

If you cant the pistol slightly to the left, you'll be able to see if the slide is completely forward. A popular tweak to this technique is to rotate the pistol to the right- toward the ejection port- so gravity will help clear the spent casings or bad rounds from the pistol.Īfter tapping the magazine and racking the slide, quickly assess the condition of your pistol and the threat. Riding the slide decelerates the slide's forward movement and could prevent the pistol from going back into battery. When you release the slide, allow your non-dominant hand to strike your chest to confirm you don't ride the slide as it travels forward. To ensure the slide travels completely rearward and therefore has the most spring tension to drive it back into battery, at the same time push forward on the grip with your dominant hand. Racking the slide is easier with the momentum generated by a quick, aggressive cycling action. Grip established, rack the slide forcefully to the rear. You need to cycle the action to ensure any obstruction in the chamber is cleared and a new round is fed. Merely tapping the magazine won’t enable you to fire the pistol.Īlthough this is an important first step, merely tapping the magazine won't enable you to fire the pistol. "Tapping" the magazine will help ensure it's locked in place. The rationale is that the malfunction may have been caused by the magazine not being fully seated in the magazine well. The first step to clearing most malfunctions is to release your grip with your non-dominant hand and use your palm to slam the bottom of the magazine. When pressing the trigger of your pistol produces a "click" instead of a "bang," it's time to employ the immediate-action technique, also known as "tap, rack, assess." There are a few ways to accomplish this, but they all share some common traits. After all, lives may depend on your ability to fix your gun and get back in the fight.
Gun jam types how to#
When your pistol malfunctions during a range session, do you stop and look at it, dumbfounded? Do you set your pistol down and raise your hand for assistance because you aren't sure how to remedy the problem? These are common reactions for a new shooter, but if you're going to carry a pistol or keep one in the home for defensive purposes, you need to be your gun's emergency roadside mechanic.
