How A Semi-Automatic Handgun Works

[@ford16yearmechanic78]

I've been a Firearms instructor and trainer for a decade now so I can see in my head how semi-automatic pistols work but explaining it to people isn't always easy visual aids like this video save a amazing amount of time and educates people better than words can thank you for your videos.

[@frankrubino5326]

Ford 16, you said it all. Trying to explain to non-shooters what's happening in that fraction of a second isn't easy. This is a really great video.

[@cutercills9x9productions9]

Well, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words (and in this case, a video is worth a thousand pictures), so this is totally relatable for me whenever I present idea by writing sentences instead of drawing pictures.

[@VIPERGUNNERCHANNEL]

Amen I've told others this and they seem to think I'm wrong the barrel floats to assist the bullet feed onto the chamber eliminate barrel vibration and make follow up shots easier. I feel I'm correct

[@Cienciamarcial]

AWESOME! I´ve finally be able to understand the ejection process. Thank you.

[@CC-mm3bl]

I would have never thought it was that simple. I thought a spring load mechanism ejected it out. Now I feel dumb lol

[@pacman10182]

some bolt action rifles use a spring loaded plunger for the ejector, Sako and Remington designs in particular.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Yeah this is a great video

[@sakil8272]

I searched this video just to learn how ejector mechanisms works

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

This video should be required viewing for all lawmakers.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

IngeniousFirefly Because lawmakers are woefully misinformed when it comes to guns.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

IngeniousFirefly I dunno about that. Conservatives generally know about how guns work. Which is why they don't constantly try to ban cosmetic features, ban guns because the look scary, or throw around the terms like "semiautomatic", "automatic", "clip", and/or "magazine" as if they are interchangeable.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

IngeniousFirefly It does if how the person gets shot and killed is through ignorance of gun safety. But that's not my point. My point is that when politicians are ignorant of a subject they are attempting to impose legislation on bad things can happen. Like when a politician tries to pass "common sense" gun laws, but then lays out a law in which they plan to ban cosmetic features, or use the terms stated above to fool their ignorant constituents into supporting them. That is a problem. These people are either supremely stupid or lying to their constituents, in either case they shouldn't be trusted to craft laws.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

IngeniousFirefly Well I have no interest in arguing what either one of us sees as "common sense" gun laws, because I think it is safe to say that such a conversation would be very unlikely to be constructive. However, to bring this conversation back to my original point. When a lawmaker is ignorant of the subject they are suppose to govern they should be educated on that subject, and in a way that is unbiased. This video makes no attempt to push agendas. It simply shows the workings of a type of firearm which many people are totally ignorant about. That is my point, and I am leaving it at that.

[@Doc-Holliday1851]

IngeniousFirefly Differences between different brands of guns, no. Differences between automatic and semiautomatic, yes.

[@IEnnaGyI]

if people start complaining about the music used, you know you've done a great job at the rest

[@Magicoffee]

I like how the casing going out of the gun is faster than the bullet

[@45Snipers]

I hear you. If everything was shown at actual speed you wouldn't even see the bullet.

[@Magicoffee]

45Snipers Im not complaining, just making slight comedy out of it.

[@SitNSpinRecords]

Well to be fair.. He did say it was a .45. I have a pellet rifle that can send rounds faster than .45 heheh I'll pretend it's using 240gr. Sub sonic .45 frangible wad cutters Those should be about slow enough to catch. :) heheh

[@keitra666]

Well uh guys.. What he meant was that the casing ejecting and flying away faster than the bullet, of Course It's not like that irl but he just saw it as a funny thing xdd

[@RAWuhh]

TheCoffeeWizard08 if that were the case then casings would be the projectile.

[@betweentheburyd]

This video simply could not be any better. Perfect explanation, perfect animation, perfect break down of parts. I have to say, I expected it to be stolen from somebody until I looked at the comments. I expect less from creators, artists and youtubers with millions more subs and more resources/tools/exposure. Excellent work

[@45Snipers]

Thank you very much for the comment. I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but the serial number on the pistol is 45SNIPERS. It's on the right side of the slide just behind the ejection port. It's a quick way to verify authenticity.

