Handgun Malfunctions

It is a sickening feeling when you pull the trigger and all you hear is a click.  Sometimes there is a problem with the weapon but more often there is a problem with the ammunition.  Here are the 3 types of ammunition malfunctions.  When one of these happen resist the temptation to immediately looking at the gun to find out what went wrong. 

Misfire

This is the problem described above where nothing happens but the click.  The actual definition is when the cartridge fails to fire after being struck by the firing pin.  There are 3 possible causes of this condition.  One is that the primer in the cartridge is bad and would never fire.  Another is that the hammer spring is weak.  A third possibility is that the firing pin is damaged but still contacting the primer.  If there is no contact from the firing pin the pin is likely broken.  These last conditions will require the attention of a gunsmith. 

Hangfire

This is the condition where the cartridge actually fires sometime after the firing pin has struck the primer.  This condition can only be a problem with the ammunition

Squib Load

This condition is from the development of less than normal pressure or velocity.  You may notice a softer bang, reduced recoil, or reduced muzzle flash. 

Any of these malfunctions are unnerving when they happen.  Don't panic.  Follow the directions on the next page to safely evaluate what to do.