How to Quickly and Easily Clear a Gun Jam

Published on August 9, 2025
Duration: 3:31

This video from Guns & Ammo demonstrates two critical drills for clearing firearm malfunctions: the Immediate Action Drill (Tap Rack) for common issues like stovepipes, and the Remedial Action Drill for more complex problems like double feeds. The instructor emphasizes the importance of muscle memory and a consistent approach to quickly resolve issues and maintain readiness in a defensive situation.

Quick Summary

To quickly clear common gun jams, use the Immediate Action Drill: firmly tap the magazine, rack the slide forcefully to eject the faulty round, and assess. For more severe issues like double feeds, perform the Remedial Action Drill by stripping the magazine, cycling the slide multiple times, inserting a fresh magazine, and then performing the 'tap rack' sequence.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Personal Defense Series
  2. 00:29Understanding Firearm Malfunctions
  3. 00:35Stovepipe Malfunction Demonstration
  4. 00:43Immediate Action Drill (Tap Rack)
  5. 01:09Step 1: Tap the Magazine
  6. 01:20Step 2: Rack the Slide
  7. 01:34Assess and Fire
  8. 01:44Double Feed Malfunction Introduction
  9. 02:11Remedial Action Drill Demonstration
  10. 02:30Step 1: Strip Magazine
  11. 02:34Step 2: Cycle Slide Multiple Times
  12. 02:36Step 3: Insert New Magazine
  13. 02:47Remedial Action with One Magazine
  14. 03:11Conclusion: Stay in the Fight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Immediate Action Drill for clearing gun jams?

The Immediate Action Drill, often called 'Tap Rack', is a quick method to clear common firearm malfunctions. It involves firmly tapping the magazine to ensure it's seated, then racking the slide forcefully to eject the faulty round or casing, and finally assessing the situation to be ready to fire.

How do you perform the Remedial Action Drill for a double feed?

For a double feed or inline failure to extract, the Remedial Action Drill is used. First, strip the magazine from the firearm. Then, cycle the slide multiple times to clear the obstruction. Finally, insert a fresh magazine, perform the 'tap rack' sequence, and re-assess.

Why is it important to have a consistent malfunction clearance technique?

Having a consistent, simple malfunction clearance technique like the Immediate Action Drill is crucial because it needs to become second nature. In a high-stress situation, you must be able to resolve a gun jam without complex thought, allowing you to focus on the threat and get your firearm operational quickly.

What are common mistakes to avoid when clearing gun jams?

Common mistakes include using overly complex or varied clearance techniques for each malfunction, which are hard to remember. Another mistake is using aggressive, unnecessary movements on the slide that can cause injury. Always ensure the firearm is pointed safely and the trigger finger is clear.

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