Dummy Round Drill

posted on July 18, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (2)

NRA Publications is comprised of a group of people whose business is writing about firearms and shooting, thus there are a lot of discussions in the office on guns, tactics, ammunition and training. Often those discussions lead to very interesting ideas.

Recently, I was talking with our armorer about conducting malfunction drills without a training partner. The problem is that if you set up the malfunction, then you know when and how to conduct the drill, which eliminates the surprise factor. I’ve conducted malfunction drills by having a partner implement either a stove pipe or double feed and handing me the gun, and while this provides a level of surprise, it doesn’t allow the gun to go down in a middle of a shooting string. One way to implement that situation is by loading magazine with dummy rounds or empty brass.

For this drill you need three to four magazines, some ammunition in your caliber and a few dummy rounds or pieces of empty brass. Have a partner load the magazines, slipping in a “bad round” or two in an unknown location in each magazine. You can also load the magazines yourself, but be sure to randomly load the dummy rounds and the magazines to prevent prior knowledge of the pending event. Then simply run the magazines empty, clearing any malfunctions along the way.

Firearms are mechanical tools that can malfunction, and since things always seem to go wrong at the worst possible time, it’s prudent to know how to clear a gun quickly and efficiently. And realistic practice makes one better prepared.

Latest

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.