What immediate action should be taken in the event of a failure to fire?

The immediate action of "tap, rack, and reassess" is a standard misfire or failure-to-fire procedure that involves three critical steps. First, "tap" ensures that the firearm is in a ready position, effectively checking for any feeding or ejection issues. Tapping the magazine or the weapon can help seat any loose rounds into position, resolving any minor feeding issues.

Second, "rack" involves pulling the charging handle or slide to the rear and letting it go forward, which clears the chamber and feeds a new round from the magazine. This action not only ejects a possible dud round but also readies the firearm to fire again.

Lastly, "reassess" encourages the shooter to take a moment to evaluate the situation after executing the first two steps. This is critical as it allows the operator to determine whether the firearm is operational and to assess any changes in their surroundings or target before attempting to fire again.

This method is taught widely because it effectively addresses the most common causes of failure to fire in a systematic manner, promoting both safety and efficiency in resolving the issue.