The host introduces the topic of squib loads as one of the worst things that can happen at the range. A recent range session while filming with a Glock 43X in FDE prompted this discussion. The incident did not result in damage or injury, but it highlighted how easily a squib load can occur and why shooters need to understand it. The goal is to provide straightforward, educational information so that others can recognize the signs early and avoid turning a minor ammunition issue into a serious problem.
During filming with the Glock 43X, one round felt and sounded noticeably different. The recoil was light, and the pistol did not cycle as expected. On camera, the host immediately calls out that it might be a squib load and stops shooting. The gun appears out of battery, and the slide has not fully returned forward. This real-time reaction is used as a teaching moment, emphasizing that when something feels off, the correct response is to stop, keep the muzzle in a safe direction, and begin carefully checking the firearm rather than continuing to fire.
The video explains that a squib load occurs when a cartridge is significantly underpowered, often because there is little or no powder in the case and only the primer ignites. The primer alone can generate just enough force to move the projectile into the barrel but not enough to push it all the way out. As a result, the bullet can become lodged inside the bore. The host stresses that this is typically an ammunition issue rather than a firearm malfunction, and that shooters should avoid blaming the gun when the real problem is an undercharged round.
Key indicators of a squib load include a softer report, lighter recoil, and incomplete slide movement. In the Glock 43X example, the shot sounded weak and the slide did not travel fully to the rear, leaving the pistol out of battery. The host notes that if the slide fails to cycle normally or the gun suddenly feels different, the shooter should stop immediately and inspect the firearm. A spent casing may remain in the chamber, and the slide may not return fully forward, both of which suggest that the round lacked sufficient power and that a projectile may still be in the barrel.
The host warns against performing a quick tap-rack and firing again when a squib is suspected. If a second round is fired behind a bullet stuck in the barrel, pressure can spike sharply. Depending on the firearm and ammunition, this can damage the gun or cause parts to fail. In some cases, a strong design might push both projectiles out, but there is still a risk of structural damage. Pressure often seeks the path of least resistance, which can be down the magazine well or through weaker components at the rear of the slide if the bore is obstructed.
After recognizing that the Glock 43X is not in battery, the host demonstrates a careful approach to clearing the pistol. The magazine is removed, the slide is locked back, and the chamber is visually checked. The lodged projectile is then identified in the barrel, confirming the squib load. By examining the bore, it becomes clear that the bullet did not travel far enough to exit. This step-by-step inspection shows how to safely verify the condition of the firearm before any further shooting, ensuring that the barrel is clear and that no obstruction remains.
The video closes by reinforcing the importance of stopping immediately when a shot feels or sounds abnormal or when the slide does not cycle correctly. Shooters are encouraged to inspect the firearm, check for an empty casing that failed to eject, and confirm that the barrel is unobstructed before continuing. The host emphasizes avoiding damage to the gun and preventing injury to the shooter or bystanders. Viewers are invited to share their own experiences with squib loads, how they recognized them, and what the outcome was, with the hope that others can learn from those incidents as well.
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