Final answer:
Immediate action for a double feed includes removing the magazine, locking back the bolt or slide, clearing the malfunction, and reinserting the magazine to resume firing.
Step-by-step explanation:
A double feed is a type of firearm malfunction where two cartridges feed into the chamber at the same time. This can happen with firearms like the early machine guns, which required meticulous operation. Immediate action for clearing a double feed typically involves:
- Removing the magazine to relieve pressure on the rounds.
- Locking back the bolt or slide to allow room for the malfunction to be cleared.
- Extracting the rounds and ensuring the chamber and feed paths are clear.
- Reinserting the magazine and chambering a fresh round.
In a stress situation, as might have been faced by the crews of Maxim guns, efficient and calm action is crucial to resolve a double feed and continue operation. Today's firearms include additional fail-safes and more advanced designs to prevent such malfunctions, but proper training is still essential.