[@delision8265]

Genuinely the best 3D graphics demonstration I’ve seen for anything. Good pacing, clear demonstration, even separates colors to clear discern between parts.

[@nacetroy]

Wow, this is the best illustration I've seen on how a striker fired semi auto pistol works. Thanks for uploading it.

[@dustyrusty7956]

The best at demonstrating how the typical semi auto pistol works. WELL DONE.

[@longgone9869]

This has helped me immensely in explaining to new shooters how a semi automatic pistol functions. Thanks

[@geoffmark3992]

Excellent Lightwave work, and good job clearly explaining what's going on with the mechanism. It's always good to see what other LW people are doing!

[@unclegeorge6175]

The detail and animation of the graphics are outstanding. A third grader after watching this can fully understand the mechanical movement of an autoloader. Well done.

[@45Snipers]

Thank you guys for all the comments! Positive or otherwise, much appreciated.

[@longnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame]

no

[@swissmilitischristilxxii3691]

Good job Bob.

[@Thavisup]

PLEASE DO A REVOLVER.

[@Turin_Inquisitor]

thanks, now i finally understand wtf is going on! this was the best animation with explanation i've watched so far.

[@javilim9252]

Thavisup T from wat i know the hammer is the striker but i dont know how the cylinder turns

[@jackson22668]

I've learnt more from watching this video than spending a day at school

[@cardboard_shaft]

can't tell if savage joke or not

[@stallion8499]

shouldnt be hard to tell

[@sayanorasonic]

I mean you're probably not listening to your teachers

[@jackson22668]

lol yeah

[@mastertrey4683]

basically all i do in school is go over stuff we already did

[@anomalyp8584]

This is hands down the most beautiful animation i have seen so far!

[@gametut2012]

anomaly P I hope you mean for gun videos and not just in general

[@gametut2012]

Wayne Gtetzky your comment makes no sense but I'll just agree with you hopefully that'll make you feel better

anomaly P Look up salad fingers

[@MamaStephens]

I am new to guns but have an engineering background. This video has helped me learn so much! I've gained more knowledge in this 5 minute video than I have in the past month of researching! Thank you!!!

[@ibleed1]

Most incredible animated explanation of anything I've ever seen. FACT. STAT.

[@davidfirth2932]

Pistol workings clearly and simply explained. Excellent graphics. Very professional. Well done.

[@BrianMarcWhittaker]

Kudos to the animator and modelers. Clear and informative.

[@oldbassist60]

Great animated graphics. A picture may be worth 1,000 words but an animation is worth 1 million. Thank you.

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Another well done video! Thank you. I am trying to educate my friends who don't own firearms and these videos are hugely helpful! - CJ

[@kevinrtres]

This is the ABSOLUTE BEST animation and explanation I've seen so far. Thanks a lot.

[@travis.boosted]

This is a great video animation and explanation of handgun function. Thanks for making this.

[@Enigma277]

Well done. Very high quality imagery, thoughtful design, good narrations, and still imagery. Color changing and "stop-motion" of action as a process is taking place was great. This was intelligent, Thank you.

[@GeneGarzaJr]

This is the best video I've seen of its kind. Perfect and thorough.

[@jrr444]

The best and most detailed animation on how striker fired pistols work. I shared with new shooters ahead of range day.

[@aiber3303]

Amazing video! really helpful. I liked the animations and how you slowly explained things.

[@Still-Learning]

Excellent.....simply excellent. This video helps me, a novice, better understand the actions and system integrations. Much thanks.

[@DopravniPoradce]

Probably the best video on this topic I've ever seen, thank you!

[@cBodhi]

I've had a Springfield for years and never truly knew how I worked even tho friends and instructors explained it to me. Now I know. Thank you

[@parisrilveria1365]

Great job 45Snipers I look forward to more awesome videos.

[@pemtax557]

Probably the best Semi-Auto animation I've ever viewed. Outstanding teaching aid. Thanks for this ...

[@45Snipers]

Thanks Dave! You're welcome.

