How should you handle a firearm that has a misfire or a hung cartridge while in the field?

• A. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, avoid touching the trigger, wait briefly, and follow proper unloading or clearing procedures with training or guidance.
• B. Immediately fire again to clear the misfire.
• C. Drop the firearm and walk away.
• D. Keep the trigger finger on the trigger while shaking the firearm.

Answer: (A)

When a misfire or hung cartridge happens, your first priority is to control the firearm safely. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times and keep your finger off the trigger. Do not try to fire again immediately, because a hang fire can ignite unpredictably and put you and others at serious risk. Wait briefly to see if ignition occurs, then proceed with proper unloading or clearing procedures you’ve learned in training. This usually means removing the ammunition from the chamber (and the magazine if applicable), locking the action open, and visually inspecting the chamber to confirm it is empty before continuing. If you’re unsure, seek guidance from trained instruction or experienced shooters before handling the firearm further. This approach minimizes the chance of an accidental discharge and keeps everyone safe as you determine what happened with the cartridge.