Sporkin wrote:I thought in an empty semi-auto pistol, if you just load the clip and don't cock it, the chamber is empty,
or maybe cocking is not the term for that, sliding the bolt carrier back?
Indeed, that is correct. To have the maximum number of bullets in the gun:
a) Insert a full clip.
b) Pull the slide back and release to chamber a round.
c) De-cock the hammer.
d) Eject the clip and add one more bullet.
e) Re-insert the clip.
For the Ruger P89D, this provides a total of 16 shots... 15 in the clip, 1 in the chamber. The P89D has no safety but does have a de-cocker which causes the hammer to de-cock without threat of firing.