Double feed is a failure to extract the round in the chamber and a new round being fed the magazine.

• A. Phase 2 clearance.
• B. Double feed.
• C. Misfire.
• D. Malfunction.

Answer: (B)

Double feed describes a specific jam where the mechanism fails to extract the round in the chamber and a new round from the magazine is being fed at the same time. In a proper cycle, the spent cartridge should be fully extracted and ejected so the next cartridge can be seated into the chamber. When extraction doesn’t complete and a fresh round pushes in, two cartridges end up involved in the chambering area, and the slide can’t cycle normally. This is different from a misfire, where the primer fires but the round doesn’t ignite, and it’s more specific than a generic malfunction, which could include various other cycling problems. It’s also not just a phase of a clearance drill; it’s the particular kind of malfunction you’re dealing with.

To clear a double feed, keep the firearm pointed downrange, apply the immediate-action steps: lock the slide to the rear, remove the magazine, rack the slide to eject any rounds, reinsert the magazine, and rack the slide to chamber a round before rechecking the operation. If the jam persists, a more thorough inspection may be needed to ensure there isn’t a damaged mag or feeding lip causing the repeated double feed.