T.R.A.P-Tap, Rack, Assess: How to Quickly Clear a Type One Pistol Malfunction

Instructor Mike details a method for clearing a Type 3 malfunction, often called a 'parking lot jam,' which occurs when a new round attempts to enter the chamber before the previous casing has been fully ejected. He emphasizes a 'lock, mag to pinky, rack three, mag in, rack' sequence, arguing it's more universally applicable than 'rip and rack' methods, especially on firearms with less aggressive magazine base plates. The instructor highlights the importance of context, noting that specialized techniques may not suit the average concealed carrier.

This guide outlines a universal, two-step method for clearing common pistol malfunctions, emphasizing efficiency over diagnosis. The instructor, demonstrating expert-level authority, explains that this approach resolves the vast majority of issues, allowing the shooter to maintain situational awareness. A secondary universal step is provided for more persistent malfunctions.

This video from Geauga Firearms Academy introduces and demonstrates a technique for clearing a 'Type 4' pistol malfunction, characterized by the extractor getting hung up on brass stuck in the chamber, preventing the slide from moving freely. The instructor emphasizes that brute force is ineffective and a quick, sharp 'chop' to the grip is the solution. This technique is presented as a reliable method for freeing jammed slides when traditional clearing methods fail.

This video demonstrates how improper slide manipulation during a reload can cause a Type 2 malfunction. Instructor Mike explains that obstructing the ejection port with a finger can cause a round to bounce back, leading to a failure to eject. The corrective action involves the 'Tap, Rack, Assess' procedure to clear the malfunction and return the firearm to a ready state.

This guide details the 'Tap, Rack, Assess, Press' technique for clearing Type 1 malfunctions (failure to fire) on a Glock pistol, as demonstrated by Instructor Mike. The method emphasizes maintaining situational awareness while performing immediate action drills to quickly resolve the malfunction and re-engage a threat if necessary. This is a fundamental skill for any pistol owner.

This video demonstrates a critical one-handed magazine change technique for when a shooter's arm is incapacitated. It emphasizes the importance of an unconventional mindset, motor memory, and adaptability. The core steps involve using the knees to secure the firearm for magazine insertion and then racking the slide using pant material to get back into the fight quickly.

This video provides expert guidance from Instructor Mike on how an Illinois concealed carrier should comply with police during a traffic stop. It details maintaining officer safety, proper disclosure of a concealed firearm, and presenting identification and permits from a lanyard to avoid sudden movements. The instructor emphasizes proactive communication and adherence to safety protocols taught in his courses.

Instructor Mike, identified as a Firearms Instructor, provides expert guidance on secure firearm storage within a vehicle. He strongly advocates for carrying the firearm on your person as the most secure method, with shoulder holsters presented as a viable alternative. The video explicitly discourages several common but unsafe storage locations, including between seats, sun visors, door pockets, near the steering column, center consoles, and glove boxes, highlighting the risks associated with each.

This video from Instructor Mike critiques an off-duty officer's poor tactical choices while working a side job. Key takeaways include the dangers of wearing a hoodie that obstructs peripheral vision and the risks associated with using earbuds that diminish auditory awareness. Instructor Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining situational awareness even when off-duty or in a secondary role.

This video demonstrates a traffic stop scenario involving Instructor Mike and a Chicago police officer. It highlights the importance of maintaining visible hands during an interaction and provides a practical example of how to communicate effectively with law enforcement. The officer issues a warning for a missing license plate, emphasizing the need for proper vehicle documentation.