MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If tapping, racking, and presenting fails to remedy a malfunction, what is the next course of action?

1. Tap, rack, present

2. Lock, rip, cycle

3. Perform emergency reload

4. Call for backup

The correct answer is: Lock, rip, cycle

When dealing with a malfunction in a firearm, the procedure following tapping, racking, and presenting is crucial for ensuring the weapon functions properly. If the initial steps of tapping (to ensure the round is seated), racking (to cycle the action and clear any jams), and presenting (to prepare to fire) do not resolve the issue, the next logical action is to engage in the process known as "lock, rip, cycle." This method involves locking the slide or action in the rear position (if applicable), ripping the magazine out of the weapon to remove any potentially problematic ammunition, and then cycling the action to ensure everything is clear before reloading and attempting to fire again. This approach is essential because it directly addresses the possibility of a stuck round or a magazine issue that simply racking might not have resolved. The other options, such as performing an emergency reload or calling for backup, are not the immediate next steps following the failure of tapping, racking, and presenting. An emergency reload might be appropriate if you suspect you're out of ammunition, but not necessarily the first response after addressing a malfunction. Calling for backup is a strategic decision that does not address the malfunction directly and would be considered in more tactical scenarios where immediate assistance is needed.