The Dreaded Squib Load

[mmckee1952]

About 1:10 into this video, we have a shooter practicing a drill. On the last shot, we hear a soft ‘bang’ with some smoke coming out of the muzzle. The shooter racks the slide and just as he’s about to pull the trigger again, another person on the range says “STOP STOP STOP”.

A squib load, also known as a squib round, pop and no kick, or just a squib, is a firearms malfunction in which a fired projectile does not have enough force behind it to exit the barrel, and thus becomes stuck.

What the shooter experienced in the video above was a Squib Load. This occurs when a round does not have a powder charge, or too light of a charge. Typically, the primer will ignite and provide enough force to push the bullet into the barrel, but not out. If a second round is fired while the first bullet is in the barrel, an explosion is likely to occur. This is a very serious malfunction and every shooter needs to be able to identify a Squib Load.

So, if you ever hear a noise that doesn’t sound typical of that firearm being fired, you should cease shooting immediately and clear that firearm to check for a squib.

Read More & See Video: http://concealednation.org/2014/08/vide ... er-screen/

[Swampman]

Great example, and one I've never seen. Thanks for posting.

[SHMIV]

I've heard of these Squib Loads before. Why they are called such, has always bothered me.

A bit of research leads me to believe that I am the only one, aside from a lone Reddit user, who cares.

But, according to this:

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=squib

Back in the 1520's, a squib referred to a firework that burned with a hissing noise. So I guess that's where the term comes from.

Websters 1828 dictionary also defines a squib as a firework, but the fireworks described is a bit different:

http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Squib

Yep. I'm a word geek. I have a thing for etymology; I like to know exactly what I am saying. Drives TBH nuts.

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[WRW]

Ok, squibs were sometimes used in a manner similar to primers on modern cartridges...to ignite the main charge in a cannon. if the main charge failed...

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[MarcSpaz]

I only had one squib in my lifetime. I was shooting my 300 BO at a range with hearing protection, a suppressor, subsonic rounds and a bunch of other rifle shooters. I didn't hear any difference in the shots because they are always quiet, with no noticeable recoil. The only reason I didn't blow-up my barrel is because the next round wouldn't feed because the squib was stuck partially in the leade.

If it went down the pipe, even another inch, I would have blown-up a very expensive rifle and possible hurt or killed someone, including myself. I was very lucky.

[thekinetic]

I've heard of these Squib Loads before. Why they are called such, has always bothered me.

A bit of research leads me to believe that I am the only one, aside from a lone Reddit user, who cares.

But, according to this:

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=squib

Back in the 1520's, a squib referred to a firework that burned with a hissing noise. So I guess that's where the term comes from.

Websters 1828 dictionary also defines a squib as a firework, but the fireworks described is a bit different:

http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Squib

Yep. I'm a word geek. I have a thing for etymology; I like to know exactly what I am saying. Drives TBH nuts.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Also in the Harry Potter series a squib is a muggle born to magical parents.

[Vigo]

Many, many pistols have been lost to shooters who have tap-rack-bang drilled into them until it is mindless, only to find out on the second shot the reason the round gun failed to cycle was a squib. It can happen when someone is quick firing a string, the squib happens, and the shooter just jumps into tap-rack-bang. Drilling and speed are good, but the shooter always needs retain situational awareness, including when something feels off.