NCJ Number
210485
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 29 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 74,76,77
Date Published
June 2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents techniques for safely checking a gun chamber.
Abstract
It is imperative that police officers check to make sure their gun is loaded before hitting the streets. Firearm safety should be foremost in an officer’s mind when performing a chamber check. The “pinch check” and the “press check” techniques are both described, followed by descriptions of alternative techniques such as the “C Grip” and the “Rear Pinch Check.” Magazines can also be used as an indicator of whether the chamber is loaded; this is accomplished by loading the magazine to full capacity, inserting it into the gun, and working the slide. When the magazine is removed, a round should be missing, indicating the chamber is loaded. While checking the chamber can be dangerous, it is far less dangerous than hitting the streets without knowing if your gun is loaded. Exhibits