Which type of malfunction indicates a failure to remove spent cartridge cases?

The correct answer is rooted in understanding the mechanics of how firearms operate, particularly the process of cycling after a round is fired. A failure to extract is a specific type of malfunction that occurs when the firearm fails to remove the spent cartridge casing from the chamber after firing.

In firearms, after a bullet is fired, the mechanism's next step is to eject the spent casing to prepare for the next round to be fed into the chamber. If this does not occur, the spent casing remains lodged in the chamber, which can lead to a jam or malfunction known as a failure to extract. This is a clear indication that the system has not successfully completed its cycle due to an issue with the extraction mechanism, such as a stuck casing or a faulty extractor.

Understanding this helps in diagnosing and addressing issues during operation, making it clear why a failure to extract is the correct terminology for a malfunction involving the failure to remove spent cartridge cases.