As a responsible gun owner, it’s crucial to know how to properly handle and maintain your firearm. One aspect of this is being able to recognize and fix common handgun malfunctions, as this could be the difference between life and death in a self-defense situation. In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview of the three most common handgun malfunctions and offer solutions for fixing them.
The three most common handgun malfunctions are failure to feed (FTF), failure to eject (FTE), and stovepipe. FTF occurs when the slide fails to pick up and load the next round into the chamber. FTE occurs when the spent casing fails to eject from the chamber. Stovepipe occurs when the spent casing becomes stuck in the ejection port, creating a “stovepipe” shape.
By the end of this post, you will be able to recognize these malfunctions and know how to fix them using proven techniques such as “Tap, Rack, Bang” and checking the magazine, chamber, extractor, and recoil spring. By taking the time to learn how to handle malfunctions, you can ensure that your firearm is always reliable and ready to use when you need it most.
Failure to Feed (FTF)
Failure to feed (FTF) is a common malfunction that occurs when the slide fails to pick up and load the next round into the chamber. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation if you are relying on your firearm for self-defense. Fortunately, there are a few common causes of FTF and some simple steps you can take to fix the issue.
The most common cause of FTF is a problem with the magazine. This could be due to an improperly seated magazine or a worn out or damaged spring. Another possible cause is a dirty or obstructed chamber, which can prevent the next round from being loaded.
To fix an FTF malfunction, you can follow a few basic steps. The first is to use the “Tap, Rack, Bang” technique. This involves tapping the magazine to ensure it’s seated properly, racking the slide to clear any obstructions and load the next round, and then firing the gun. If this doesn’t work, you should check the magazine to make sure it’s not damaged and that the spring is still in good condition. If the magazine is in good shape, then the next step is to clear any obstructions in the chamber. You can do this by removing the magazine, locking the slide back, and visually inspecting the chamber for any obstructions. If you see something blocking the chamber, use a cleaning rod or other tool to remove it.
By following these simple steps, you can quickly and safely fix an FTF malfunction and get your firearm back in working order. Remember to always follow proper safety protocols and handle your firearm with care to prevent accidents or injuries.
Failure to Eject (FTE)
Failure to eject (FTE) is a common handgun malfunction that occurs when a spent casing fails to eject from the chamber. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty or damaged chamber, an obstruction in the barrel, or a faulty extractor. FTE can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if you are relying on your firearm for self-defense. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix an FTE malfunction.
The first step in fixing an FTE malfunction is to use the “Tap, Rack, Bang” technique. This involves tapping the magazine to ensure it’s seated properly, racking the slide to clear any obstructions, and then firing the gun. If this doesn’t work, the next step is to clear the chamber. To do this, you should remove the magazine, lock the slide back, and visually inspect the chamber for any obstructions or spent casings. If you see anything blocking the chamber, use a cleaning rod or other tool to remove it.
If neither of these steps resolves the issue, the next step is to check the extractor. The extractor is the part of the firearm that pulls the spent casing out of the chamber and ejects it from the gun. If the extractor is dirty or damaged, it can cause FTE malfunctions. You can check the extractor by visually inspecting it to ensure it’s clean and free of damage. If you notice any issues, you may need to replace the extractor.
In summary, FTE malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty or damaged chamber, an obstruction in the barrel, or a faulty extractor. To fix an FTE malfunction, you should use the “Tap, Rack, Bang” technique, clear the chamber, and check the extractor. Remember to always follow proper safety protocols when handling firearms to prevent accidents or injuries.
Stovepipe
Stovepipes are a common handgun malfunction that occur when a spent casing gets trapped in the slide, causing a jam. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a weak recoil spring, a dirty or damaged chamber, or a problem with the magazine. Stovepipes can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if you are relying on your firearm for self-defense. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to fix a stovepipe malfunction.
The first step in fixing a stovepipe malfunction is to use the “Tap, Rack, Bang” technique. This involves tapping the magazine to ensure it’s seated properly, racking the slide to clear any obstructions, and then firing the gun. If this doesn’t work, the next step is to clear the jam. To do this, you should lock the slide back and remove the magazine. Then, use your fingers or a tool to remove the spent casing that’s causing the jam.
If neither of these steps resolves the issue, the next step is to check the recoil spring. The recoil spring is responsible for absorbing the recoil of the firearm and helping to cycle the slide. If the recoil spring is weak or damaged, it can cause stovepipe malfunctions. You can check the recoil spring by removing the slide and inspecting the spring for any damage or wear. If you notice any issues, you may need to replace the recoil spring.
In summary, stovepipe malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors, including a weak recoil spring, a dirty or damaged chamber, or a problem with the magazine. To fix a stovepipe malfunction, you should use the “Tap, Rack, Bang” technique, clear the jam, and check the recoil spring. Remember to always follow proper safety protocols when handling firearms to prevent accidents or injuries.
In conclusion, there are three common handgun malfunctions that you should know how to fix: Failure to Feed (FTF), Failure to Eject (FTE), and Stovepipes. These malfunctions can be caused by a variety of factors, but they can all be resolved by following a few basic steps.
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