Proper gun handling involves more than just knowing the four safety rules. Every aspect of owning and using a gun demands attention to safety. This includes cleaning, carrying, storage, etc. Today’s guide is about malfunction clearance, and it discusses the four types of gun malfunctions, what causes them, what clearance drills to do in what situation, and the tips for gun inspection and maintenance. Remember, reading about these practices online can’t replace real experience. So make sure to check out our pistol courses after you finish the article.
Table of Contents
Why Gun Malfunctions Happen
Despite modern advancements in firearm technology and manufacturing that have made guns and ammunition more reliable than ever before, malfunctions can still occur. It’s crucial for gun owners to understand that these issues often stem from factors beyond the inherent quality of the firearm or ammunition. A primary cause can be the condition of the firearm itself; a gun that isn’t regularly cleaned can account for around 90% of firearm malfunctions. You should also pay attention to the state of individual components such as magazines, springs, and extractors. Recognizing the common causes of malfunctions, gun owners can take proactive steps to prevent them. So here are the most typical reasons:
- Ammunition Issues: Using incorrect or subpar ammunition can cause misfires or jams.
- Dirty or Poorly Maintained Firearm: Dirt, carbon build-up, or debris can hinder operational functionality.
- Mechanical Problems: Components that are worn or broken, such as springs or extractors, can lead to malfunctions.
- Improper Handling: Incorrect loading or firing techniques often result in jams or misfeeds.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme environmental conditions, including temperature and moisture, can affect performance.
- Magazine Problems: Malfunctions can arise from damaged or improperly seated magazines, leading to feeding issues.
Common Types of Gun Malfunctions
The four major types of firearm malfunctions are misfire, misfeed, failure to extract, and failure to eject.
What is Misfire (Failure to Fire)?
A misfire occurs when a firearm fails to discharge upon pulling the trigger. Faulty ammunition, issues with the primer, and a weakened firing pin can cause a gun to misfire. Although this is increasingly rare due to improved ammunition quality, it still may occur, especially with rimfire firearms and hand-loaded ammo.
The subtypes of misfire include failure to fire, hangfire (when the gun is delayed in fire after the trigger is pulled), and pop fire (when you pull the trigger, but instead of a shot, you hear a slight pop and feel no recoil)
How to Fix Misfire in a Pistol
In a non-defensive situation:
- Keep the gun pointed downrange for at least one minute – this will reduce the risk of an unexpected discharge.
- After a minute, remove the round from the chamber and unload the gun.
- Inspect the primer on the unfired round. A well-defined indentation suggests the round is defective, whereas a shallow mark may indicate an issue with the firing pin not striking with sufficient force.
- Should the latter be the case, disassemble the firing pin assembly and give it a thorough cleaning.
- If this doesn’t resolve the issue, replacing the striker or hammer spring may be necessary to restore full functionality.
In a defensive situation, do the Tap-Rack-Bang drill:
- Slap the bottom of the magazine to ensure it’s seated.
- Forcefully rack the slide to eject the round.
- Get back on target and fire immediately.
What is Misfeed (Failure to Feed)?
Failure to feed happens when a cartridge doesn’t fully enter the chamber. Misfeeds in semi-automatic firearms are often due to damaged magazine feed lips, weak mag springs, and dirt or grease accumulation around the chamber, as well as improperly seated magazines or faulty cartridges.
How to Fix Failure to Feed in a Pistol
Check if the magazine causes the failure to feed malfunction:
- Remove the magazine and clear the chamber completely.
- Inspect the magazine. Ensure the feed lips are not damaged and check the spring tension. A weak or damaged magazine can often be the root cause of misfeeds, as it may fail to position cartridges correctly for chambering.
- Re-insert the magazine and attempt to chamber a round.
- If failures persist, confirm the gun is mechanically sound.
Addressing the shooter error:
- Midfeed can be caused by improper grip or the shooter’s interference with the slide operation.
- During initial loading, make sure the slide is fully retracted before release to ensure proper chambering.
- Maintain a firm grip when shooting to avoid “limp-wristing” and prevent energy loss in the wrist, allowing the slide to cycle properly.
What is Failure to Extract?
This malfunction occurs when the firearm cannot remove the spent cartridge from the chamber, leading to a jam as a new round tries to load, or a double feed, when a new round is simultaneously fed into the chamber. It can be caused by a damaged extractor claw, dirty extractor, failed extractor spring, or ammunition that falls outside the standard specifications (SAAMI specs).
How to Fix Failure to Extract in a Pistol
- Remove the magazine, pulling the magazine while pressing the mag release if needed, and clear the chamber of any unfired rounds (two if you face double-feed).
- Rack the slide 2-3 times forcefully to extract and eject casings.
- If stuck, use a cleaning rod or similar tool to push the spent cartridge out from the front of the barrel.
- Before shooting again, clean the chamber and extractor thoroughly. After cleaning, inspect the extractor: if damaged or loose, turn to a gunsmith for replacement.
