Hang fire
Hang fire is an unexpected delay between the triggering of a
Ignition sequence
The ignition train of modern firearms begins with
Procedures
A shooter may interpret the initial click of the hammer fall as an unloaded firearm or a misfire. A hang fire delay of a fraction of a second may be fast enough to correct that misinterpretation before the shooter takes inappropriate action to reload; but a longer delay may allow the shooter time to move the firearm so the muzzle points in a different (and possibly unsafe) direction, or to open the action so the cartridge is no longer confined. Unexpected discharge after the firearm has been moved from the firing position will damage whatever is in front of the muzzle, and large-caliber firearms may injure the shooter during recoil. Unexpected discharge as the action is being opened will allow a portion of the propellant energy to burst the cartridge case and possibly damage the firearm with a risk of injury to the shooter and nearby persons.[4]
The correct procedure is to keep the firearm pointed at a safe target for thirty seconds, then remove the round. This rule is usually not followed in combat, where being without a working firearm is the bigger risk.
Legacy
The phrase "to hang fire" has come to mean a delay in progressing, for example from one task to another.[5]
See also
References
- ^ entry in Online Etymological Dictionary
- ISBN 0913022-00-4.
- ^ "Proper Care and Storage of Ammunition". Center fire Firearms Training Academy. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ "Gun Safety: Misfires & Hangfires". NRA Family. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ entry in Compact Oxford English Dictionary