Modern manufacturing techniques have truly improved the performance of handguns. Accuracy and reliability are things we come to expect from every gun. The reality, however, is that these are still mechanical devices. From time to time, even the best of the best may malfunction. This is why, as serious gun owners, we need to be able to clear handgun malfunctions. Today, we are going to look at a type 3 handgun malfunction clearance.

Type 3 Handgun Malfunction

In general, there are three types of malfunctions with a handgun. A type 1 is where the brass doesn’t completely extract. This malfunction is also called a stove pipe. A type 2 malfunction is a failure to fire. This malfunction could occur for multiple reasons. The nice thing about type 1 and type 2 malfunctions is that the process to clear them is identical. Today, we’re going to look at the type 3 malfunction. The type three malfunction is essentially two rounds fighting for the same space in the gun. More specifically, a round was not extracted, and a new round from the magazine is now pressing against it, causing a Type 3 Handgun Malfunction.

Keep a Cool Head for a Type 3 Handgun Malfunction

Compared to type one or two, a few extra steps are involved in this clearance. It can still be done very quickly, though. We first need to understand that this malfunction is being held in place by the tension of the recoil spring. Our first step is to lock the slide to the rear. Now we extract the magazine and retain it. I now want to rack the slide three times. Do so firmly with the action going all the way to the rear. Release a slide at the end of each motion and let the recoil spring drive the slide back into position. This will allow the gun to extract the piece of brass that failed to do so initially. I will now reinsert the magazine that I retained and rack the slide. This is just as if you were loading the gun. We are now back in the fight, having cleared the Type 3 Handgun Malfunction. 

Retain Your Magazine

The side note here is on retaining the magazine. While I know that in some circles, you’re encouraged to drop that magazine to the ground, I believe you should retain it. Unless you have multiple other magazines to replace it, you’re going to need that magazine. While I like to believe that gun owners carry at least one extra magazine, I know that’s not the case. In fact, this may be your only magazine. This is why I encourage you to retain that magazine. If you are competition shooter this changes things dramatically. You obviously have multiple other magazines, and it is easier to rack the slide with an empty hand. In short, execute the technique as your gear availability dictates, especially if dealing with a Type 3 Handgun Malfunction.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Malfunction clearances should be part of your regular firearms training. As with any dry fire-type training, I encourage you to use dummy rounds. There’s no need to spend hours each day, but rather master the technique and practice a few revolutions before you head out, especially for Type 3 Handgun Malfunction scenarios. Your goal should be to execute the clearance in one smooth motion. Obviously the faster you can do it the better. But only goes fast as you can do it correctly. Be serious about your training and make yourself a truly well-rounded shooter

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