Tap Rack Bang
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A well known term that details the initial standard procedure for fixing a semi automatic pistol that has ceased firing. To use the more specialist language - it is the standard drill for clearing stoppages on semi-auto pistols.
In British military parlance these drills are called 'Immediate Actions'.
- The 'Tap' denotes the first action; that is to tap the magazine , this is to ensure that the magazine is properly engaged in the pistol grip.
- The 'Rack' denotes the operating of the slide, that is to say cocking the piece. This will serve to eject a mis-fired round - caused by as a failure to fire due to a failed primer. It will also serve to chamber a round if the original cause of the stoppage was an improperly seated magazine (which would have itself been corrected by the 'tap').
The Tap-Rack-Bang!.... will clear most stoppages in semi automatic pistols; which are in any case in modern pistols very rare.
It will not however clear all stoppages. Incomplete ignition causing a bullet to lodge in the barrel will not usually be cleared by this drill. This is unusual with military or factory ammunition, but fairly common with reloads, that is to say ammunition created from components at home or in a small workshop.
This procedure will not correct many mechanical malfunctions, one example being a broken firing pin; but these are also extremely rare in full bore pistols.
It may not clear a 'stovepipe stoppage' that is an incomplete ejection of the empty case.
However it is a worthwhile procedure to learn to execute subconsciously in the heat of an engagement, as it will rectify most problems with semi auto pistols
