What does the term 'stoppage' predominantly refer to?

The term 'stoppage' predominantly refers to an interruption in the cycle of operation. This typically occurs when a firearm fails to function properly during its cycle of firing, leading to a temporary halt in its operation. This can happen due to various issues such as a failure to eject a cartridge, a misfeed, or a failure to fire altogether.

Understanding stoppages is essential for Range Safety Officers, as they need to be able to identify and manage such issues promptly to ensure the safety and effectiveness of training exercises.

While a type of firearm malfunction encompasses stoppages, it is broader and could refer to any failure that disrupts functionality, not specifically detailing the interruption in the operational cycle. An operational pause during training and a breakdown of communication do not accurately define the term within the context of firearm operation but rather pertain to training logistics and information exchange, respectively.