What action should you take immediately after a hang fire is experienced?

The appropriate action to take immediately after experiencing a hang fire is to leave the firearm for a certain period before attempting to clear it. A hang fire can occur when there is a delay between the trigger being pulled and the cartridge firing. This could mean the cartridge may still fire after a short delay, which could pose a significant safety risk if the firearm is handled carelessly during that interval.

By waiting for about 30 minutes while keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction, you reduce the possibility of injury or damage if the cartridge fires unexpectedly. This safety protocol is critical because it allows time for the potential ignition of the hang fire to occur without risking harm to yourself or others.

While other actions might seem logical, they either risk injury or are not the best recommended safety practices. For instance, attempting to fire the cartridge again or ejection immediately can lead to accidents if the cartridge discharges unexpectedly. Keeping the firearm directed towards a safe area is important, but the key focus after a hang fire is allowing an adequate wait period to ensure safety.