Not all handguns are created equally. They vary drastically from price to performance and, of course, reliability. While most handguns are reliable, efficient tools, even the best brands can experience malfunctions at some point during use. Understanding how to clear different levels of malfunctions quickly and safely is essential for anyone. This blog will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and clear common handgun malfunctions, from simple issues to more complex ones. Let's dive into how to handle each of these issues.

Immediate Action Malfunctions

Immediate action malfunctions are those that occur suddenly and need to be addressed immediately. These typically fall under two categories: Failure to Feed and Failure to Eject.

Failure to Feed

A failure to feed occurs when a round doesn't load into the chamber properly. A dirty firearm, poor-quality ammo, or a weak recoil spring can cause this.

How to clear it:

• Step 1: Tap the magazine to ensure it's seated correctly in the mag well.
• Step 2: Rack the slide forcefully to eject any misfed round. This should clear the chamber.
• Step 3: Assess the situation. If needed, continue engaging your target.

If the gun does not fire, ensure the magazine is fully loaded and in good condition. A dirty firearm or faulty magazine can sometimes be the issue.

Failure to Eject (Stovepipe)

A stovepipe happens when a fired casing doesn't fully eject and gets stuck in the ejection port. Weak ammunition, dirty extractors, or an improper grip usually cause this. Thankfully, the steps listed above can generally fix this.

How to clear it:

• Step 1: Tap the magazine to ensure it's seated.
• Step 2: Rack the slide forcefully to remove the old round and replace it with a new one.
• Step 3: Assess the situation. If needed, continue engaging your target.

This issue is typically straightforward to resolve, but consider inspecting the extractor or replacing the recoil spring if it happens consistently.

Delayed Action Malfunctions

Delayed action malfunctions are less frequent but more complicated. These often occur due to issues with the recoil system or extractor spring, which may require more attention.

Double Feed

A double feed happens when two rounds are fed into the chamber simultaneously, preventing the gun from cycling correctly.

How to clear it:

• Step 1: Lock the slide to the rear.
• Step 2: Strip the magazine out of the firearm.
• Step 3: Manually remove the rounds from the chamber and magazine well.
• Step 4: Reinsert the magazine and rack the slide to chamber a fresh round.
• Step 5: Continue shooting.

A double feed often occurs when the magazine is damaged, the rounds are improperly seated, or the extractor is malfunctioning. You may want to inspect your magazine and extractor if it becomes a frequent issue.

Out of Battery Fire

An out-of-battery fire happens when the gun fires before the slide is fully forward and locked. This can be dangerous and is often caused by dirt or debris interfering with the slide's movement.

How to clear it:

• Step 1: Lock the slide to the rear.
• Step 2: Check for debris or obstructions in the slide or chamber.
• Step 3: Ensure the firearm is clean and the slide moves freely.
• Step 4: Reinsert the magazine, rack the slide, and fire.

Catastrophic Malfunctions

Catastrophic malfunctions are rare but extremely dangerous. These involve severe damage to the firearm and should always be handled cautiously.

Squib Load

A squib load occurs when a round is fired, but the projectile does not exit the barrel, typically because of a reduced or insufficient powder charge.

How to clear it:

• Step 1: Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
• Step 2: Check the barrel for any obstruction. If there's a squib, the bullet is still lodged in the barrel.
• Step 3: If a bullet is lodged in the barrel, immediately stop using the firearm and seek professional assistance. Never try to fire another round, as it could cause a catastrophic failure.

Broken Firearm Components

A broken firing pin, hammer, or recoil spring can cause a handgun to malfunction catastrophically. This is a rare situation, but it can happen with improper maintenance or wear and tear.

How to clear it:

• Step 1: Ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed safely away.
• Step 2: Inspect the components for visible damage. It's best to seek professional repair or replacement if a broken part is identified.
• Step 3: Do not attempt to fire the handgun until the issue is fixed.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

The best way to prevent malfunctions in the first place is through regular cleaning, maintenance, and proper handling. Periodically inspect your handgun for wear, clean the barrel and chamber, check the recoil spring, and replace worn parts as necessary.

Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a novice, knowing how to clear malfunctions and understand their reasons is crucial for safe and effective handgun use. Always remember to follow the Four Rules of Firearm Safety when dealing with malfunctions to ensure your safety and that of others around you.

By practicing your malfunction-clearing drills regularly, you'll be able to respond quickly and confidently if an issue arises while shooting.