry.

Drain any water from the barrel prior to firing.

Dry the bore with a swab and cleaning rod.

Generously lubricate internal and external surfaces of the
pistol with CLP.

Amphibious Conditions

If the pistol comes into contact with salt water, clean the pistol as soon as possible. If time does not permit cleaning in accordance with Technical Manual (TM) 1005A-10/1, _Operator’s Manual, Pistol Semiautomatic, 9mm, M9_, then wash the pistol with fresh water.