What type of stoppage typically occurs as a consequence of not seating the magazine properly?

A double-feed stoppage typically occurs when a magazine is not seated properly. This type of stoppage happens when the bolt attempts to strip a round from the magazine but instead pushes a round that is already in the chamber back into the magazine, leading to two rounds being in the chamber area at the same time. This creates a situation where the rifle cannot function correctly, as the bolt cannot close fully with two rounds in the way, preventing firing.

Properly seating the magazine is crucial because it not only ensures that the follower can fully engage and present rounds to the bolt but also guarantees that the magazine is aligned correctly with the chamber for feeding. If the magazine is loosely seated or not clicked into place, it can cause feeding issues, which perfectly illustrates why this particular stoppage is associated with improper magazine seating. Understanding this relationship is critical for maintaining reliable weapon functionality during use.