How to Remove Stuck Rifle Cartridges

Modern semi-auto firearms have a system to remove spent cartridges from the firing action. Occasionally, this extraction mechanism fails and a cartridge is "stuck" inside the chamber of a gun. This is known as an "FTE," or failure to extract or eject. The removal of a spent cartridge, or casing, is simple, but should be done with care to avoid any damage to the weapon's firing mechanism.

Things You'll Need

  • Thin, flat-blade tool or knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lock open the action. Take your finger off the trigger, hold the rifle foregrip with your support hand and pull the bolt open with your firing hand. Use the locking lever specific to your rifle and lock the action in the open position.

    • 2

      Remove the magazine. Press the magazine release button or lever on your rifle. This will disengage the rest of your ammunition from the rifle for your safety. Place the magazine aside and make sure no loose rounds are in your rifle's magazine feed or chamber.

    • 3

      Remove the stuck cartridge. Have a good grip on your gun. Place it on a clean surface if one is available. Use a knife or other thin blade to carefully pry the cartridge out. Hook the blade under the rim at the base of the casing and place a finger or piece of cloth under the edge of the action, which you use for leverage when prying. Clear the cartridge from the action and reload your gun.