Malfunctions & Corrective Actions M16 / M4 Malfunctions & Corrective Actions

M16 / M4 Cycle of Operation Next Firing Unlocking Extracting Ejecting Cocking Feeding Chambering Locking Next

M16 / M4 Types of Failures Firing Ejecting Feeding Quit Firing Unlocking Extracting Ejecting Cocking Feeding Chambering Locking Ejecting Feeding Cycle Animation Quit

M16 / M4 Cycle of Operation Back Firing Unlocking Extracting Ejecting Cocking Feeding Chambering Locking Back

M16 / M4 Immediate Action Back Home SPORTS Slap the magazine to ensure it is fully seated Pull the charging handle fully to the rear Observe for the ejection of a round or shell Release the charging handle; do not ride it Tap the forward assist Squeeze the trigger and attempt to fire Back Home

M16 / M4 Failure to Fire Next Description The trigger is pulled, and although the hammer falls on the round, the bullet is not fired from the chamber. Cycle Animation Next

The common, non-mechanical reason is a bad primer. Failure to Fire Causes The most common cause of a failure to fire is an improper loading sequence. The second most common reason is failure of the bolt to go completely into battery, which is often caused by bad ammunition or a dirty rifle. The common, non-mechanical reason is a bad primer. Cycle Animation Back Next

To remedy a failure to fire, execute SPORTS. M16 / M4 Failure to Fire Corrective Action To remedy a failure to fire, execute SPORTS. SPORTS While clearing this malfunction, keep the muzzle up to allow gravity to aid clearing and to keep your vision oriented towards the threat or threat area. Cycle Animation Back Home

M16 / M4 Failure to Feed Next Failure-to-Feed Double Feed Description Failure-to-Feed A round is not picked up by the bolt and/or chambered. Double Feed Two rounds are picked up by the bolt and attempted to be chambered Bolt Override (double feed) The shock of firing dislodges a round from the magazine and if the shooter is at an odd angle, it can become jammed into the gas tube Cycle Animation Next

M16 / M4 Failure to Feed Back Next Causes Failure to feed malfunctions are almost entirely caused by an unserviceable magazine. Although unlikely, another reason for failure to chamber a round is dirt or grime on the round casing. Cycle Animation Back Next

This is remedied using SPORTS. Failure to Feed M16 / M4 Corrective Action (1/2) Failure-to-Feed This is remedied using SPORTS. If done properly, the malfunction will be cleared before the word “malfunction” gets out of the shooter’s mouth. SPORTS Cycle Animation Back Next

M16 / M4 Double Feeds Failure to Feed Back Home Corrective Action (2/2) Double Feeds Lock the bolt to the rear Remove the magazine Clear the feed way Reload rifle Re-engage as necessary Cycle Animation Back Home

M16 / M4 Failure to Eject Next Failure to Unlock Description Failure to Unlock Brass is stuck in the chamber and is holding the bolt closed Stove-pipe (failure to eject) An expended case is sticking out of the ejection port at a 90˚angle Cycle Animation Next

M16 / M4 Failure to Eject Back Next Causes The most common cause of a failure unlock is ammunition that is slightly of shape round casing. The common cause of a stove-pipe is shooting too close to an object, where the ejected casing would bounce back into the ejection port. Cycle Animation Back Next

M16 / M4 Failure to Unlock Failure to Eject Back Next (Mortar Method) Corrective Action (1/2) Failure to Unlock (Mortar Method) Grasp charging handle Strike rifle butt on ground Inspect chamber Insert magazine Seat magazine Charge rifle Re-engage if necessary Cycle Animation Back Next

M16 / M4 Stove-pipe Failure to Eject Back Home Corrective Action (2/2) Stove-pipe As the shooter begins SPORTS, he should see the empty casing sticking out of the ejection port and immediately cease the “Pull” portion of SPORTS. With the other hand, remove the casing while the bolt is partially back, before the bolt can pick up another round from the magazine Cycle Animation Back Home