What is the definition of a misfire?

A misfire is defined as a complete failure to fire that is not necessarily hazardous. This means that when the trigger is pulled, there is no ignition of the cartridge, and the weapon does not discharge as it is intended to. While it is important to properly address a misfire situation to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment, it is classified as a malfunction rather than a dangerous event.

The other options include scenarios that involve firing or detonation. For instance, a projectile that fires with no target implies an accidental discharge, which is a different category than a misfire. Similarly, an explosive that detonates prematurely represents a hazardous situation, more akin to a malfunction that poses immediate danger. Lastly, a round that has been fired but does not hit the target is distinct in that it involves the weapon discharging successfully, but the projectile misses the intended target. Therefore, the accurate and comprehensive understanding of a misfire is limited to the failure of ignition without the dangerous consequences of unintended discharges or detonations.