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     CLEARING JAMS IN SEMI-AUTOS

GENERAL TECHNIQUE  Works about 80% of the time

  1. FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER
  2. TAP  sharp upward tap to bottom of magazine
  3. TURN  turn gun toward ejection port (some consider this step optional)
  4. RACK  pull slide back and release
TACTICAL METHODS FOR CLEARING SPECIFIC TYPES OF JAMS
(Tactical defined as your target is firing back at you)
  • DEAD ROUND  slide is all the way forward (closed), round does not fire
    Use General Technique (above)
     
  • FAILURE TO GO INTO BATTERY  slide does not completely go forward
    Sharp tap to back of slide with palm of hand (make sure muzzle is pointed in a safe direction)
    saves round
     
  • STOVE PIPE  empty casing caught in slide
    Turn gun so casing is standing straight up, swoop down with free hand and knock off (make sure hand does not pass over muzzle of gun)  saves round
     
  • DOUBLE FEED  (most difficult jam)  slide open, brass visible low in chamber

    Range Method:  Pull slide back and lock open
    Drop magazine
    Rack slide three times
    Reinsert magazine
    Rack slide once more

    Tactical Method:  Press magazine release
    Pull magazine down about an inch (slide should slam shut)
    Reinsert magazine
    Rack slide again*  saves time

    *Note: This technique may not work with some semi-autos, so test with your gun.
    VARIATION:  Pull magazine all the way out, knock off pulled up round if necessary, reinsert magazine and rack slide.
     

303.734.7124
Potomac Ltd.  / 4  West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 100  /  Littleton, CO  80120
and
7350  E. Progress Place, Suite 100  /  Greenwood Village, CO  80111