[header] How to reload a pistol [title] Treat every firearm as if it is always loaded. [step] Keep your finger off the trigger unless you are ready to shoot. Do not point a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot or destroy. 
Keep the firearm pointed toward the target or a safe backstop at all times. [title] If a semi-automatic pistol has been shot empty, the slide will usually lock back after the last shot.