FALCUNIT, KRISTIAN C.

BS-CRIMINOLOGY 2-2

“5 TYPES OF PISTOL MALFUNCTION/SEMI AUTOMATIC AND HOW TO ADDRESS IT”

Handling pistol malfunctions in a semi-automatic firearm is crucial for firearm owners to ensure safety
and reliability. Here are some common pistol malfunctions and how to address them:

1. Failure to Feed (FTF):

- Symptoms: The slide does not move forward to chamber a new round.

- Causes: Faulty magazine, improper ammunition, or a dirty/damaged feed ramp.

- Solution: Tap the bottom of the magazine to ensure it's seated, rack the slide to chamber a new
round, and resume firing.

2. Failure to Eject (FTE) or Extract:

- Symptoms: The spent casing does not properly eject from the firearm.

- Causes: Weak extractor, dirty or damaged chamber, or issues with the ejector mechanism.

- Solution: Perform an immediate action drill by tapping the bottom of the magazine, racking the slide,
and reassessing.

3. Double Feed:

- Symptoms: Two rounds attempting to enter the chamber simultaneously.

- Causes: Faulty magazine, weak magazine spring, or a malfunctioning extractor.

- Solution: Perform a "tap, rack, assess" drill. Tap the bottom of the magazine, rack the slide, and
assess the situation.

4. Stovepipe Jam:

- Symptoms: Spent casing caught in the ejection port, standing vertically.

- Causes: Weak ejection, dirty chamber, or a worn-out extractor.

 - Solution: Perform an immediate action drill by tapping the bottom of the magazine, racking the slide,
and reassessing.

5. Misfire:

- Symptoms: The trigger is pulled, but the firearm does not discharge.

- Causes: Defective primer, faulty ammunition, or issues with the firing pin.

- Solution: Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, wait a few seconds (in case of a hangfire), tap
the bottom of the magazine, rack the slide, and reassess.

It's essential to practice these malfunction drills regularly in a safe environment, such as a shooting
range, to ensure quick and effective responses. Additionally, proper firearm maintenance and using
quality ammunition can help prevent malfunctions. Always prioritize safety and follow established
firearm safety rules when handling firearms.