What should be done if a firearm misfires?

When a firearm misfires, the immediate action to take is to unload and inspect the firearm. This step is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing any further incidents. A misfire typically occurs when a cartridge fails to fire properly due to issues such as a faulty primer, seizing of the firing pin, or other mechanical failures. Unloading the firearm allows the shooter to inspect the chamber and identify the cause of the misfire without any risk of an accidental discharge.

By inspecting the firearm, the user can determine whether the misfired cartridge can be safely removed or if there are any other issues that need to be addressed. It is important to wait a minimum of 30 seconds after a misfire before attempting to open the action or remove the cartridge, as there is a possibility of a delayed ignition if the primer was weakly struck. Taking these precautions minimizes the risk of injury or further complications, underscoring the importance of adherence to safety protocols in handling firearms.