How long should you point the weapon downrange after a hang fire malfunction?

After experiencing a hang fire malfunction, it is essential to maintain control and safety by pointing the weapon downrange for an extended period before attempting to clear the malfunction. The recommended duration of 30 seconds serves as a precautionary measure because a hang fire can be unpredictable; it refers to a delay between pulling the trigger and the ignition of the cartridge.

During this critical time, there is the potential for the round to fire after a delay, so keeping the firearm pointed downrange mitigates the risk of accidental injury to oneself or others. The 30-second wait provides a reasonable timeframe to ensure that if there is a delayed firing, the muzzle is oriented safely away from any person or sensitive area. It strikes a balance between being cautious and not excessively prolonging the hazard; while longer waits like one minute or five minutes may seem safer, they are often unnecessary and could lead to other safety concerns or operational inefficiencies.

In contrast, shorter durations like 10 seconds might not provide enough time to assure safety after a hang fire, particularly since even brief delays can occur. Therefore, the best practice remains to point the weapon downrange for 30 seconds after a hang fire.