1. Malfunctions & Corrective Actions
M16 / M4
Malfunctions & Corrective Actions

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

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

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

5. 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
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6. 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

7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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

10. 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
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11. 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
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Next

12. 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
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13. 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

14. 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
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15. 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
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16. 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
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