Which term is a weapon malfunction that occurs when the primer ignites and there is no burn or partial burn of the powder charge?

• A. Stalling
• B. Squid Load
• C. Sight Picture
• D. Skeletal System

Answer: (B)

This is about a firearm malfunction where the primer fires but the powder charge does not burn adequately, so there’s little to no pressure to push the bullet. That situation is called a squib load. Because the primer ignites while the powder charge fails to ignite or burns too slowly, the bullet barely moves or may not exit the barrel at all. It’s a dangerous condition because if another round is fired, a live round can strike a bullet still stuck in the barrel, risking a catastrophic failure. The other terms listed don’t describe this situation: sight picture relates to aiming, and the skeletal system is unrelated to firearm operation. Stalling isn’t the standard term used for this specific malfunction.