Corrections Officer State Certification (SOCE) Practice Exam

What aspect of a firearm malfunction does a 'stovepipe' refer to?

1. Failure to extract

2. Failure to eject

3. Stoppage due to dirt

4. Firing pin issues

The correct answer is: Failure to eject

A 'stovepipe' refers to a specific type of firearm malfunction where a spent cartridge case becomes lodged vertically in the ejection port of the firearm, resembling a stovepipe. This typically occurs during the ejection process when the firearm fails to push the spent casing completely out of the ejection port. Instead of being fully ejected, the case doesn't clear the firearm, which prevents the chamber from being loaded with a new round and interrupts the firing cycle. Understanding this malfunction helps in addressing it effectively during a practical situation. For instance, to clear a stovepipe, the operator would usually need to tilt the firearm to allow gravity to assist in removing the casing and then cycle the action to load a new round. Recognizing a stovepipe is important for ensuring proper functioning and efficiency in a controlled environment or during duty.