When it comes to shooting, malfunctions are more than just inconvenient – they can be dangerous, frustrating, and a real buzzkill during competition or training. Whether you’re running a revolver, pistol, AR-platform rifle, or high-capacity shotgun, issues will eventually pop up. Knowing what to look for and how to troubleshoot can keep your gun running reliably and keep you safe while doing it.
This guide breaks down the most common malfunctions you’ll encounter across firearm types and offers real, field-tested solutions. Let’s dive in.
1. Bent Moon Clips Can Ruin a Revolver’s Day
If you’re using moon clips in your revolver, you’re relying on them to hold cartridges in alignment. A bent moon clip, even slightly warped, will cause drag on the recoil shield as the cylinder rotates, making the trigger feel heavy and inconsistent.
You might notice the revolver locks up or becomes stiff after loading a moon clip – chances are it’s the clip, not the gun. To prevent this, use a purpose-built tool (even an old golf club handle works great) to twist rounds out instead of prying them up. Always check used moon clips under light to look for daylight gaps or deformation. If you shoot competitively, it’s worth investing in a moon clip gauge to check alignment before matches.
2. Hair-Trigger Setups Lead to Panic and Punching
Some shooters love their triggers feather-light. But if your release takes almost no pressure, you might find yourself hesitant to even touch it once your sight picture starts to shake. That’s when panic sets in, and you either freeze or start jabbing at the trigger.
The solution? Set your trigger heavier – much heavier than you’re used to. This forces you to commit and move through the trigger with purpose. Practice working through the trigger under tension, without firing if needed. Over time, your execution will improve, and your nerves will settle.
3. Gas Tube Wear in ARs Is a Hidden Culprit
AR-pattern rifles rely on tight tolerances in the gas system. Over time, the gas tube wears – especially near the section that fits into the gas key on the bolt carrier group. If you start to see short stroking or inconsistent ejection patterns, don’t just blame the ammo.
Break down the upper and inspect the gas tube carefully. If the mating surfaces show wear or the tube has shifted slightly in the gas block, it’s time to replace or realign components. Also check for signs of gas leakage or carbon buildup around the block.
4. Worn Gas Rings on AR Bolts Cause Cycling Issues
Another overlooked issue on ARs is worn gas rings on the bolt itself. These small rings create the seal that enables full cycling. Once they lose tension, gas escapes and you end up with short strokes or failures to eject.
An easy test: with the bolt out of the carrier, stand it upright. If it collapses under its own weight, your gas rings are shot. Replacing them is cheap and quick, and it can restore your rifle’s function immediately.
5. Dirty Shotgun Chambers Rip Cases Apart
If you’ve been running your shotgun hard and start to notice it’s pulling the rim off shells during extraction, your chamber could be the problem. Carbon and plastic buildup from shells can get baked into the chamber, making it rough.
Just because it “looks clean” doesn’t mean it is. Run a stiff chamber brush through and see what comes out. Make this part of your regular post-match cleaning, especially for competition shotguns.
6. Sluggish Revolvers Often Suffer from Extractor Crud
If you’re noticing your double-action revolver trigger binding or becoming heavy, especially during fast shooting, pop the cylinder and inspect under the extractor star. Unburnt powder collects there – especially if there’s oil – which makes the cylinder drag.
The solution is simple: keep that area bone dry and turn the gun straight up when ejecting brass. Let gravity help you, not hinder you. This avoids compacting grit beneath the star where it causes rotational resistance.
7. Shotgun Magazine Springs Have a Life Span
High-capacity shotgun tubes are under extreme stress. Every round loaded compresses the spring more, and recoil only adds to the punishment. Eventually, the spring becomes too weak to present the last round with enough force, especially under recoil.
You can measure spring health by marking a reference length on your workbench. When a spring gets noticeably shorter than spec, swap it. You can also check by seeing how far the spring protrudes from the mag tube when empty – experience will tell you what “healthy” looks like.
