What does the acronym SPORTS stand for?

• A. Slap, Pull, Observe, Release, Tap and Shoot
• B. Stop, Pivot, Observe, Release, Tap and Shoot
• C. Slap, Push, Observe, Release, Tap and Shoot
• D. Slap, Pull, Watch, Release, Tap and Shoot

Answer: (A)

SPORTS is a mnemonic for the steps used to clear a malfunction and get a semi-automatic weapon back into action. Each word maps to a specific action in order: Slap the magazine to ensure it’s fully seated, Pull the charging handle to chamber a round, Observe the chamber and action to confirm status, Release the charging handle to let the slide return to battery, Tap the forward assist or slide to ensure the action is fully forward, and Shoot if the weapon is confirmed ready. The other options replace those actions with terms like Stop, Pivot, Push, or Watch, which don’t align with the practiced sequence and would not reliably restore function.