What is a squib?
A squib is when a round gets stuck somewhere in the upper receiver after it’s been fired. It did not properly eject from its casing and either didn’t have enough force to push out through the barrel or was obstructed by something in its way. In either case, we as concealed carriers need to be knowledgeable on what that sounds like and what it means for our handgun.
Example Of Squib Rounds
Squibs are difficult to detect if we’re in a face-paced target environment. The sound can be distinct as shown in a video below or it can sound like almost any other round. Here’s the problem, we have to know when it’s a squib before firing the next round.
Fast forward to 1:20 of this video to see an excellent example of what a squib can sound like.
In that case, it’s very likely there is a round lodged somewhere in the barrel of the gun. If the upper receiver pulls back to the rear, we have to then inspect the barrel to ensure a round ejected.
And here’s an example of what happens if you fail to remove that round.
The above example is a “least harmful” scenario. Guns have violently broken apart because one round collided into a previously stuck round in the barrel.
A handgun goes from combat-effective to dangerous paperweight in a matter of seconds if we’re not careful.
Immediate Action Drills For Squibs
In the worst possible case scenario, you are in a defensive gun use situation, i.e. actively using your handgun to defend your life, when you detect a squib. Sorry, you have to stop shooting. Take cover and concealment immediately. Actively search for an avenue of escape by any means possible. You are now out of the fight in terms of being able to return fire — for the time being.
Step 1: Eject magazine.
Step 2: Rack the upper receiver to the rear and lock it in position.
NOTE: Make sure barrel is facing in a safe direction and the upper receiver is facing away from your body.
Step 3: Inspect the chamber for a live round.
NOTE: If no round is visibly present, keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction away from your body.
If the bullet’s case is still in, use a pocket knife or tool to pull it out.
Step 4: Remove upper receiver from lower receiver.
Step 5: Remove barrel from the upper receiver.
Step 6: Visually inspect barrel with muzzle facing away from you.
NOTE: If you don’t see light, shine a light down the barrel to see where the obstruction is located.
Step 7: Use a stick or metal rod to push the bullet out following the rifling of the barrel.
Step 7 may not work depending upon the extent of how bad the bullet is lodged in that barrel.
You may find that your problem is alleviated after Step 3. In which case, ensure there is no round lodged in the barrel before reloading your pistol.
A squib can be caused by any number of factors including:
- Manufacturer made the bullet improperly
- The bullet’s casing was breached
- A pre-existing obstruction in the barrel
- A bad strike on the primer of the round
Any of these things and more can be the cause for a squib. What you need to know is that if you have a squib in a combat situation, that gun is worthless to you until you find out where the failure occurred. This may mean subjecting yourself to further harm and risk as you attempt to withdraw from the active combat site so you can diagnose the problem. The alternative (e.g. continuing to fire after a squib) can result in injury to yourself, the permanent destruction of your handgun, and potentially you getting harmed by your adversary.
