What should be done with a weapon that experiences a hot gun failure?

When a weapon experiences a hot gun failure, the appropriate action is to clear the weapon and then wait for a period of time—commonly suggested as 15 minutes—before reattempting to use or inspect it. This procedure is crucial because a hot gun can mean that the weapon has overheated due to extensive firing, which can lead to potential malfunctions or even dangerous situations such as cook-offs, where a round might unintentionally discharge due to high heat.

By allowing the weapon to cool down, you reduce the risk of injury or further damage to the weapon itself, ensuring both safety and the integrity of subsequent operations. Clearing the weapon also confirms that it is safe to handle and allows for an accurate assessment of the malfunction.

While it may be tempting to immediately reattempt to fire the weapon, this can exacerbate the issue and create unsafe conditions. Simply placing the weapon in the armory for inspection does not address the immediate safety concerns posed by the overheated gun. Notifying a supervisor is essential for operational communication, but it should follow proper handling procedures to ensure that safety protocols are observed first.