For the “Gunfighting” column in the August 2014 issue of COMBAT HANDGUNS, author Ben Cook examined several methods for quick malfunction clearances to keep your gun in the fight. The types of malfunctions addressed in the article included a failure to feed, a failure to eject, and a double feed.
Cook starts out by outlining the circumstances for a failure to feed malfunction. “The Type 1 malfunction is commonly referred to as a failure to feed or a failure to fire (FTF). The key symptom of a Type 1 is the dreaded click when you press the trigger. The common causes are (1) a failure to fully seat a magazine, which can result in the handgun not being able to load the chamber, and (2) a faulty cartridge, or ‘bad round,’ which can result when ammunition has been manufactured with defects. There are other reasons why you would get a Type 1 malfunction, but the above are by far the most common in a handgun that is otherwise operating properly.”
With the problem identified, Cook then proceeds by detailing how to clear the malfunction. “So you’ve pressed the trigger, and instead of the anticipated bang you hear a click,” says Cook. “(1) Bring your shooting arm’s elbow back to your ribcage; (2) while keeping the muzzle target-oriented, rotate the ejection port clockwise toward the ground; (3) using the palm of your off-hand, with your fingers pointing up, sharply smack the base of the magazine to ensure it is fully seated; (4) using an overhand grip, rip-rack the slide like you are trying to rip it off of the frame; and (5) reestablish your grip and drive your sights back on target. This is often referred to as a tap-rack.”
To read the full article on Super-Fast Malfunction Clearances , check out the August 2014 issue of COMBAT HANDGUNS, available on newsstands May 6, 2014. To subscribe, go to https://www.personaldefenseworld.com/subscribe/combat-handguns
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