M16 / M4
Malfunctions
&
Corrective Actions
Cycle of Operation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Firing
Unlocking
Extracting
Ejecting
Cocking
Feeding
Chambering
Locking
M16 / M4
M16 / M4
Types of Failures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Firing
Unlocking
Extracting
Ejecting
Cocking
Feeding
Chambering
Locking
Cycle of Operation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Firing
Unlocking
Extracting
Ejecting
Cocking
Feeding
Chambering
Locking
M16 / M4
Immediate Action
SPORTS
M16 / M4
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
Failure to Fire
Description
M16 / M4
The trigger is pulled, and although the hammer falls on the
round, the bullet is not fired from the chamber.
Failure to Fire
Causes
M16 / M4
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.
Failure to Fire
Corrective Action
M16 / M4
To remedy a failure to fire, execute 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.
Failure to Feed
Description
M16 / M4
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
Failure to Feed
Causes
M16 / M4
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.
Failure to Feed
Corrective Action (1/2)
M16 / M4
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.
M16 / M4
Failure to Feed
Corrective Action (2/2)
Double Feeds
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lock the bolt to the rear
Remove the magazine
Clear the feed way
Reload rifle
Re-engage as necessary
Failure to Eject
Description
M16 / M4
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
Failure to Eject
Causes
M16 / M4
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.
Failure to Eject
Corrective Action (1/2)
M16 / M4
Failure to Unlock
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
(Mortar Method)
Grasp charging handle
Strike rifle butt on ground
Inspect chamber
Insert magazine
Seat magazine
Charge rifle
Re-engage if necessary
Failure to Eject
Corrective Action (2/2)
M16 / M4
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