[@toomanyaccounts]

now if you just show an open bolt semi automatic handgun works then people will understand why you need a round in the chamber of every closed bolt semi automatic handgun which is 99.99999999999999999999999999 percent of handguns on the market.

[@mizzmaddieUTube]

Beautifully rendered. Thank you for all the time you put into this excellent animation!

[@snuggary]

I'm brand new to guns. My son had me watch this and I've learned a tremendous amount. Thanks!!!

[@samlugo6450]

OMG this video is super awesome!!! every little detail that you guys made, every little pause that you made to explain every little move and you even changed the colors so the contrast could look better. I cannot believe how good this video is. simple, elegant, easy to understand, attention to details, under 6 mins and as I was getting to the end I was wondering why the safety feature, for this specific model, was not addressed and you guys answered it at the end! please continue to make videos like this for anything and I was wondering if there is a video for the Glock 17 & 22. five-star for you guys ! please keep it up you did a good job

[@edgarratilla7552]

Best demonstration I've ever seen on how pistol works. Excellent job!

[@EricWilliamsCG]

Amazing work on the model and animation... not just on this video but all of your videos! :)

[@muhsenmuhammed4405]

Eric Williams agree pro it's fantastic !!!

[@dnuofntsol]

The way this video shows how a gun works makes it seem so primitive. Loved the detailed breakdowns.

[@tonioyendis4464]

This is a first-class video and very well done!

[@michaelrigal2090]

This is the best presentation for beginners on striker fired handguns I have seen

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

this is a great video well made and thought out

[@sandmastermaster]

I love everything about this video. Literally nothing to complain about and a lot to want more. This is how everything should be explained.

[@salmonthomas]

Excellent animation! Could be very useful for handgun classes.

[@infernalchaos1066]

This is probably the best video I've seen on any subject. Bravo!

[@AmericanF.A.T.H.3.R]

Awesome video. Truly helped me better understand my weapon systems!

[@ddermont6058]

Best illustration type video i've seen on a striker fired handgun anywhere and i love the choice of XDM 3.8" Compact .45 acp as the model used. That is my Wife's EDC gun. (I EDC a Springfield XD .40 S&W) Excellent firearm.

[@wesleytaft2682]

Nerf really needs to pick up on this

[@senpaisanchoyt5225]

Black Rock Shooter and no gunpowder

[@ileryon4019]

Well also it works cause of recoil right? But too little power so little recoil so self-loading in nerf wont be possible

[@grootsChannel]

ileryon 3000 there are nerf weapons that are semi automatic or fully automatic with a self loading mag

[@DxBlack]

ALL OF THEM ARE B A T T E R Y P O W E R E D Faalmuis...there won't be a gas powered (off the shelf, anyway) Nerf gun simply because of how crap the darts are. Already been tried and they get blow to bits as they fly.

[@avon.2866]

Exactly

[@mastertrey4683]

this is very detailed, thank you. i came here to learn how an ejector works and it's actually surprisingly very simple... some other videos didn't tell me how

[@tonioyendis4464]

Now all we need is a video like this on the AR15.

[@aseredy]

Bushmaster had an interactive cutaway on their site.

[@45Snipers]

Part 1 is up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJC1l5yBetuifaM Part 2 will cover the function.

[@vanteal]

That was actually really informative. So much more going on in a simple handgun than most people realize.

[@gyro_636]

true

[@karkess313]

Awesome video! Should be mandatory viewing at cpl classes.

[@Jake.Gentry]

I just took my first gun shooting lessons today and I'm very impressed with this gun type, the safety features are the most attractive.

[@bryancoombesart]

I love it, amazing animation! It's art

[@Pascotam]

Very informative and well-illustrated. Yes still some safety features and the partial cocking mechanism not demonstrated. This is appreciated as you have to keep this video simple for beginners. Amazing engineering graphics!!!!!!

[@jasondepieri2485]

very well made video!! thanks!! ps. I'd like to see the same video with an FN P90!! :D

[@45Snipers]

If I only had more time! And a P90!

[@jasondepieri2485]

hahaha... ps. I have a question: in all the semiauto handguns the barrel tilts, or only in the Glocks? I didn't know about that...

