While this may work, you still won’t have a round chambered and ready to fire.

To resolve a stovepipe jam that you have visually identified, you may simply be able to sweep across the ejection port and dislodge the offending empty with a simple hand motion.

The brass was extracted properly, but did not eject and is pinned in the ejection port by the bolt face. When this particular type of jam occurs, a piece of spent ammunition, empty brass if you will, is caught in the ejection port, causing an obstruction to the chamber or feed-way. The appearance of a stovepipe jam is the source of its moniker. If this doesn’t solve your problem, you may have a more complex stoppage such as the stovepipe jam. Most of the stoppages that are cleared in this manner would be considered type 1, simple stoppages that may not have a specific known source. In fact, the going estimate is that 90 to 95 percent of all stoppages can be resolved with a quick run through of this process. The Tap, Rack, and Reassess cycle will resolve a great many AR-15 stoppages. Once those conditions are established, feel free to give the “bang” portion a try. Simply said, before firing, be sure that there is still a reason to do so and that it is still safe to fire. “Reassess” This replaces the “Bang” part of the cycle many veterans were taught.“Rack” pull the charging handle of your AR-15 back swiftly with ample force and release it cleanly.“Tap” your magazine to be sure it is properly seated.The first attempt to remedy any stoppage of an AR-15 should be what those in the know call Immediate Action: “Tap, Rack, and Reassess.” Immediate Action: “ Tap, Rack, and Reassess” These are malfunctions of your AR system. Obviously this stoppage is a simple one to resolve, other stoppages may be more complicated and have mechanical roots. If you have ever failed to chamber the first round and pulled the trigger with no results, you have experienced a stoppage caused by human error. Many basic stoppage situations can be remedied immediately in the field and will not necessarily repeat themselves. Stoppages may be caused by simple human error or by mechanical malfunction. Simply put, a stoppage is any situation where your AR-15 fails to complete a cycle of operation. When one of these things occurs, what you’re experiencing is a stoppage of your AR system. Perhaps you’ve just fired one, or maybe several rounds, and now your weapon won’t fire again. You might squeeze the trigger and find it gives only a little and feels mushy or it might give a click while nothing else happens. Let's take a look at the common stoppages and malfunctions of the AR-15 and help you with some of those mysteries.Īt one time, or another, it is likely that you will encounter a situation where your AR doesn't behave as you expect it to. Maybe you need to know how to clear a double feed. You may have heard stories of AR-15 jamming, failure to feed, and short stroke and wonder what causes them. The proper use of gas operated weapons like the AR-15 is a bit more complicated than that of your average hunting rifle or handgun. If you’re somewhat new to the AR-15 platform you might find things that catch you by surprise.

3 types of gun jams