1) Make sure the gun is not loaded, then check again, then check again.

2) Point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3) Cock the hammer, it should be already if you checked the chamber, check again.

4) With the thumb safety engaged, pull the trigger, it should not move.

5) Release the trigger and disengage the safety, nothing should happen. If the hammer falls to half cock, you have a problem.

6) OK for now, good. Without gripping the grip safty, pull the trigger, nothing should happen.

7) Now, make sure it goes boom. With the muzzle pointed up and the gun cocked and unloaded, Check this, Check again, put a pencil, eraser down, in the barrel.

8) Pull the trigger and the pencil should be ejected from the barrel with vigor.

9) Now you know the pistol functions as designed and can be loaded and carried with confidence.