What should you do if your firearm misfires?

When a firearm misfires, the most appropriate action is to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds. This is critical because sometimes, a misfire may be due to a hangfire, which is a delay in the ignition of the cartridge. Waiting allows any lingering ignition source to dissipate and reduces the risk of an accidental discharge if the round ignites after the trigger has been pulled.

It is essential to maintain safety by ensuring the firearm remains pointed in a safe direction during this waiting period. This action prioritizes the safety of the shooter and those around them.

Other approaches, such as opening the action immediately, may not provide the necessary safety precautions in the event of a hangfire. Firing another round to clear a misfire is extremely dangerous, as it could potentially cause an explosion if the original round ignites after another is fired. Switching to another firearm does not address the immediate issue and risks being unprepared if another misfire occurs. Thus, waiting in a safe position is the standard procedure to handle a misfire safely.