Quick Tip: Clearing Malfunctions in Defensive Training

In this dynamic session at Big Spring Shooting Complex, Caleb and Jude from Brownells take a practical approach to training for real-world handgun malfunctions. The twist? Jude thinks he’s running a standard defensive shooting drill—but Caleb secretly loads dummy rounds into his mags to simulate failures. The result is a realistic, unscripted demonstration of how to identify and clear malfunctions on the fly, using foundational techniques like the Tap-Rack-Bang.

Introduction

The video opens with a casual range-day setup, but Caleb has something else in mind. While Jude prepares for what he assumes is a normal drill, Caleb reveals to the audience that this is actually a malfunction training session—with Jude as the unsuspecting test subject.

The idea: simulate how a concealed carrier might react under pressure when their gun doesn’t go bang as expected.

Setting Up the Drill

While Jude sets targets and discusses engagement distances, Caleb loads a mix of live and dummy rounds into Jude’s magazines without his knowledge. These dummy rounds are designed to simulate failures to fire, which force Jude to quickly diagnose and clear the stoppage.

The intention is to replicate the stress and confusion of an unexpected malfunction in a real defensive scenario.

Malfunctions Begin

Jude begins his live fire, drawing from concealment and engaging targets from close range. He runs his first few rounds smoothly—until he hits the first dummy round.

With no cue or warning, Jude reacts instinctively. He immediately performs a textbook tap-rack, ejects the bad round, and gets back into the fight. Caleb calls out his response:

“Perfect. Exactly how you should handle it.”

Tap-Rack-Bang Method Explained

After Jude finishes the drill, Caleb breaks down the Tap-Rack-Bang method—one of the most critical techniques in handgun malfunction clearing:

• Tap: Hit the bottom of the magazine to ensure it’s seated properly.

• Rack: Pull the slide back to eject the malfunctioning round.

• Bang: If everything is working, reengage and fire.

Caleb emphasizes that most stoppages—especially failures to fire—can be resolved with this one simple sequence.

Running a Bill Drill with a Twist

Next, Jude runs a Bill Drill (six rounds on a single target) at defensive distance. As expected, one of the dummy rounds stops the gun mid-string. Without skipping a beat, he performs another clean malfunction clearance and finishes the drill strong.

Caleb points out that this kind of unscripted malfunction training is incredibly effective because it replicates the unexpected nature of real encounters.

Clearing a Stovepipe

In the next run, Jude experiences a stovepipe malfunction, where a spent casing gets caught in the ejection port. Once again, his instincts take over. He uses the edge of his palm to sweep the casing free while racking the slide, clearing the issue immediately.

Caleb steps in to explain what just happened and how Jude’s response was exactly what’s taught in defensive handgun courses. The key is not overthinking—just reacting with practiced movements.

Dealing with a Double Feed

In a later drill, Jude encounters a double feed—a more complex malfunction involving a round stuck in the chamber and another trying to feed behind it. This requires a more deliberate process:

1. Lock the slide to the rear

1. Remove the magazine

2. Rack the slide multiple times to clear the jam

3. Reinsert the magazine and chamber a round

Even with this more involved process, Jude keeps his cool and clears it quickly. Caleb reminds viewers that while double feeds are less common, they’re important to train for.

Pro Tips: Cover, Movement, and Workspace

Caleb takes a moment to highlight a few advanced tips:

• Use cover if available while clearing malfunctions

• Keep the gun high in your workspace so your eyes can stay on the threat

• Maintain movement—even a step to the side is better than standing still

These are the kinds of habits that make a big difference under pressure.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

To wrap things up, Caleb recaps the importance of integrating malfunction training into your range sessions. By adding dummy rounds and creating unscripted stoppages, you can test and reinforce your reactions in a realistic way.

Jude’s performance proves that solid fundamentals—paired with consistent practice—lead to fast, effective responses when the gun doesn’t work as expected.

Conclusion

This video isn’t just about clearing malfunctions—it’s about training your brain and body to stay calm and act decisively when things go wrong. If you carry a firearm for personal defense, integrating drills like this into your practice can make a serious difference.

Even better? Grab a buddy, load each other’s mags with a few dummy rounds, and see how well you handle the unexpected.