Identifying and Clearing Malfunctions

Firearm malfunctions can occur unexpectedly and must be handled quickly and correctly to ensure safety and reliability. Security officers must be familiar with common malfunctions, their causes, and the proper clearing procedures. A malfunctioning firearm can mean the difference between life and death in a critical situation, so understanding how to diagnose and correct these issues is essential.

Types of Firearm Malfunctions and How to Clear Them

✔ Failure to Fire – Occurs when the trigger is pulled, but the firearm does not discharge. This can be caused by a faulty primer, an improperly seated round, or a misfire. Clearing Procedure: 1. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 2. Wait a few seconds in case of a delayed ignition (hang fire). 3. Tap the bottom of the magazine to ensure it is properly seated. 4. Rack the slide back to eject the faulty round and chamber a new one. 5. Assess the situation and re-engage if necessary.

✔ Failure to Eject (Stovepipe Malfunction) – Occurs when the spent casing does not fully eject and gets stuck in the ejection port, resembling a stovepipe. This can be caused by weak ammunition, improper grip, or a dirty firearm. Clearing Procedure: 1. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 2. Tilt the firearm slightly to the side to allow gravity to assist in clearing the obstruction. 3. Use your support hand to swipe the casing out of the ejection port. 4. Tap the magazine to ensure proper seating. 5. Rack the slide to chamber a new round. 6. Assess and continue as necessary.

✔ Failure to Feed – Occurs when a round fails to enter the chamber. This can result from a faulty magazine, dirty feed ramps, or improperly seated ammunition. Clearing Procedure: 1. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 2. Tap the magazine to ensure it is fully inserted. 3. Rack the slide back to chamber a round. 4. If the issue persists, switch to a backup magazine if available.

✔ Double Feed – Occurs when two rounds attempt to enter the chamber simultaneously, preventing the firearm from cycling properly. Clearing Procedure: 1. Lock the slide to the rear to relieve pressure. 2. Remove the magazine and clear both rounds from the chamber. 3. Rack the slide multiple times to ensure the chamber is clear. 4. Insert a new magazine, rack the slide, and reassess.

✔ Squib Load – A dangerous malfunction where a round does not have enough force to exit the barrel, leaving the bullet lodged inside. Firing another round can cause catastrophic damage to the firearm and serious injury. Clearing Procedure: 1. Stop shooting immediately. 2. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. 3. Unload the firearm and inspect the barrel for obstructions. 4. Do not attempt to fire again until the firearm has been properly cleared by a gunsmith.

Best Practices for Preventing Malfunctions

✔ Keep your firearm clean and well-maintained. ✔ Use high-quality, duty-approved ammunition. ✔ Ensure magazines are in good condition and free from debris. ✔ Train regularly to develop muscle memory for clearing malfunctions quickly. ✔ Always perform a function check after cleaning and reassembling your firearm.

Security officers must be prepared to handle malfunctions under stress. Practicing malfunction drills regularly will build confidence and improve reaction time, ensuring that the firearm remains a reliable tool in any situation.