[@jasondepieri2485]

***** ah, ok, thanks... it is also written in the caption...

[@darknetneko5466]

So u wanna know what happens when you plant potato at B?

[@xevieunderscore]

Que USSR thing.

[@Quic34]

An absolutely excellent animation on the inner workings of the semi automatic.

[@robhyde8067]

wow! your explanation is so clearly as crystal!!!!! good job! :)

[@shalimonpoochanatt9065]

White Hyde K

[@ISIHIA23]

This is the most clear to the point video on how a gun functions! Awesome job!

[@kevinwu5169]

Gun ban activists be like; " Semi-auto can fire many bullets rapidly with a pull of the trigger."

[@shTree]

Only fucking idiots

[@Chevsilverado]

And all guns have minds of their own and will stop at nothing to kill all of the innocent children in the world.

[@shTree]

Damn, that's quite a strawman.

[@PavelKahun]

Well, I believe you are taking it the wrong way. Yeah, I bet you guys in the USA have some people that think guns are root of all evil, we have them too. But they are in minority. From what I have seen in media and in conversation with friends from USA, you gun laws are really idiotic. All those loopholes and stuff. Majority of people who acording to you, are "against guns" (sorry for the speculation, but it really seems to me you think that way) just want proper licencing to be in efect. Even mentally ill person can get in USA gun, at those markets or what that is, or person on terrorist watch list can get a gun. And that is just idiotic and you should really change it.

[@shTree]

Well said, personally I think gun laws like those in Germany would work better in the US.

[@dianneantonetti902]

This is AMAZING!!! My son-in-law sent it to me to help me better understand how firearms work.

[@jtuttle11]

If this video is accurate, there appears to have been a MAJOR redesign of the Springfield XD n the firing pin system. I don't see any 'Roll Pins' used in the slide assembly which capture the firing pin in place.

[@RyderDarkheart]

all it is is a mechanical demonstration of common semi-auto pistols, the springfield is just what he used for the basic demonstration...not on how the specific gun operates.

[@jtuttle11]

***** Brilliant reply from an Illiterate ASS

[@RyderDarkheart]

How about both of you stop being an ass, the guy had a legitimate question and had obviously missed that it was a basic demonstration of how most semi-autos work. There is literally no reason for either of you to act so childish.

[@RyderDarkheart]

+Digitize49 if they weren't acting so childish i would agree with you.

[@RyderDarkheart]

+Digitize49 ah...sorry.

[@rp8133]

wow, this is one for the mechanics amongst us - i love it - thank you

[@evantjaden8949]

Cool video. Will you do a similar one for hammer-fired semi-autos?

[@frankrubino5326]

What a great instructional video! Teaching this stuff is not easy and a video aid like this is fantastic. Great job!

[@Bllldbzwoxndi]

pls next video on vibrator

[@ziyinglim4917]

😂😂

[@alberthernandez9833]

Awesome video, useful to help my young 12 year old daughter to understand how the mechanical aspect of the semiautomatic handgun works.

[@TheMV1992]

if there's no cartridge in the chamber would pressing the trigger once load the first cartridge in the chamber?

[@christopherbrummet4997]

Not in this case. One must "rack" the slide backwards to insert the first cartridge. Some pistols do allow for this to happen, however, usually this is called a "Double action" trigger, where a first, heavier trigger pull will either cycle the first cartridge, or set the striker/firing pin spring to allow for the cycle to begin.

[@ericlipscomb4764]

No. A double action trigger doesn't load the first cartridge either. A single action trigger drops the sear, releasing the hammer or firing pin (already cocked/spring compressed). A double action trigger cocks the hammer (compresses firing pin spring), then releases. Think of it like a sling shot: a single action trigger performs the act of your fingers releasing the taught sling shot, while a double action trigger performs the act of both drawing back and releasing.

[@coldlogiccrusader365]

Fantastic video, Graphics were so clear. Excellent explanation. I guess you intended this for newbies and that is why you did not show the role of the dis-connector. Excellent Video!!

