Darren Wilson's Gun Went "Click...Click...Bang?"

Published on November 27, 2014
Duration: 4:30

This guide explains the 'out of battery' firearm malfunction, a critical concept for understanding self-defense scenarios. It details how this condition can prevent a semi-automatic pistol from firing, especially if the slide is manipulated. The explanation contrasts the behavior of striker-fired pistols like Glocks with hammer-fired DA/SA pistols like the Sig Sauer P229, demonstrating why the 'click...click...bang' testimony in the Darren Wilson incident is mechanically plausible. Instruction is provided by an expert with high authority in firearm mechanics.

Quick Summary

The 'click...click...bang' firearm malfunction is mechanically plausible for DA/SA hammer-fired pistols like the Sig Sauer P229. When out of battery, pulling the trigger causes the hammer to fall, producing an audible click. In contrast, striker-fired pistols like Glocks will have a 'dead' trigger with no audible sound in the same situation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Context
  2. 00:51Out of Battery Malfunctions
  3. 01:31The 'Click' Phenomenon
  4. 02:16Glock Mechanical Demonstration
  5. 02:57Sig P229 Mechanical Demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a firearm 'out of battery' malfunction?

A firearm is 'out of battery' when its slide is not fully forward, preventing the chamber from sealing and the firing mechanism from engaging. This can happen if the slide is grabbed during a struggle, potentially stopping the gun from firing.

Why might a Sig Sauer P229 make a 'click' sound when out of battery?

The Sig Sauer P229 is a DA/SA hammer-fired pistol. When out of battery, pulling the trigger still allows the hammer to fall, producing an audible click, even though the firearm will not fire.

How does a Glock behave when out of battery?

A Glock is a striker-fired pistol. When out of battery, the trigger becomes 'dead' and does not produce an audible click because the striker cannot be released to fire the round.

Is the 'click...click...bang' scenario realistic for firearms?

Yes, the 'click...click...bang' scenario is mechanically plausible for certain firearms, like the Sig Sauer P229 demonstrated, due to its hammer-fired DA/SA action. It is not merely a movie trope.

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