The Basics Of Pistol Handling Pt. 1 Taught By Raul Martinez Jr.

In this how-to video Raul teaches what you need to know about the basics of handling a pistol. Safety, Grip, Loading and Unloading. All things you can practice at home. Pt. 2 we will hit the range and put all these practices to use.
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[@pucho8888]

Definitely going to start practicing that method starting tomorrow. You guys are the best instructional team out there IMO. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@robinphillips8299]

Raul I appreciate your philosophy. Your skill and mechanics are obvious. Hope to see more vids with you regarding sidearms. ✌️

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

There will be more to come for sure!

[@Tmac327]

excellent information for every skill level shooter!!!

[@PhilD54]

Raul just set the internet on fire! Hahaha

[@PhilD54]

Raul Martinez some good content man! You guys keep it up!

[@ImOnTenors8591]

where do you buy affordable ammo?

[@christopherkasik3291]

Would you suggest using Snap Caps or dummy rounds while practicing manipulations?

[@shart-o-trond5592]

I'd love to see one for home defense setup ideas especially with having small children! Love the channel.

[@snicklefritzd3612]

Strong grip, index the firing finger, don't limp wrist it. Be aware of the direction of the muzzle at all times. Good instruction. Everyone can benefit from repetition of the basics/fundamentals. Thanks

[@NeverBetter0_0]

As a new shooter, I really appreciate this video. Until now, I used the "old" method of taking the mag out first - and (like you said) I sometimes would find myself tied up with a mag in one hand and a still-loaded gun in the other. I'll be ditching that and practicing your method from now on

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Awesome! That’s what it’s all about man!

[@epickett63]

I can understand the reasoning behind Raul's method. However, IDPA competition matches do it the old way. When you unload and show clear, you drop the mag and stow it. So when you lock the slide to show the safety officer, you still have your support hand free. I just looked up the rules and it doesn't *specify* dropping the mag first, just that you have to unload and show the empty weapon to the SO. I'll have to ask at my next match what they think about locking the slide first...

[@epickett63]

@Skidarpko Bonshetki That's cool - I was just giving more info to consider...

[@onpsxmember]

Just to have the opposition represented in the comments even when it's a year old: As mentioned in the video...Question everything and understand why you do things. The proven order of steps makes sense. You can find lots of unloading videos of people mixing up the steps: racking the slide, not thinking straight for a moment counting the ejection of one round as empty, release the slide loading the next round from the magazine and only then removing the magazine and hopefully just squeeze the remaining one in a barrel of sand. 1. Magazine out 2. Racking the slide to eject the remaining round from the chamber. But what has this to do with the show clear here? Same order across the board: It has to be the same order all the time cause that's what is left under pressure. It's also the same order when you clear malfunctions (t&r or clearing a hard double feed): first to the ammo source (tap or remove/rip), then cycling the action. It works under stress and in low light. If one might lose control over the handgun in a scuffel, same order: mag out, less danger from remaining single round and ejecting that one. (One of the reasons why some swore and swear on mag safeties cause it drastically reduces the number of leos shot with their own pistol. Which is counter productive for others). Why the tap&rack? We all care for our guns, only happens with dirty magazines, can't happen to us? Can be slightly unseated getting in&out of a car, by the holster or clothing or some kind of impact did it. What was clean can be compromised without the users knowledge during the day. Can happen in between shots slightly touching the mag release too. It's all covering bases like the press check and tugging on the magazine as shown in the video. Locking the slide back doesn't make the gun safe earlier. It creates a potentially dangerous situation. See videos where having the slide slamming forward unexpectedly picks up a round and fires it. This is far less likely if the reloading source is removed first. Safeties fail, parts break and lots of tuning parts and reloads around. Now possible human error failing to lock the slide back: Live round in chamber not fully extracted & ejected is hanging around, slide moves forward during failed lock back attempt, it tries to feed the next round and then there were two. Now hopefully the slide can still move, the rounds aren't stuck on each other, the magazine and possibly slightly deformed. Doesn't happen when the magazine is already removed. In the worst case: A round can go off out of battery and the full magazine is still right below. It may be ejected by the force or not. If the magazine is already removed, less potential danger with just one round left. removing most of the danger's source first is a good idea. You might think that's all rare cases. Yes they're rare and you can be one of those cases. Like with electricity it's rare but if it happens that's it. If I'm wrong, tell me why. I'll watch part 2 with an open mind. EDIT: part 2 is mighty fine imo.

