How to Reload a Glock 45ACP

Proper reloading not only promotes optimal performance in your Glock, but it is essential for its safe operation. As of 2010, Glock's lineup of .45 ACP pistols includes the Glock 21, 30 and 36. Although these models differ in terms of barrel length and ammunition capacity, the reloading procedure is the same for each. They are not to be confused with models that use .45 GAP ammunition. The two calibers are non-interchangeable.

Things You'll Need

  • Magazine
  • .45 ACP ammunition
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up the firearm keeping your finger out of the trigger guard (the area housing the trigger) and the muzzle pointed in a "safe" direction. That is, do not point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Treat the weapon as if it is still loaded until you visually and physically verify that it is not.

    • 2

      Find the magazine release button. This is located on the left side of the handle near the trigger, about level with your thumb when holding the weapon by the handle. Push the release button. This ejects the magazine from the handle. Visually inspect the magazine and push down on its topmost part to make sure it contains no ammunition.

    • 3

      Pinch the rear portion of the slide between your thumb and forefinger. The slide is the top part of the gun with the grooves at its rear. Pull back on the slide until it's in its most rearward position. Locate the slide lock lever about halfway down the slide. Push this up so that it catches the slide and locks it in the rearward position.

    • 4

      Look inside the ejection port. This is the hole about halfway down the slide. Verify that there is no ammunition inside the barrel or lodged anywhere else inside the firearm. Place your finger inside the ejection port. Run it along the back of the barrel and as far down into the weapon as possible to further ensure that it contains no ammunition.

    • 5

      Set the weapon aside and pick up the magazine in your left hand (or your right hand if you are left-handed). Grip the magazine securely. Place a .45 ACP round against the topmost part of the magazine. Orient the round so that its long side is against the top of the magazine.

    • 6

      Feed the rear end of the round into the top of the magazine, pushing down as you do so. Then slide the round into the magazine. Do this for each round until the magazine is full or until you are out of ammunition. Note that because of the spring tension in the magazine, each round will require more force to load than the last.

    • 7

      Slide the magazine into the bottom of the handle and press it until you feel it lock into place. Continue to point the weapon in a safe direction with your finger out of the trigger guard. Release the slide lock. This causes the slide to move into its forward position, guiding a round into the chamber. The weapon is now loaded and will fire when the trigger is pulled.