What should you inspect if you experience a failure to fire due to a possible defective primer?

What should you inspect if you experience a failure to fire due to a possible defective primer?

• A. Rely on the same round again.
• B. Check the primer strike on the primer, inspect the cartridge, ensure safety is on, and replace with a known-good round if necessary.
• C. Inspect the barrel for obstruction.
• D. Disassemble the firearm and continue.

Answer: (B)

When a round fails to fire because of a possible defective primer, the key step is to verify what happened at the primer itself. Start by checking whether the firing pin actually struck the primer—the primer should show a dent if it was struck correctly. If there’s no indentation, the primer may not have been ignited due to a firing-pin issue or a dud primer. If there is a dent but no ignition, the primer itself could be defective or improperly seated. Next, inspect the cartridge for signs of defects beyond the primer—look for damage, improper seating, moisture, or other indicators of a bad round. While you’re at it, keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction and ensure the safety is on. Then replace the questionable round with a known-good round and try again. If the good round fires, the issue was the defective ammunition. If it still won’t fire, the firearm may need a proper inspection or service.

When a round fails to fire because of a possible defective primer, the key step is to verify what happened at the primer itself. Start by checking whether the firing pin actually struck the primer—the primer should show a dent if it was struck correctly. If there’s no indentation, the primer may not have been ignited due to a firing-pin issue or a dud primer. If there is a dent but no ignition, the primer itself could be defective or improperly seated.

Next, inspect the cartridge for signs of defects beyond the primer—look for damage, improper seating, moisture, or other indicators of a bad round. While you’re at it, keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction and ensure the safety is on.

Then replace the questionable round with a known-good round and try again. If the good round fires, the issue was the defective ammunition. If it still won’t fire, the firearm may need a proper inspection or service.