[@wrfgradiofreegoodlandthefi5914]

As a woman "of a certain age" I grew up around firearms. But I didn't actually buy my first gun or shoot one until apx 10 years ago. I consulted one of my brothers. He required that I listen to and watch the safety sequence before he'd discuss my decision to aquire personal protection. (It's fun too!) Then he quizzed me. He's been handling firearms most of his life and always methodically does the safety sequence every time he picks one up. It's instructive and takes only a few minutes but saves lives! Anywho . . I'm loving these instructional and professional videos! Has increased my comfort level and perspective. Thank you. 😁💪

[@munky984]

I’m studying this shit like arithmetic before I even head to the range. I appreciate you guys so much for putting this information out there. I am getting an exponential amount of knowledge from this!

[@Chinny208]

Such a concise, digestible lesson. Thanks, Raul, for taking the time to clearly explain the how and why of your method. I'm relatively new to handguns so this will be a huge aid to me, and I'm sure many others. Oh, and sick shirt 🤙

[@eliedc7478]

New routine to practice! Nice. This channel is gonna be LIT! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MrTec1911]

I love how you emphasize situational awareness with gun safety before the handling portion even begins! I learned that changing the sequence while safeing the weapon- which incorporates the movement to clearing a malfunction- is a simple, effective technique to improve the 'economy of movement'. I think this holistic approach to working with a firearm is what separates you guys from the rest. This is the type of stuff that draws me toward your channel and keeps me coming back. Fantastic video as always. Thanks Mr. Martinez.

[@Akira_203]

I need Raul's spotify playlist...fr fr

[@t.c.2527]

Everybody needs to watch this video before they go to a class, great instruction on how and why, thanks Raul.

[@anthonyluisi7096]

Interesting premise of locking the slide back first , ejecting a cartridge and removing the magazine 🤔

[@wesbyington6896]

Doesn't make sense to me, if your argument is it frees your hand up I dont understand because you're still dropping the mag later and storing it.... I would argue that if you don't catch that slide lock and you're getting sloppy or your fingers are cold/slick you're putting one in the tube that didnt have to go there in the first place

[@mikemantho9426]

Agreed, it makes no sense to me to not eject the magazine first, always how I’ve been taught.

[@Bredaxe]

Definitely agreed, I'm not on board with his method. Especially for beginners who haven't mastered the dexterity to pull the slide back and actuate the slide lock. They're going to end up loading another round from loaded mag. Drop mag, check and clear chamber, clear.

[@dionthomas5418]

Great gun safety video, great music and basic training skills how to handle a hand gun correctly

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it thank you!

[@cmcer1995]

You got my attention on this one and I will start practicing this method. Look forward to your follow-up vids.

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Glad You enjoyed it!

[@CannibalLecter]

When i first saw the face, i was like "is dan bilzerian here?"

[@nrspence8258]

Great instructional video! Thanks for teaching.

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Glad you you enjoyed it!

[@foureightnine4894]

Great video, terrible music

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Thank you for the feedback

[@jonathandizon4801]

I actually really appreciated the tracks!

[@Jabronis]

While most of this may be remedial for most of us, it is still great to train/practice the basics and some of the most important aspects of firearms handling. Thanks FCS

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

There is no secret sauce, it’s just mastering the basics 🔥👊🏽

[@crocodile7334]

Please do more of these type of videos, hopefully for other types of firearms also.

[@davidwaggoner8521]

Malfunction drills! One of the best instructors I've taken classes from would have us mix snap cap practice rounds into our mags before a drill. An afternoon of clearing malfunctions increases efficiency!

[@jshmickelshmack4474]

Great Vid! Awesome covering all the bases prior to going, especially for ppl that are new. Could have done without the lame intro music.

