Potentially serious accident narrowly avoided at the range today

[jblomenberg16]

Had the same thing happen to me in a 1911, but on my reloads. Luckily the next round wasn't able to chamber and that was further evidence of a major malfunction. As others have said, eyes and ears ALWAYS, and also know the basic malfunction drills for a misfire. If you see, hear, and feel something different clear the gun and understand what is going on. Tap-rack-bank is great for true tactical situations where you may have a mis-feed or an out right fail to fire. But if you get a misfire there is a real chance there is a bullet lodged in the barrel that will cause a kaboom.

 

[Hoosierman]

I've had more squibs than I can count. Once, I forgot about a brick of .22 in the garage for the better part of a hot, wet, humid summer. I fired about 75 rds before disposing of the rest, and I bet every 10th round stuck in the barrel. I've had one centerfire squib, it was a 9mm from a box purchased at a gunshow. Sounded WAY off, even with earpro. Low recoil, and the brass was ejected but the slide didn't pick up another round.

 

[FireBirdDS]

So you veterans of the trade out there...

How do you recognize a squib immediately when it happens so as to avoid a potentially catastrophic follow-up shot?

 

[Archer]

I had this happen with WWB ammo. It's not simply com-bloc stuff.

 

[Kryptonite]

I am glad that you are alright. Thanks for the safety reminder.

 

[jblomenberg16]

So you veterans of the trade out there...

How do you recognize a squib immediately when it happens so as to avoid a potentially catastrophic follow-up shot?

I'm far from an expert, but what gives it away to me are:

1) Difference in felt recoil
2) Notice a difference in sound
3) Odd ejection patter from the brass
4) Slide doesn't fully retract and may even hang up or mis-feed