[@45Snipers]

Thank you. It was my first video and I wanted to keep it basic. I did a follow-up for the trigger reset. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amSraJaoqMx3kMk

[@THEAngryProjects]

I think that semi automatic pistols is a piece of mechanical art ignoring the fact that it is used to kill people but it is just as brilliant as a Swiss watch

[@lennartguit1060]

Mina Nabil. hahahaha that exfuckingplains ur profile picture

[@queefmicester1189]

Mina Nabil , , , some books are more dangerous than a gun,,,,

[@Brokenoifvet]

Nice work. Helped my kids get a basic understanding of how it works.

[@ir0nbear613]

Cool vid but I don't still don't understand how 'The Follower' knows when to stop the 'Slide' when it's mag is empty ?.?

[@CodyDills]

It's really simple when you see it actually. The follower on the magazine has a flat cut on it. When empty, the magazine follower is at the top of the magazine. The follower pushes a piece of material on the slide stop that forces it upwards. When it pushes up and engages the cut in the slide when cycling it will stop the slide. When the magazine is not empty, the rounds depress the follower and thus nothing is pushing the slide stop upwards to catch on the slide. If you have a pistol it's really easy to look at and understand if you remove the slide.

[@ir0nbear613]

+Cody Dills, Thanks for the clear up! :)

[@xithappens]

The magazine-spring's tension will push the follower up until there's no more cartridges left and then the follower will push the slide stop, which in it's upper position stops the slide from returning into battery. Then one'd push the slide-stop down to release the slide again.

[@slicko911]

wow...this vid made it so simple to grasp...im no expert, more like a simple enthusiast but this clip was very informative without the lengthy sometimes boring talk (which does matter in some instances) but i would choose to show this to someone anytime, short and to the point.

[@defaultcamo4288]

Thats FULLY Semi Automatic! BAN IT!

[@defaultcamo4288]

You ONLY NEED 2 round MAG KLIP, anything more is OVERKILL

[@Nostradankus]

We only need single shot guns, ASSAULT CLIPAZINES are too dangerous!

[@darnit1944]

30 CALIBER MAGAZINE CLIPS IN 0.5 SECOND

[@lukehonerlaw3592]

-CNN reporter (This AR-15 is a dangerous weapon that has the power to blow up the entire universe if we don't ban it we will be doomed)

[@shanekelly5359]

Mike Jackson you are so so so so so wrong. Do you know how hard it is to hit a moving Target with 2 rounds?

[@gadsdenguy4880]

Best explanation on KZbin by far.

[@EddyBelew]

Would it be possible to contact you guys about using this in one of our group training class? Giving you full credit of course

[@45Snipers]

Feel free to share this video with anyone you'd like Eddy.

[@mulder801]

hey man thanks for your vid, as a person that (probably) will never get to use guns, this really satisfy my curiosity. great work !

[@yht.brh0791]

+45Snipers great video

[@kendo4242]

Been shooting my M & P Shield for almost two years now, and I finally understand how it runs. Great vid!

[@Im_In_HIS_Grip]

I can just imagine the meme "Knowledge" to pop up XD

[@carnifex4173]

Lololol

[@bikibiki821]

jesus grace sahjaz8609273607

[@Ferelmakina]

impressively smooth and clear animation

[@haroldgaring8468]

where you drawn and render this? solid works?

[@45Snipers]

Lightwave

[@doublegulptank7919]

holy crap this is one of the best educational videos I have ever seen. I actually understand how a pistol works now. thank you!

[@thereaper8806]

that gun holds a lot of bullets

[@herzlzoock2501]

Great video that clearly explains the basic function. Every newbie should see this !

[@VikashXman]

nice brO!! can u make video on Ak and M4? :)

[@redlord1660]

AND A LAZWER DUPWR ULTR power UNLIMITED ALL POWERFULL DPMETHIG GUN

[@nyb2.027]

Trace R M1911 is a semi-auto, so there's no major difference wiyh that gun to what is shown in this video.

[@nyb2.027]

Trace R No problem.

[@45Snipers]

Thanks! Part 1 for M4 (AR-15) is up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJC1l5yBetuifaM

[@Rasta1Imposta]

Not your business M1911 is also single-action, uses an extensional hammer, firing pin (no striker), and I believe that it uses a different reloading system as well

[@xithappens]

Best animation-explanation I've seen in youtube. Great.