[@larrylove293]

I know I can't wait to go this year (Cincinnati September)! I have Heard nothing but Great things on the class. I'm just hoping all the crew will be there would love to meet everyone. Great video Pimp N

[@bsmithhammer]

"Simplicity in all things." Amen, Brother Martinez.

[@bsmithhammer]

@Raul Martinez See ya in Vegas in a few weeks!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

thumbs down for the ghetto rap LOL come on guys really? otherwise spot on video and good info.

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Thank for the feedback

[@d.r.2821]

cant wait for pt 2

[@hossv1147]

Good stuff here. Both for new and not so new individuals. Repetition brings instinctual actions in hot situations. Simple and straight forward with no shenanigans.

[@hossv1147]

@Raul Martinez 🍻🍺🍻

[@russell1823]

I know all this but I just like the way Raul presents #mancrushmonday #imwearingbootbandssoitsnotgay

[@element7us]

Awesome info sir thank you! Would you guys be doing a video on rifles as well?

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Stay tuned!

[@paraAA82]

Awesome video Raul!! Hope you guys can come to Casa Grande, AZ soon! Best regards!

[@chadmoore1235]

I like Raul and the content he puts out, but why does it always seem like he’s about to start break dancing.

[@johninca9655]

Watched your video about slings and it gave some great insight as to how and why you do it the way you do. Same thing with this. I've been doing safety checks by dropping the mag first. Your explanation makes perfect sense, I'll be incorporating this into my training going forward. Thanks so much.

[@austinknowles4791]

Is that a Triarc Glock ?

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

It is!

[@easbreid9879]

Triarc is taking over, saving up for one of there AR uppers currently

[@austinknowles4791]

EludeAdaptSurvive Reid same here brotha. Saving up for there AR 11.5 rifle. I currently have a BCM 14.5 and really wanna try out Triarcs rifles. I’ve heard nothing but great things about them.

[@hillbillynick2000]

Awesome talk! I've been using that clearing method for years, for the stated reasons. Question, and I realize that it a preference. What is your view of horizontal shoulder holsters and similar "muzzling" bystanders? I know what I think, just curious of you guys opinion.

[@hillbillynick2000]

@Raul Martinez that is my thoughts exactly. Just some idiot on the internet commented about it. My thought was "you're allowed to have your opinion, and I'm allowed to think it's stupid."

[@philipw7755]

What advice and techniques for those who are left handed would the techniques different.

[@renoman_]

Had my wife watch this. Thank you and well done !!

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zinoorr1056]

Great basics, had my kids review and said , told you. Dads always need confirmation.

[@EdiMeanG]

Great Stuff brotha, I’m a new shooter and apply this to my training..... Martinez!!! Primo???

[@micaKTM1290]

Well done!

[@billjordan5507]

Apologies if I've missed it somewhere, but what is Raul's background? Excellent video! Thank you....

[@billjordan5507]

@Raul Martinez Will do. Love your videos. Thank you!

[@chrismiksworld]

Good stuff still going to stick to the old tried and true method of ejecting the ammunition supply/magazine first but love to see different mindsets schools of thought and new ideas

[@CA164530]

This was awesome! I’m a new shooter and things are a little intimidating. This practice will definitely help with basics and confidence building. Thanks!!! BTW - loved the music.

[@bigxkaliber]

Very good method, I'm going to implement as of now.

[@tcarr1]

I'm 100% about economy of motion and like this different method of clearing a gun, but I have a question. Clearly, it's standard practice to clear every gun handle so you, and all around you (if not alone), know it's unloaded because we HAVE to assume that it IS loaded until proven it is not. What you didn't show was picking up the gun with the mag in it, you "lock it back," but a bullet flies out... because people are used to the "old" way, doesn't this make people's skin move when you rack it with potentially live rounds? In the end, it's exactly the same because if you drop the mag, rack it and a round flies out, it's cleared. Or, if you lock it back and a round flies out, THEN you drop the mag, it's cleared. Same same. Just perception I guess.

