What action should you take if you encounter a misfire?

When you encounter a misfire, waiting for at least 30 seconds before opening the action is the appropriate action to take. This waiting period is crucial because a misfire can sometimes be due to a delayed ignition, where the primer fails to ignite at the moment of the trigger pull but may ignite after a brief delay. By waiting, you reduce the risk of injury from an unintended discharge that could occur if the firearm is handled too soon.

Taking immediate action, such as inspecting the firearm right away, could expose you to a significant safety risk. Discharging the remaining ammunition quickly is also unsafe, as it does not account for the potential cause of the misfire and could lead to further complications. Storing the firearm in a safe place does not address the immediate situation and is not a solution to handling a misfire properly. Thus, allowing time to pass ensures that you handle the situation safely and responsibly.