M9 Service Pistol Practice Exam

When disassembling the slide assembly of the M9 service pistol, the barrel must be removed first. This step is fundamental because the barrel is locked in place by the locking block. If you attempt to remove other components, such as the recoil spring or the disassembly lever, without first removing the barrel, you may not have the necessary clearance or may risk damaging the components.

By removing the barrel first, you ensure that the slide assembly can be disassembled safely and efficiently. This sequence minimizes the risk of any potential issues and makes the entire disassembly process smoother. Proper knowledge of the disassembly procedure rests on understanding how each component interacts within the assembly, emphasizing the importance of removing the barrel first to facilitate further disassembly without complications.