Handgun Malfunctions Flashcards
Hang Fire
A delay in the propellant being ignited. procedure is to keep the firearm pointed down range for at least 30-60 seconds. This will ensure propellant won’t be ignited. After that time has passed, you should clear the firearm of the dud and drop it in some water as a precaution.
Squib Load
Squib Load is an extremely dangerous type of malfunction. This occurs when a bullet does not have enough force to exit the barrel, instead getting lodged inside the barrel. If this happens and you were to fire a second round, the second round would run directly into the first round inside of the barrel, causing the barrel to either bulge or break apart. This can lead to serious injury and even death. The dead giveaway of a squib load is this: It doesn’t sound like a normal shot being fired and may be much quieter or muffled in sound. If something doesn’t sound right, clear your firearm and check your barrel for any obstructions. *Note: DO NOT look down your barrel. Find something that won’t scratch your barrel, such as a pencil, to place inside the barrel to ensure that is indeed clear.
Failure To Feed
A Failure to Feed (FTF) is when a firearm fails to feed the next round into the firing chamber. This can happen due to many reasons. To identify a FTF, your slide will not be all the way forward (not in full battery), because the cartridge has not traveled the distance needed to become chambered. To correct this, clear your firearm by removing the magazine first, and then the round (which will likely drop down the magazine well once the slide is locked back).
Stove Pipe
A Stovepipe occurs when the spent cartridge fails to be ejected properly, causing it to get trapped vertically in the ejection port. This malfunction typically occurs by not holding the firearm correctly, or “limp wristing”. If you experience this type of malfunction, clear your firearm by first removing the magazine, and then locking your slide back to expel the cartridge.
