What is the recommended immediate action for a failure to eject?

What is the recommended immediate action for a failure to eject?

• A. Tap, rack, inspect.
• B. Pull the slide and release the magazine.
• C. Hold the trigger and tap the grip.
• D. Shake the firearm to free the spent cartridge.

Answer: (A)

When a pistol experiences a failure to eject, the immediate-action drill is designed to quickly clear the common causes and get the weapon back to a functional state. The best course is to tap, rack, inspect. Tap the bottom of the magazine or the slide to ensure the magazine is seated and to dislodge any minor obstruction that may be preventing the cartridge from moving freely. Then rack the slide firmly to eject the spent cartridge and chamber a new round. Finally inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm there’s no obstruction, misfeed, or improper seating that would keep the firearm from cycling normally. This sequence addresses the typical reasons for a failure to eject—an imperfectly seated round, a weak or dirty magazine, or a slight obstruction in the feed path—without relying on uncontrolled or unsafe actions. If the problem persists after these steps, follow proper safety procedures to clear the firearm and re-check the condition before continuing.

When a pistol experiences a failure to eject, the immediate-action drill is designed to quickly clear the common causes and get the weapon back to a functional state. The best course is to tap, rack, inspect. Tap the bottom of the magazine or the slide to ensure the magazine is seated and to dislodge any minor obstruction that may be preventing the cartridge from moving freely. Then rack the slide firmly to eject the spent cartridge and chamber a new round. Finally inspect the chamber and magazine to confirm there’s no obstruction, misfeed, or improper seating that would keep the firearm from cycling normally.

This sequence addresses the typical reasons for a failure to eject—an imperfectly seated round, a weak or dirty magazine, or a slight obstruction in the feed path—without relying on uncontrolled or unsafe actions. If the problem persists after these steps, follow proper safety procedures to clear the firearm and re-check the condition before continuing.