Press Checking Your Gun: Why It Matters and How to Do It Safely

When it comes to firearms, preparedness is very important. One of the most fundamental yet often overlooked habits of gun ownership is the press check. I have always pressed checked my firearms. It’s good practice and is a quick way to confirm whether a firearm is loaded or not. It’s an essential skill that can ensure your weapon is ready when needed, and reinforce proper handling habits. In this blog, we’ll explore why press checking your gun matters, and the right way to do it.

Why Press Checking Matters

Whether you’re carrying a concealed weapon for self-defense, practicing at the range, or handling firearms in a professional capacity, knowing the status of your gun is crucial. Here are some key reasons why press checking is important:

1. Verifying Chamber Status – A press check allows you to confirm whether there is a round in the chamber. This ensures your firearm is ready to fire when needed.
2. Preventing Misfires or Failures – Sometimes, a round may not have fully seated in the chamber. A press check allows you to visually and physically verify that your firearm is in proper working condition.
3. Confidence and Readiness – Knowing the exact status of your firearm provides peace of mind, especially in situations where split-second decisions matter.

How to Properly Press Check Your Firearm

A press check is a simple yet critical action. Here’s how to perform one safely and effectively:

Step 1: Keep the Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction

Make sure it is pointed in a safe direction. This is a fundamental rule of gun safety and applies to all handling situations.

Step 2: Maintain a Proper Grip

Keep a firm, controlled grip on the firearm to avoid fumbling or dropping it. Ensure your trigger finger remains off the trigger and alongside the frame at all times.

Step 3: Slightly Retract the Slide

Using your support hand, carefully retract the slide just enough to see into the chamber. You only need to pull it back about a quarter of an inch—just enough to visually inspect whether a round is chambered.

Here are two ways to retract the slide:

1. Using your support hand, grab the back end of the slide where the serrations are with your index and thumb finger. Slowly pull back the slide. See illustration 1

2 . Again, using your support hand, grab the front of the slide where you typically find serrations. Tilt the gun inward and place the webbing of your hand on the slide. With your index finger and thumb clinching the slide, slowly pull back the slide. See illustration 2

Step 4: Verify Chamber Status

Look into the chamber to confirm whether there is a round present. Some firearms also have a loaded chamber indicator, but visual confirmation is always recommended.

Step 5: Release the Slide

After verifying the status, allow the slide to return to its forward position under control.

Step 6: Make Sure The Slide Is Properly Seated

Make sure the slide is NOT out of battery and seated all the way forward. (see illustration 3) The lack of a properly seated slide will cause your firearm to not function. You can make sure the slide is in battery by simply tapping the back end of the slide with the palm of your fist.

Safety Considerations

While press checking is a useful habit, it must be done safely. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never point the gun at yourself or others. Always ensure the muzzle is directed in a safe direction during the check.
• Keep your finger off the trigger. This reduces the risk of accidental discharge.
• Be mindful of the slide’s movement. Not letting it return properly can leave the firearm out of battery.
• Know your firearm. Different models have varying slide mechanisms and serrations. Some handguns may have specific features that make press checks easier or more challenging.

When to Perform a Press Check

A press check is useful in multiple scenarios:

• Before holstering your carry weapon – Ensuring your firearm is loaded before carrying it for self-defense is crucial.
• Before starting a shooting session – At the range, knowing whether your gun is loaded before firing eliminates confusion.
• When taking control of a firearm – If someone hands you a firearm, it’s always a good practice to press check to confirm its condition yourself.

Common Myths About Press Checking

Some shooters believe that press checking is unnecessary or unsafe. Here are a few common misconceptions:

• “I always know the status of my gun.” Even experienced shooters can make mistakes. A press check removes any doubt.
• “Press checks are dangerous.” When done properly, a press check is a safe and effective way to confirm chamber status.
• “Press checks wear out the firearm.” Regular, careful press checks do not damage the firearm when performed correctly.

Conclusion

Press checking is a simple yet vital skill that every gun owner should master. Knowing whether your firearm is loaded enhances safety, preparedness, and confidence in handling your weapon. By following proper technique and observing essential safety measures, you can make press checking a seamless part of your routine. Whether you carry for self-defense, train at the range, or handle firearms professionally, the habit of verifying your gun’s condition can make all the difference. Always remember: responsible gun ownership starts with knowing your firearm inside and out.