Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

A "double feed" malfunction occurs when a firearm attempts to load two cartridges into the chamber at the same time, preventing the firearm from cycling and functioning properly. This scenario typically occurs due to issues such as a failure of the extractor to properly eject a spent casing or a problem with magazine feeding, where the next round does not enter the chamber correctly. This type of malfunction requires the shooter to clear the firearm, which may involve removing the magazine, locking the slide back, and often pushing the double-fed rounds out before reloading. Understanding this malfunction is crucial for effective troubleshooting and safety in firearm operation. The other options do not accurately describe a double feed; they refer to different issues unrelated to the mechanics of ammunition feeding into the chamber.