What action should be taken if a weapon fails to fire?

If a weapon fails to fire, the appropriate action is to check for a misfire or a squib load. A misfire occurs when the primer fails to ignite, and it can pose a serious safety risk if the shooter attempts to fire the weapon again without first ensuring it is safe. A squib load is when an insufficient charge of powder is fired, often resulting in a bullet getting stuck in the barrel.

By checking for these issues, the shooter can prevent a potentially dangerous situation where the next round is chambered and fired without realizing the previous bullet did not exit the barrel. This critical safety check helps to assess whether the weapon is still operational and if there is any immediate danger, such as an obstruction in the barrel. Prioritizing safety when dealing with a failure to fire is essential to avoid accidents and injuries on the range or in any shooting scenario.