misfeeding

Misfeeding refers to a malfunction where a firearm fails to properly chamber a new cartridge from its magazine into the chamber, or fails to extract a spent cartridge from the chamber. This can result in the firearm becoming inoperable until the condition is cleared. There are several common types of misfeeds, including stovepipes, where a spent casing is partially ejected but catches on the frame, and failure to feed, where a cartridge fails to make it into the chamber from the magazine.

Causes of misfeeding can be varied. Ammunition issues, such as improperly sized cartridges, damaged rims, or inconsistent powder charges, can lead to feeding problems. Magazine-related issues, such as worn or damaged magazines, improperly loaded ammunition, or incorrect magazine insertion, are also frequent culprits. Mechanical problems with the firearm itself, such as weak recoil springs, dirty or damaged internal components, or manufacturing defects, can also cause misfeeds.

Clearing a misfeed typically involves manually cycling the action of the firearm to remove the obstruction. This often involves ejecting the magazine, racking the slide or bolt to clear the chamber, and then reinserting the magazine and chambering a new round. Proper maintenance, using quality ammunition and magazines, and understanding the specific firearm's operation are key to minimizing misfeeds.