What action should you take if a weapon feels unusually hot during training?

When a weapon feels unusually hot during training, conducting a safety check and allowing it to cool before further use is the appropriate action. Firearms, especially those that are semi-automatic or automatic, can generate significant heat during operation due to the rapid cycling of ammunition, friction, and combustion of gunpowder. Excessive heat can affect the performance of the weapon, potentially leading to malfunctions, and more critically, it can pose a safety risk, including the possibility of burns or even accidental discharge if safety mechanisms are compromised.

By performing a safety check, the operator ensures that the weapon is not in a condition that could cause harm, such as a round being chambered and ready to fire. Allowing the weapon to cool reduces the risk of overheating, ensuring it functions properly when it is next used. It is also a chance to check for any signs of damage or wear that may have occurred because of excessive heat.

Utilizing water or any other substance to cool the weapon immediately is not advisable because it can introduce moisture into the firearm, potentially leading to rust or corrosion. Ignoring the situation can lead to unsafe conditions, and changing the ammunition type does not address the immediate issue of overheating. Thus, the method of checking and allowing the weapon to