lock & load

Question
Dave-Exactly what does "lock & load" mean.  If I place a magazine in my pistol is that "lock"?  If I chambering a round is that "load"?
Thanks-Dan

Answer
Dan,

There is not direct correlation between the saying "Lock and Load" and modern weapons.
It stems from the Percussion rifle and pistol such as used in the Civil War.

The "Load" is obvious but the "Lock" came from the term used for the hammer and trigger on these weapons.  The Trigger, "Locked" the hammer to the rear.  Hammers were always locked during loading, so that once the powder and projectile was rammed into the barrel, the soldier could place the percussion cap over the nipple and be ready to fire.  

The recognized method of firing a Percussion weapon was to fire, then "Lock" the hammer, discard the cap, blow into the barrel, move it away from your face and pour in the new charge, start the bullet and ram it home, replace the ram rod, bring the weapon back up into a ready position, install a new cap, and fire.  I think cocking the weapon and removing the spent cap prior to loading was probably a safety measure, as was blowing into the barrel.  Many times, after repeated firings, there would be powder residue in the breech and it might have a glowing ember.  By "Locking" the weapon with the hammer back and removing the spent cap, the barrel was allowed to vent some before the new charge was poured.  That's another reason for holding the muzzle away from your face when pouring powder.  I would imagine many inexperienced shooters gained unwanted experience when they bent over the muzzle to watch the fresh powder charge pour into the barrel only for it to find one of those smoldering embers from the last shot.  OUCH.

Anyway, the terms have carried over to today, but are seldom used as formal instruction on the range by the military and law enforcement range officers.
If it has any relationship to modern weapons such as yours, it might be to "Lock" the slide to the rear, then "Load" the magazine.  Or as you suggested, "Lock" the magazine in place, then "Load" the chamber with a live round.  With a revolver?  I haven't got the faintest idea.
On the range, I used the instruction, "With full magazine, load and holster".  Or "With six rounds, load and holster" if it was a revolver.  I think the military doesn't formally use Lock and Load any more either except in slang.

Oh, The term "Lock, Stock and Barrel" comes from the flint and percussion weapons also.  Meaning, the entire piece or everything.

good luck, shoot safe,
dave miller
deltona, florida