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Match Handguns and Ammunition Correctly

With so many kinds of firearms and types of ammunition, it’s not always easy to match the proper ammunition to your firearm correctly—but getting it right is critical. If you match the wrong ammunition to your gun, you can cause an explosion, injuring or possibly killing yourself and any bystanders.

To match the proper ammunition to your handgun correctly:

  • Read the specific caliber designations on the side of the barrel. Match that barrel stamp designation exactly.
  • Carefully read the information on the lid of the ammunition box and on the head stamp on the ammunition.
  • Finally, match the proper caliber of cartridge on the ammunition box and the ammunition head stamp to the barrel stamp before you shoot.
Data stamp on a semi-automatic handgun

The barrel stamp of a semi-automatic handgun is usually stamped toward the front of the barrel.

Data stamp on revolver

The barrel stamp of a revolver is usually stamped toward the rear of the barrel.

  • Unit 4 of 9
  • Topic 2 of 3
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