Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

When experiencing a failure to fire due to a defective cartridge, what is the recommended action?

1. Wait for 30 seconds and then eject the cartridge

2. Immediately eject and reload

3. Continue pulling the trigger

4. Place the firearm in a safe position

The correct answer is: Wait for 30 seconds and then eject the cartridge

The recommended action when experiencing a failure to fire due to a defective cartridge is to wait for a period of time, commonly suggested as about 30 seconds, before ejecting the cartridge. This protocol is crucial because it allows time for a potential hangfire, where the primer has ignited but the powder has not ignited immediately. By waiting, the shooter minimizes the risk of an unexpected discharge if the cartridge fires after being manipulated. In contrast, immediately ejecting and reloading without waiting can pose safety risks, especially if the cartridge turns out to be a hangfire. Continuing to pull the trigger can also lead to dangerous situations, as the user might inadvertently cause an accident if the cartridge fires unexpectedly. Similarly, placing the firearm in a safe position is important for safety but does not address the immediate need to manage the defective cartridge situation. Thus, the action of waiting ensures that proper safety protocols are followed when handling potential misfires.