How to Correct a Malfunction on an AR Style Rifle

Assault rilfes, such as the AR-15, can occasionally malfunction while firing.

Sometimes, when firing an AR (semi-automatic) rifle or carbine, a "click" is felt upon pulling the trigger, but no firing occurs. This often means that one of two malfunctions has occurred. In the first, the user has failed to fully seat the magazine into the weapon. In the other, the rifle has failed to fully eject the round, which is now caught or stuck. In either case, when this problem arises, it can be easily and immediately remedied without having to disassemble the rifle.

Things You'll Need

• AR rifle or carbine

Instructions

Failure to Fire

1. Once the malfunction occurs, roll the carbine "outboard" (away from your face), swinging the magazine inward toward you.

2. Tap or hit the bottom of the magazine firmly to re-seat it properly.

3. Press the charging handle's release as you rack the handle firmly rearward, then release it.

Simple Failure to Eject

1. Angle the weapon slightly upward --- called the "high control position" --- and roll it outboard once more to aid in disposal of the spent round.

2. Hit the bottom of the magazine firmly to double check that it is properly seated.

3. Depress the charge handle release and pull back hard on the handle to eject the jammed round. Once clear, release the handle.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat firearms as if they are loaded at all times.

• Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until you have sighted the target and have decided to fire.

References

• MDTS Training: Simple Carbine Malfunctions

Resources

• MDTS Training: Complex Carbine Malfunctions