[@augreich]

How much pressure do you exert on the frame with your index finger?? I ask because, and I admit this reluctantly, I'm good with the basics of handguns however I picked up my firearm, still in it's holster (Bravo Torsion) and had a very strong grip, finger straight and off the trigger but on the holster and exerting a lot of pressure with my index finger. It was loaded with one in the chamber. I pulled the holster off and my index finger slipped into the trigger gaurd and had a sympathetic trigger pull! It's a 5 lbs trigger and it felt like I went through air. What did I do wrong?????

[@jeffreylboardsr2577]

The Federal Air Marshals qualification (7 drills) is all you need to do to practice real life defensive training with the handgun. Google and practice. Master the accuracy and time of the Air Marshals Qual and you will be in the top 1% of shooters nationwide.

[@chetmakowski463]

Great video Raul!

[@davidian2097]

Never fired a gun before but makes sense to me

[@ryno785]

Where do you carry your backup mag when carrying AIWB? Seems like most guys don't run a side car style holster and no one ever seems to talk about their backup mag.

[@VictoryOrValhalla14]

On board with every thing but the press check. Those things need to go back to the tactical cool kid closet where they came from.

[@VictoryOrValhalla14]

Raul Martinez spent my entire adult life in the Military from Regiment, LRSD and the line we still had runners to send emails. Not once have I seen a good use for a press check, you speak of keeping it simple and I wholeheartedly agree but then add an unneeded step 🤷🏼‍♂️ I don’t want to argue or sharpshooter you, you know what your doing I just don’t agree with press checks, there a fad and a bad habit that shouldn’t translate into the fight. Further more most people online don’t even know why there doing it they just saw someone else do it and added it because it looks cool. Anyhow I love the channel and the great instruction.

[@mosesactual2324]

Having that free hand to catch the mag when taking it out of battery first is dope. Super obvious but never thought of it. Nice

[@d.r.2821]

very good

[@edjones8706]

Drop mag 1st then rackit

[@sowelu9247]

Just finished your interview from the Mike Drop podcast. Fantastic interview.

[@a.l.newsome7395]

Thank you 😊 For the good instructional information

[@Ianp54]

Great tips, it's very easy to get complacent, thanks for sharing!

[@jontaylor3021]

Thanks for the info. Why the emphasis on press checking? Is it common for a round not to seat when loading a pistol?

[@jontaylor3021]

Raul Martinez Thanks. Did a quick search after posting my question and discovered how many strong opinions there are out there about it! I learned to shoot 20 years ago and it wasn’t something anyone did. Trying to get back into the game a bit and learn all I can.

[@anthonyluisi7096]

Jon Taylor , good for you ! Things change based on real world necessity , good for keeping and open mind and questioning everything 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. I reviewed this video multiple times when Raul did not remove the mag first and I was thinking 🤔 WTF ?? Because I learned to take the mag out first then rack the slide.. to me his method makes sense now and is very logical 👏

[@CA.0verview]

He’s become a new card in my Arsenal.

[@CA.0verview]

Raul Martinez This totally left the old range officer frustrated with me when today when I signed up for a membership at a local indoor range . I guess some folk like to leave the pew as the last step. I guess cause it’s institutional? I did this way, until today !

[@The_Ladylore]

I was about to ask if there was going to be FieldCraft Course Etiquette video, then I saw there's going to be a part two. Love it!

[@The_Ladylore]

Also! I think this would be a great class in and of itself as a sort of "certified gun handler" course that might cover Gun handling and range etiquette. 🤔🤷‍♀️

[@edjones8706]

Locking open first with mag live throws a round out the ejection port! Not preferred!

[@edjones8706]

@Raul Martinez thanks

[@fergiebiker]

Look forward to using these skills in Cincinnati

[@patriottrucker1935]

Great video Raul looking forward to Oct 24 th Ceres CA 🇺🇸

[@5metoo]

Awesome video. Love the thoughtful instruction. Makes a lot of sense.

[@0521carlos]

👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@raftika1]

Is it okay for my gun to not be stock? I have changed the barrel, trigger connector and the mag release on my glock.

[@richardthomas6602]

Simple, love it.

[@shogunmma]

Awesome! Thanks Raul!

[@shogunmma]

@Raul Martinez hope we can roll at Lotus one day!