8. Poor Magazine Maintenance Kills Pistol Reliability
Most pistol failures – especially in semi-autos – start with bad magazines. Whether it’s a weak spring, cracked follower, or bent feed lips, the mag is often the weakest link.
Label your magazines and rotate them often. If a particular mag causes issues like feeding problems or fails to lock open on the last round, strip it down and inspect the components. Replace springs proactively if you’re shooting frequently. And be cautious about drop damage – slamming mags into concrete repeatedly can ruin them.
9. Extractor and Ejector Fatigue in Pistols
In 1911s and similar designs, stovepipes and erratic ejection usually mean extractor or ejector issues. Too much or too little extractor tension can both cause problems. Ejectors can bend, wear, or become misaligned over time.
Test extractor grip with a spent case – it should hold the case against the breech face with light tension. If it’s too stiff or too loose, you need to adjust or replace it. Ejectors should be straight, clean, and firmly seated. Ejection angles should be consistent – if not, something’s off.
10. Misaligned Gas Blocks Starve ARs of Power
If your AR’s gas block walks forward – even slightly – it can cut off gas flow from the barrel port. You’ll see short stroking, failure to eject, or cycling so weak it doesn’t reset the trigger.
Ensure your gas block is pinned, dimpled, or properly torqued in place. If it’s a set screw type, use thread locker and check it periodically. A small shift can cause big problems, especially during long shooting sessions.
11. Oversight on Shotgun Extractors
Shotgun extractors get grimy, rusty, or lose spring tension over time. These little parts are vital, but often neglected. If your shells aren’t being pulled from the chamber, look here first.
Regularly oil and inspect extractors. Disassemble your bolt periodically for a deep clean. If you see corrosion or gunk buildup, clean thoroughly and reassemble with light lube. This alone can prevent cycling failures and strange hangups mid-stage.
12. Cylinder Gap Issues in Revolvers
Over time, revolver cylinders can develop too much end shake. If pushing the cylinder forward closes the gap between cylinder and forcing cone, that’s a problem. The cylinder should have enough clearance to spin freely, even under forward pressure.
A feeler gauge is the best way to check this. If the gap closes when you push the cylinder forward, it may be time for a gunsmith to refit the crane or install end-shake washers. You’d be surprised how much smoother a revolver can shoot when tolerances are restored.
13. Feed Lip Design Matters in 1911 Mags
Not all feed lips are created equal. Old-school GI-style 1911 mags with tapered lips are great for ball ammo, but not so much for modern hollow points. If your pistol jams on flat-nose rounds or HPs, look at the mag design.
Parallel feed lips and more gradual release angles (as found on many modern 1911 competition mags) help feed various bullet profiles smoothly. If you’re carrying or competing, match your mags to your ammo type.
14. Don’t Forget the Choke Tubes
Shotgun choke tubes need regular maintenance. Shooters often forget they’re threaded in – and after a season or two of heat, moisture, and carbon, they seize up. Then when you finally need to swap chokes, you’re stuck with a fused mess.
Take your choke tubes out after every outing. Clean the threads and apply a light film of oil. Even if you don’t change them often, this habit will save you major headache down the line.
15. Broken Bolts in ARs Aren’t Just Theoretical
Every AR bolt has a lifespan. After thousands of rounds, they begin to fatigue – especially around the lugs or cam pin hole. If you’re a high-volume shooter, it’s not a matter of if, but when.
Inspect bolts regularly. Look for cracks around the lugs or chips on the extractor claw. Carry a spare bolt (or at least bolt components) in your range bag. When a bolt breaks, your gun becomes a club unless you have parts handy.
Maintenance Prevents Malfunctions
The common thread across all these malfunctions? Neglect. Most issues start small and escalate when ignored. Take time to inspect and maintain your firearms regularly. A clean extractor, a fresh mag spring, or a properly fitted moon clip can make all the difference between a good day at the range and a frustrating one.
Every malfunction is an opportunity to learn. With the right knowledge and preventative habits, you’ll shoot better, safer, and longer.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.