page_title: Firearm malfunction
section_title: Stovepipe
hierarchical_section_title: Firearm malfunction / Mechanical malfunctions / Stovepipe
caption_attribution_description: English: Failure to eject (FTE, "stovepipe") in a semi-automatic pistol.
context_page_description: A firearm malfunction is the failure of a firearm to operate as intended for causes other than user error. Malfunctions range from temporary and relatively safe situations, such as a casing that didn't eject, to potentially dangerous occurrences that may permanently damage the gun and cause injury or death. Improper handling of certain types of malfunctions can be very dangerous. The basic rules of firearms safety should be followed at all times to minimize the risk to shooters and bystanders. Proper cleaning and maintenance of a firearm play a big role in preventing malfunctions.
context_section_description: A stovepipe or smokestack typically occurs in pump action, semi-automatic, and fully automatic firearms that fire from a closed bolt, when an empty cartridge case gets caught partway out of the ejection port instead of being thrown clear. Stovepipes can be caused by a malfunctioning or defective extractor or ejector, or when the shooter does not hold the firearm firmly enough for the action to function fully, known as limp wristing, or due to reloads that are not sufficiently powerful to fully cycle the action, etc.
caption: Failure to eject (FTE, "stovepipe") in a semi-automatic pistol.
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