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

Which of the following is NOT a common type of malfunction encountered with semi-automatic pistols?

1. Feed malfunction

2. Failure to eject

3. Sustainment malfunction

4. Jam

The correct answer is: Sustainment malfunction

The correct choice indicates that "sustainment malfunction" is not a recognized or common type of malfunction associated with semi-automatic pistols. In the context of firearms, malfunctions typically refer to issues that impede the proper functioning of the weapon during operation. Feed malfunctions, failures to eject, and jams are all well-documented issues that can occur with semi-automatic pistols. A feed malfunction occurs when the cartridge does not properly move from the magazine into the chamber. A failure to eject refers to a situation where a spent casing does not exit the firearm after firing, leading to potential operational issues. A jam can occur for various reasons, such as a bullet improperly seated or failure of the action to cycle correctly. In contrast, "sustainment malfunction" is not a term commonly used in firearms training or maintenance discussions, which is why it is identified as the correct answer in this context. Understanding the terminology and types of malfunctions can help ensure proper handling and troubleshooting in real-world scenarios.