A biopsy device is configured wherein a first retraction of a charge handle moves a cannula slide and a sampling slide in unison to charge a sampling spring, to latch the sampling slide to retain the sampling spring in a charged state, and to charge a vacuum system. A second retraction of the charge handle occurs, and a return of the charge handle to the home position moves the cannula slide in a distal direction away from the sampling slide to charge the cannula retract spring and to latch the cannula slide to retain the cannula retract spring in a charged state. A third retraction of the charge handle moves the carriage assembly as a whole in the proximal direction to charge the prime pierce spring and to latch the carriage latch cover member to retain the prime pierce spring in a charged state.
