Types of Pistol Malfunctions (and what to do) A @cbrnart Basics Guide Type of Malfunction: Light Strike or Unseated Magazine Symptoms: Gun fully in battery, 'dead man's click' Step 1: Firmly strike bottom of magazine with palm of hand Step 2: Rack and release ('slingshot') the slide to chamber a fresh round Step 3: Malfunction Cleared Note: This method is often known as 'tap, rack, bang' If you simply had a light strike and the magazine is properly seated, striking the base of the magazine is unnecessary. Still, it is better to be safe than sorry if 'you are unsure of the issue. Type of Malfunction: Slide Out of Battery aii sii Symptoms: Gun slightly out of battery, 'dead man's click' or mushy/ dead trigger Step 1: Rack and release the slide to chamber a fresh round Step 2: Malfunction Cleared Note: Usually, simply tapping the slide back into battery works- usually with a thumb, fist or palm on the back of the slide. This is a common malfunction, generally from dirt, debris, worn springs, or friction along slide. Losing a round may be wasteful, but racking the slide to account for uncertainties and reset the trigger is a good habit in case of any unknown factors. Type of Malfunction: Failure to Eject: Stovepipe Symptoms: Failed extraction of round, slide cannot return to battery due to stuck brass Step 1: Sweep stuck casing out of the way Step 2: Tap rear of slide to ensure pistol is in battery Step 3: Malfunction Cleared Note: There are slower and more methodical ways of doing this. A more traditional method is the method shown for the next malfunction. Type of Malfunction: Failure to Extract: Brass Stuck in Chamber Symptoms: Round failed to be extracted, slide stuck in rearward position due to next round in magazine. Reduced travel of slide Step 1: Lock slide to rear to take tension off magazine - or Depress Magazine Release and Rip out Mag Step 2: Remove magazine (if it has not been done already) Step 3: Reinsert magazine, then Rack in new round Step 4 Malfunction Note: 'The brass failing to extract malfunction is usually caused by worn parts and should be diagnosed after the fact. I've included both methods here to account for hand strength. Generally, ripping the magazine out is faster. - iFunny
