The Further Stoppage Drill
The Further Stoppage Drill
The further stoppage drill is a trained response for certain complex stoppages — most often a double feed — that don't clear through a standard immediate-action drill. If Tap Rack Bang hasn't resolved the problem, that tells you something more is going on, but it doesn't tell you exactly what. Before running any further sequence, take a moment to assess what you're actually looking at.
If a shot sounds or feels unusual, if you suspect a bore obstruction, if a cartridge or the firearm itself looks damaged, or if you're simply unsure of its condition — stop and get qualified help before continuing.
This drill is not a way to clear a suspected squib load, and it isn't a catch-all for every kind of malfunction.
Rip
Remove the magazine. Some shooters prefer to dump the magazine entirely, while others retain it for the reload — the choice is yours.
Roll
Tilt the firearm over onto its side so gravity helps clear the stoppage as you rack the action. The ejection port should be facing toward the ground.
Rack
Rack the slide or charging handle for a minimum of three full cycles, allowing the firearm to clear whatever's causing the obstruction.
Note: in some cases, you may need to hold the bolt open, visually inspect, and possibly reach into the magazine well with your fingers to clear the stoppage. The situation will dictate, but for speed and efficiency, Rip Roll Rack Reload most often clears the malfunction.
Reload
Check into the ejection port to confirm it's actually clear, then insert your magazine and continue with the Tap Rack drill.
Assess Before Returning To Use
Working through this sequence doesn't automatically mean the firearm is safe or ready to fire again. If the stoppage is still there, keeps coming back, or the firearm doesn't feel or function normally, stop and have it looked at.