- The malfunction might be due to out-of-spec ammunition. In this case, avoid using rounds from that box.
What is Failure to Eject?
Often called a “stovepipe,” this malfunction occurs when a spent cartridge becomes trapped in the ejection port, usually sticking upright. Reasons include a dirty or corroded chamber, or a poor grip by the shooter, which can prevent full cycling of the slide.
How to Fix Failure to Eject in a Pistol
In case of a failure to eject, do the Tap Rack Bang drill, like when dealing with a dud round.
- Slap the bottom of the magazine to ensure it’s seated.
- Rotate the pistol slightly so the ejection port is angled toward the ground and forcefully rack the slide to eject the spent cartridge and chamber a new round.
- Aim the gun safely downrange and pull the trigger.
Proper Gun Cleaning & Lubing to Minimize Firearm Malfunctions
At this point, you understand how important it is to keep your firearm clean and maintained to prevent the residue buildup, or “crud,” hindering your pistol’s operation. The crud in areas like the breech, chamber, or magazine can impact firing and cycling. When debris sits on parts like the breech face, feed ramp, or extractor groove, it can prevent proper cartridge chambering and lead to issues like light-firing pin strikes or misfeeds.
How Often to Clean Your Gun
The first thing you need to do is establish a routine for cleaning and lubricating your pistol. It’s generally advised to clean your gun after each use, especially for rimfire pistols and rifles, which are more prone to residue buildup. Carry pistols should be cleaned and inspected about once a month, while hunting firearms should be cleaned at the start and end of the hunting season.
Ultimately, the best schedule for cleaning depends on the specific use. Some owners clean after every 500 to 1,000 rounds, whereas others may extend that to 2-5K.
It’s also important to remember that lubrication should be done more often than cleaning. For instance, you may lube every 500 rounds and clean every 1,000 rounds.
How to Clean a Pistol to Avoid Malfunctions
Clean the chamber:
- Using a bore brush bent into an “L” shape, ensuring the short leg matches the length of a spent case – this will help to avoid getting the brush into the rifling.
- Insert the brush and move it back and forth to loosen carbon or lead buildup.
- Then, use a Q-Tip to remove the debris before running a patch through the bore.
Clean the bore:
- Use a nylon brush and cleaner. Never use a metal brush in the bore.
- Never clean from the muzzle to prevent damaging the crown which would adversely affect accuracy.
- For a quick pass through the bore, use a pull-through device crafted from a nylon string. For a deeper clean, use a jag from the breech end.
Clean the slide assembly:
- Use a nylon brush and cleaner.
- Remove the slide from the frame to clean the bottom and face of the breech block.
- Clean underneath the extractor, inside of the slide, recoil spring guide, and the recoil spring.
Clean the frame:
- Use a toothbrush and Q-Tips to clean around the locking insert and down in the bottom of the frame and into the mag well. Also, clean the front and rear rails, the back end of the frame around the ejector, the slide catch lever, the decocking lever, and the back around the hammer.
- Be cautious around the slide stop to avoid damaging the small hairspring.
- Avoid immersing the frame or washing it with solvent sprays to protect the factory lubrication of the sear and hammer, which ensures their longevity. Only a qualified gunsmith should immerse the frame during a complete teardown of the pistol, as relubrication of the sear and hammer requires their removal. Also, don’t lube the striker.
- For oiling, apply oil with a Q-Tip to the contact areas between the frame and slide rather than directly from the bottle.
- Use minimal lubrication to prevent attracting contaminants, as excessive lube can cause wear and is not meant to enhance function but to prevent wear.
Clean the magazine:
- Disassemble the magazine and use a nylon bore brush to remove accumulated debris and lube.
- Rinse the magazines with solvent to ensure all residue is cleaned out.
- Apply a light coat of oil using a Q-Tip to finish the cleaning process.
- Inspect the follower button track for chatter marks, which may indicate the need for replacement.
Lube the pistol:
- You must lube your gun after it has been cleaned.
- Lube the barrel sparingly with good gun oil, such as CLP, Breakfree, etc.; 2-3 drops on the barrel are sufficient.
- Apply 2-3 drops of oil on the frame rails until it’s wet to the look.
Reassemble the pistol:
- Following the factory recommendation, place the barrel into the slide assembly, making sure it falls into place.
- Then, reassemble the recoil guide rod and recoil spring. Make sure, they are firmly reassembled to prevent them from flying off.
- Turn it over holding it in your left hand. Allow the slide to glide back onto the receiver.
- Pushing the slide straight back.
- Work the slide back and forth a few times to be sure it’s functioning properly.
Inspect your pistol:
Inspect your firearm periodically. Before inspection, make sure the gun and the magazine are empty.
Taking a Closer Look at Gun Malfunctions Causes
Ammunition
While there are standardized dimensions set by organizations like the SAAMI or CIP, cartridge designs still slightly vary within the set standard. These minor variations should generally not affect performance if your firearm is properly chambered. However, there are a couple of factors related to ammunition that can lead to malfunctions.
