This United States Army manual publication, Training Circular TC 3-23.35 Pistol Including Change 2 January 2020, provides the framework and techniques for conducting pistol training; the components and cycle of function for the M9 service pistol; its characteristics, equipment, and ammunition; and covers the functional elements of the shot process that are essential to build Soldier proficiency with their service pistol. It serves as an authoritative reference for personnel developing institutional, installation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pistol training and qualification.

The principal audience for Training Circular (TC) 3-23.35 includes commanders, staff, leaders, Soldiers, trainers, and instructors who are responsible for planning, preparing, executing, and assessing pistol training and employment.

This manual is comprised of nine chapters and four appendices, and is specifically tailored to the individual Soldier’s use of the M9 service pistol. This training circular provides specific information about the weapon, aiming devices, attachments, followed by sequential chapters on the tactical employment of the weapon system.

The training circular itself is purposely organized in a progressive manner, each chapter or appendix building on the information from the previous section. This organization provides a logical sequence of information which directly supports the Army’s training strategy for the weapon at the individual level.

Chapters 1 through 4 describe safety, operation, types of sights, and accessories associated with the M9 service pistol. General information is provided in the chapters of the manual, with more advanced information placed in appendix A, Ammunition, and appendix B, Ballistics.

Chapters 5 through 9 provide the employment, stability, aiming, control and movement information. This portion focuses on the Solider skills needed to produce well-aimed shots. Advanced engagement concepts are provided in appendix C of this publication. Appendix D of this publication provides common tactical drills that are used in training and combat that directly support tactical engagements.

This manual does not cover the specific M9 service pistol training strategy, ammunition requirements for the training strategy, qualification, or range operations. These areas will be covered in separate training circulars. The training strategy through qualification can be found in TC 3-20.40, Training and Qualification – Individual Weapons.

TC 3-23.35 applies to all Soldiers, regardless of experience or position. This publication is designed specifically for the Soldier’s use on the range during training and as a reference while deployed.