Misfire vs hang fire safety: which statement is correct?

Misfire vs hang fire safety: which statement is correct?

• A. A misfire is a delayed ignition; a hang fire is no ignition; treat as misfire and maintain muzzle downrange for a safe count before cycling.
• B. Misfire is no ignition; a hang fire is a delayed ignition; treat as misfire and maintain muzzle downrange for a safe count before cycling.
• C. Misfire and hang fire are the same phenomenon.
• D. Misfire is a delayed ignition; a hang fire is no ignition.

Answer: (B)

Understanding the difference between a misfire and a hang fire and the safe handling for each is what this item tests. A misfire means the primer did not ignite the powder, so nothing fires. A hang fire means the primer ignited but the main charge delayed ignition. In either case, you keep the muzzle pointed downrange and wait a safe count before cycling or clearing the action to avoid injury from a delayed discharge. That is why the choice that defines misfire as no ignition and hang fire as delayed ignition and prescribes waiting with the muzzle downrange is the best one.

Understanding the difference between a misfire and a hang fire and the safe handling for each is what this item tests. A misfire means the primer did not ignite the powder, so nothing fires. A hang fire means the primer ignited but the main charge delayed ignition. In either case, you keep the muzzle pointed downrange and wait a safe count before cycling or clearing the action to avoid injury from a delayed discharge. That is why the choice that defines misfire as no ignition and hang fire as delayed ignition and prescribes waiting with the muzzle downrange is the best one.