Firstly, consider the shoulder-to-rim length and your pistol’s chamber length. Some manufacturers may design pistols with slightly shorter chambers to improve accuracy. If a bullet’s shoulder is too long for a short chamber, it may not fit properly, preventing the bolt from fully closing and resulting in a misfire. So if your pistol misfires frequently, consider opting for another ammo manufacturer.
Another ammunition-related issue could be the use of ammo hand-loaded light to minimize recoil. If too light, it can lead to stovepipe malfunctions. The issue can be resolved by changing the recoil spring to a lighter one.
Defective primers can also cause issues. If the primer isn’t fully seated so that the anvil makes solid contact, a firing pin may fail to ignite it, leading to a malfunction known as a “click.”
Particularly with .22LR and other rimfire cartridges, misfires can happen due to the nature of the primer compound. If you see a round with a good firing pin strike but no discharge, it’s typically the ammunition’s fault rather than the pistol’s.
Magazine
Over time, the magazine feed lips, and the spring can wear out, potentially leading to misfeeds and misfires. If the feed lips fail to securely hold the round, the bullet’s nose can misalign, taking an upward angle that prevents it from chambering correctly; this can lead to a “tip-up” malfunction. Additionally, a weak magazine spring may not adequately push the rounds into position, causing them to bounce loosely.
Regularly inspecting your magazines by ensuring the feed lips are not damaged or bent and the spring has the right tension can significantly reduce misfeed malfunctions and enhance the reliability of your firearm during use.
Extractor & Ejector
When the extractor doesn’t hold an empty case properly, it might not hit the ejector at the right angle, preventing it from leaving the ejection port smoothly. This can cause the case to spin incorrectly and stop the next round from feeding into the chamber. Replacing a worn or misaligned extractor often fixes this. The ejector is also crucial for proper operation. If it’s loose, it might put uneven resistance on the bolt, leading to ejection issues. A bent or damaged ejector can also affect how cases are extracted. Regularly check the extractor and ejector to ensure they are in good condition.
Recoil Guide Rod & Spring
Over time, the guide rod might get rusty or damaged, which can increase friction and make the slide move less smoothly. This can cause problems with feeding or ejecting cartridges. To mitigate these issues, check the guide rod regularly for any damage. Similarly, the recoil spring will wear out as it’s compressed and used. As it ages, it might not move the slide as effectively. Simply replacing the spring with a new one can fix misfeeding.
Don't Dry-fire Rimfire Guns
You must never dry fire .22 caliber guns. Period. The problem is that the travel on firing pins in rimfire guns is longer and can hit the metal edge of the chamber if there’s no round. This repeated impact can damage the chamber’s edge, making it harder for bullets to load and casings to eject. To avoid these issues, use a dummy round or snap cap when dry-firing.
Pistol Malfunctions FAQ
A hangfire is a situation where there’s a delay between pulling the trigger and the discharge of the firearm, typically caused by a delay in the ignition of the propellant.
A misfire happens when the firing pin strikes the primer but the cartridge fails to discharge, often due to faulty ammunition or issues with the firearm.
If you suspect a hangfire, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction and do not attempt to open the action or remove the cartridge immediately. Wait at least 30-60 seconds to ensure it does not discharge unexpectedly before handling the firearm further.
Several factors can lead to a gun jamming, including dirt and debris in the action, worn or damaged parts, improper lubrication, or faulty ammunition. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent jams.
The three most common malfunctions are: 1. Failure to Fire (Misfire), when the cartridge doesn’t go off due to faulty ammunition or primer issues. 2. Failure to Extract, when the spent casing fails to leave the chamber, possibly due to an extractor problem. 3. Failure to Eject, when the spent casing isn’t expelled from the firearm, often caused by issues with the ejector or recoil mechanisms.
To check if a gun is clean, disassemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, inspect the bore, action, and chamber for dirt, residue, or corrosion, and ensure all moving parts are free of debris and well-lubricated.
How do you check if a gun is loaded? To check if a gun is loaded, point the firearm in a safe direction, engage the safety, and then open the action to visually inspect the chamber and magazine. Always ensure that the gun is unloaded before handling or cleaning.
A failure to feed can occur due to several factors, such as a worn-out magazine spring, dirty chamber, faulty recoil mechanism, or improper ammunition. Ensuring these components are in good condition can help prevent the issue.
When a gun doesn’t fire as expected, it is commonly referred to as a misfire.
When a gun misfires, keep it pointed in a safe direction. Wait a few seconds in case of a hangfire, then safely open the action to remove the cartridge and inspect both the ammunition and the firearm for any issues before attempting to fire again.
Clearing a jammed gun involves safely removing the magazine, meticulously clearing any obstructions, visually inspecting the chamber, and addressing mechanical issues or replacing worn components before reassembling and checking for proper function.