Rifle Jammed? Understand the Cause and How You Can Fix it

Common reasons for a jam

There are several reasons why your rifle could jam.

The most common reason is that the magazine is not inserted properly. If the magazine is not fully seated in the receiver, the bolt may not have enough room to chamber a round.

Another possibility is that you are using the wrong type of ammunition for your rifle. For example, if you are using .22 long rifle ammo in a .223 rifle, the smaller diameter bullets can get wedged in the barrel.

Improper cleaning or lubrication of your rifle can also cause jams. If there is too much oil or grease inside the action, it can cause the parts to bind up.

Another possible reason for your rifle jamming is that the chamber or bore is obstructed. This can happen if you fire without first ensuring that there is no debris in the barrel. Firing a round with an obstructed chamber can cause serious damage to your rifle and even injure you.

Finally, if your rifle has been modified in any way, that could also cause it to jam. If you have made any changes to the trigger, magazine, or other parts of the rifle, that could affect its performance.

What should you do?

If your rifle jams, don’t panic. With a little bit of knowledge and some patience, you will be able to clear the jam and get your rifle back up and running in no time.

Before troubleshooting: keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and clear the chamber of any live rounds!

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the magazine is properly inserted and that there are no loose rounds in the chamber.

If the magazine appears to be properly inserted and there are no loose rounds, try removing the magazine and then cycle the action several times to eject any rounds that may be stuck. Once the chamber is clear, you can reinsert the magazine and continue firing.

If this doesn’t work, you will need to locate the source of the jam.

Inspect the magazine for damage or debris. If the jam is in the magazine, you’ll need to clean it or even replace that part if necessary.

Check the chamber for any obstructions. Use a cleaning rod or another small tool to clear any debris that may be blocking the chamber.

Inspect the ammunition. Make sure that the cartridges are of the correct caliber and that they are not damaged. Damaged ammunition can cause jams. Click here to learn how to properly dispose of bad ammunition.

Try a different type of ammunition. If you’re using cheap or lower-quality ammo, it could be the root of your problem. In this case, try a different brand or type of ammunition.

If you cannot clear it, you may need to disassemble the rifle and clean it. A buildup of dirt and grime can cause jams, so be sure to clean all of the moving parts of the rifle, including the barrel, bolt, and magazine.

Once you have located and cleared the source of the jam, you will need to reassemble your rifle to continue shooting. Make sure that all of the parts are properly installed and that nothing is loose. Once you have done this, you should test your rifle to make sure that it is functioning properly.

When all else fails, and you are unsure about what might be causing your rifle to jam, have a qualified gunsmith take a look at your rifle. If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having problems, it’s time to take your rifle to be serviced by a professional. They will be able to diagnose and repair any underlying issues.

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