What malfunction is classified as occurring when a round is unable to exit the chamber?

A failure to extract occurs when a round is chambered in the firearm but is unable to be ejected from the chamber after firing. This malfunction typically arises due to issues with the extractor, which is responsible for clamping onto the base of the cartridge and pulling it out of the chamber when the action cycles. If the extractor fails to grip the cartridge properly, or if there is excessive fouling or damage in the chamber, the round will not exit, leading to a failure to extract.

Understanding this malfunction is critical for safe and effective firearm handling, as it can lead to further operational issues if not promptly addressed. In contrast, a stovepipe occurs when a fired cartridge case fails to fully eject and becomes wedged vertically in the ejection port. A failure to feed pertains to the failure of a round to load into the chamber from the magazine, typically due to misalignment or obstruction. A squib load refers to a situation where a fired round does not produce enough energy to fully exit the barrel, which can pose serious safety risks if another round is subsequently fired. Each of these malfunctions presents specific challenges, making it essential to understand their differences for troubleshooting and resolution.