Malfunction Drills

Section 1 — Types of Malfunctions

Misfire: trigger is pulled, primer is struck, but the round does not fire. Cause: defective ammunition or a light primer strike. Hangfire: a delayed ignition — the round fires after a short delay following the trigger pull. This is why you wait 30 seconds before clearing a misfire.

Failure to feed: the next round does not chamber properly from the magazine. Cause: dirty magazine, damaged magazine lips, or limp-wristing. Failure to eject (stovepipe): a spent casing fails to fully eject and is caught in the ejection port. Visible as a casing sticking upward out of the slide. Double feed: two rounds attempt to enter the chamber simultaneously. One of the most serious malfunctions — requires a full clearance drill.

Section 2 — The Immediate Action Drill (TAP-RACK-ASSESS)

For most minor malfunctions (failure to feed, stovepipe), use the immediate action drill: TAP — firmly tap the base of the magazine to ensure it is fully seated. RACK — rack the slide fully rearward and release sharply to eject the malfunction and chamber a fresh round. ASSESS — assess the threat and the weapon — is it now functioning? Is the threat still present?

This drill should be practised until it is a reflex — in a real confrontation you will have no time to think.

Section 3 — Remedial Action — Double Feed Clearance

A double feed cannot be cleared with the immediate action drill. Full clearance procedure: lock the slide rearward; remove the magazine (may require force); rack the slide 2–3 times to clear both rounds; inspect the chamber visually and physically; reload a fresh magazine and rack the slide to chamber; assess the situation.

Section 4 — Misfire and Hangfire Procedure

Keep the weapon pointed downrange / in a safe direction. Wait a full 30 seconds — do not open the action during this period. After 30 seconds, carefully eject the round using the slide. Place the round in a designated container — never re-use it. Inspect the chamber before reloading.