Fix It Fast! Clearing Malfunctions in Defensive Training

Published on April 9, 2025
Duration: 9:09

This video demonstrates how to clear common firearm malfunctions during defensive handgun training. Instructors Caleb and Jude from Brownells guide viewers through the 'Tap, Rack, Bang' technique for failures to fire and stovepipes, and a distinct procedure for clearing double feeds. The importance of muscle memory and practicing these drills with dummy rounds is emphasized for real-world scenarios.

Quick Summary

To clear common handgun malfunctions like failures to fire or stovepipes, use the 'Tap, Rack, Bang' drill: tap the magazine, rack the slide, and bang (re-engage the trigger). For a double feed, lock the slide back, remove the magazine, and clear the chamber visually.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to Defensive Handgun Training
  2. 00:32Setting Up Malfunction Drills with Dummy Rounds
  3. 01:59Live Fire Drill and First Malfunction
  4. 02:45Identifying the Failure to Fire Malfunction
  5. 03:07Explaining the 'Tap, Rack, Bang' Drill
  6. 03:34Step-by-Step: Tap, Rack, Bang Procedure
  7. 04:08Second Shooter's Malfunction Drill
  8. 05:01Clearing a Stovepipe Malfunction
  9. 05:34Introducing the Double Feed Malfunction
  10. 05:59Clearing a Double Feed: Lock, Rip, Clear
  11. 06:27Demonstrating Double Feed Clearance Again
  12. 07:08Importance of Cover During Malfunction Clearance
  13. 07:40Bringing the Gun to Your Workspace
  14. 08:02Summary of Common Stoppages
  15. 08:20Practice Recommendations: Dry Fire and Friends
  16. 08:33Location and Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Tap, Rack, Bang' drill for clearing firearm malfunctions?

The 'Tap, Rack, Bang' drill is an immediate action procedure for common handgun malfunctions like failures to fire or stovepipes. It involves tapping the magazine to ensure it's seated, racking the slide to eject the faulty round and chamber a new one, and then re-engaging the trigger ('bang').

How do you clear a double feed malfunction in a handgun?

To clear a double feed, do not use 'Tap, Rack, Bang.' Instead, lock the slide to the rear, remove the magazine, visually inspect and clear the chamber, then reinsert a magazine and chamber a round.

Why is it important to practice firearm malfunctions with dummy rounds?

Practicing with dummy rounds allows you to safely simulate and clear malfunctions repeatedly without live ammunition. This builds crucial muscle memory and confidence, enabling you to react effectively under the stress of a real defensive situation.

What are the most common firearm malfunctions discussed?

The video covers failures to fire (trigger pull results in a click), stovepipes (spent casing stuck during ejection), and double feeds (two rounds jammed in the action). The 'Tap, Rack, Bang' is for the first two, while a different procedure is needed for double feeds.

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