What is a misfire?

A misfire occurs when the primer fails to ignite or trigger the powder charge within the cartridge, preventing the bullet from being fired. This situation can arise due to various reasons, including manufacturing defects, moisture exposure, or wear and tear on the components of the cartridge. Understanding misfires is essential for anyone handling firearms, as they can lead to unsafe situations if not managed appropriately. Proper procedures must be followed to safely address a misfire, such as waiting a specific amount of time before opening the action to avoid potential hangfires, where a delayed ignition may occur. Recognizing that the primer's role is crucial in the ignition process helps clarify why a failure in this component results in a misfire.