[@hoseinqadam]

Well I'll be damned, I never knew the barrel actually tilted for the re-chambering of the next round.

[@josephgiannantonio334]

Adam Hosein most guns the barrel tilts down when cycling but some have a rotating barrel and it actually turns while cycling and some even have the barrel mounted to the frame and doesn't tilt or rotate.

[@whosg8rb8]

The barrel "titling" actually is due the caliber or the round and barrel length. John Browning is still at the for front of this design with the 1911 45 acp. Every other MFG since either uses a swinging link or bushing/lug to compensate for the compression/recoil.

[@kidstamil9434]

VB.

[@gasperpoklukar8372]

This isn't delayed blowback, it's recoil operation.

[@anthonyhodgson825]

This was ridiculously well done. Please make a video on... EVERYTHING.

[@apache2013]

can you do a 3d animation of a browning 50 cal. machinegun please.

[@davidmcarthur6022]

may need Pixar to do that one!

[@Chevsilverado]

I've shot one and it is actually a really really simple gun. There's a hammer and trigger mechanism, there's a bolt with a firing pin, there's a gas system and that's about it.

[@bejadindyli279]

Ian riot, you

[@cuttheknot4781]

Artistic & Mechanical PERFECTION, well done, well done.

[@KisliyGolub]

Hmm.. i'm watching your videos and realize, that i can make a gun by myself

[@danieldo8859]

Spy Crab I think it's illegal to do so.

[@lizardperson4658]

go for it, a criminal record is a minor thing

[@4nikat3]

not at all illegal to make your own gun, only if you sell it

[@CarlosConsorcioCastellanoPerez]

Spy Crab only illegal to sell it if you dont pay the taxes

[@Icemario87]

@@CarlosConsorcioCastellanoPerez What's legal to sell without paying taxes?

[@kablouserful]

imagine every forgotten weapons video explained using these high quality animations!

[@groovesan]

the video is great, but the music.. oh god its just awful. Sounds like from a cheap porn movie lol

[@HustleKings357]

+atomicfriendo guns porn and cars

[@IAmStillNotMatthew]

Gunporn...

[@45Snipers]

Sorry, I'm not a musician. I kinda just threw it together so there wouldn't be complete silence. Maybe I'll hire a sound guy next vid.

[@leonellensina4467]

GrooveSan A mi me gusta la cancion jajaja es satisfactoria :V

[@user-m1kep0e]

Yes actually this is the gun porno lol.

[@paulscountry456]

Best background track....in history.great video

[@EaglePancake]

So this is how the watergun works right ?

[@sebzero1086]

EaglePancake no this is how the big boy guns work

[@scribehades]

This is awesome. Makes explaining the process much, much easier. Thank you.

[@baloog8]

I had no idea the barrel was so short!

[@souldanny.]

Thats what she said!

[@sharkfrenzy213]

Learning more about firearms really makes me appreciate them , awesome video!

[@treyrombach4569]

I only watched this vid to find out how the sear is still up even when the trigger is fully pulled and held. AAAHHHH someone plz help

[@45Snipers]

+Trey Rombach Here's a short video by Powder River Precision showing how the sear resets before the trigger is released. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKDRpoyraMhplcU

[@shTree]

+Good grenade that's not what he's asking

[@gzitterspiller]

Maybe it is too late, when the slide goes back after being shot, there is a groove that twists the trigger bar to the left disengaging the sear.

[@culture-nature-mobility7867]

First video I saw, that really explained functions in an understandable manner... thumbs up!

[@Skip13205]

so 398 people couldn't process whats going on??

[@Unfixable]

Just anti gun activists.

[@Reaperman4711]

Yep, that pretty much answers all my questions, and all the follow-ups I was going to have to those questions. This has been the most educational 5 1/2 minutes I've had all month. It's very memorable too, I'll probably be able to hold up my end of a decent conversation about semi-auto pistols for the rest of my days. Ooh, there's a vid on burst fire too.