[@nono559]

When will part 2 be up?

[@jrfigueroa8755]

Raul as real as they come Real ,efficient,proficient, proven

[@Byrd_Gaming]

lets gooo! hope all is well brother! loved the intro

[@shimxxl]

Well done, thanks

[@ShogunTactical]

No offense but I thought you were Dan Bilzerian for a second lol

[@Hoax711]

I dig it dudes. I'm glad that those that felt the need to complain could only complain about the music. I liked it all, keep sharing knowledge.

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@FC-kx7vy]

You and Dan Bilzerian look so similar. I hope you get chicks like him too brother. Great video.

[@raydon14ify]

Nearly identical beards

[@bfed2831]

Great fundamentals- thank you

[@jcialdella]

Show me how to press check, left handed, as if it were dark out.

[@scrider5493]

Understand your reasons. Thanks.

[@petert8807]

why a press check immediately after loading a round into the chamber?

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

The press check is verifying that a round is in the chamber, and the gun is loaded.

[@SullyCortez]

Best shirt ever! Great video thank you!

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@VikingVic76]

Nice job guys! Thanx for the share.

[@flintrocks]

Fantastic! Thanks and God bless!

[@enderwiggin6379]

What kind of holster is Raul using?

[@enderwiggin6379]

@Raul Martinez Thanks for the reply, Raul. Keep up the great work.

[@stevewall1882]

Great info, see you tomorrow!

[@Joe-sh2tf]

obviously these classes are meant for civilians

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Meant for anyone who wants to take them 👌🏽

[@Joe-sh2tf]

like I said civilians

[@debrawilliams1527]

Heads up your clips are being drown out by adds

[@amaterasu8829]

Great video man!

[@amaterasu8829]

@Raul Martinez Thank you for your service. I look forward to getting some quality training from you guys soon.

[@ricardor890]

great presentation, clear and concise nice shirt

[@shumardi1]

Would you do the same unloading sequence with an AR?

[@shumardi1]

Interesting. I was taught by a very well known Delta Forces guy that you would know to remove the source and then open the slide, or bolt. That is not to say that techniques don't evolve. I am sure he taught things that were different from the generation previous to himself. You are a fantastic instructor. I would love to learn from you in person. The sling video you did was the best I have ever seen.

[@jeffreyschell5678]

Jeez thats alot of rounds back there

[@Parmesan300]

Call me crazy, but if that magazine was loaded you’re basically demonstrating a reverse clear. If someone were to rack the slide with a loaded mag then drop the mag, they’ve just chambered a round then dropped the mag. The weapon is still hot. I realize what you’re saying about the slide being locked back but I don’t think you’re taking into account suburban “Joe Smith” that just purchased his first pistol and doesn’t have any gun sense resulting in him thinking his pistol is clear and safe but in reality he performed your order of operations with a loaded mag. I felt like a rambled here and don’t know if I articulated my thoughts correctly but I just don’t like this. Mag drop before slide lock, period. My opinion. There are too many common sense lacking people out there.

[@Albakry100]

Hi, i’m having problems opening the new video (part 2). Wondering if it’s only me or has youtube started playing their dirty tricks on fieldcraft survival as well

[@dirtyswar]

10:42 You dropped mag then locked the slide....old habits die hard brother. Not nit picking, just saying even with proficient training, old habits tend to come back.

[@psnauspuff]

What about the models that don't slide lock? Or only do on an empty mag? If you are picking up one of those models and don't know the slide doesn't lock, it will simply chamber a new round. Does your advice change?

[@journeythroughdarkness693]

great video. Stupid question but I just purchased a glock 26 and am having a hard time choosing a holster for it. So many options and so many reviews good and bad. Do you or does anyone have any suggestions? I would be grateful for any advice. Im right handed and would most likely carry IWB. Thank you!

[@kouper9635]

What kind of pistol is that? I love it

[@xentrik1]

Great video! Is the 2nd one out yet? I couldn't find it

[@fieldcraftsurvival]

Not yet! Raul has been on the road training a lot lately, part 2 will be coming soon tho, stay tuned!