[Cicero]

Not only was Trayvon Martin said to be on top of Zimmerman, punching him, but there is some speculation that there was some struggle over the gun before Zimmerman shot him, and even that it was Martin who discovered the gun and first started to get it out.

One shot was fired from the chamber, and the magazine was still full. Why didn’t the chamber reload after firing, from the magazine? Maybe, it’s been suggested, because they were fighting over the gun and Zimmerman’s hand blocked the reloading. That is speculative, of course. But if the chamber was empty, either the gun was defective or something of the sort may have happened.

[Sigurdrifta]

Or, IF Martin had grabbed the slide with his fingers around the slide and frame, the gun would have fired but failed to cycle.

[MizSterious]

Has there been an autopsy report yet? That would solve the “shot in the back” claim. Of course, even without an autopsy, police can usually know facts like these. Has any of this been included in the reports made public?

[Mariner]

"Maybe, it’s been suggested, because they were fighting over the gun and Zimmerman’s hand blocked the reloading."

This is the only plausible explanation.

The pistol was physically constrained from cycling properly.

[Erik Latranyi]

But if the chamber was empty, either the gun was defective or something of the sort may have happened.

It is not uncommon for a firearm to fail to cycle at point blank range.

That is why in good self-defense courses, you learn to tap, rack, bang by instinct.

[DBrow]

If either was holding the slide shut, there would be evidence to show it, as in damage to that hand.

[cracker45]

“One shot was fired from the chamber, and the magazine was still full. Why didn’t the chamber reload after firing, from the magazine? Maybe, it’s been suggested, because they were fighting over the gun and Zimmerman’s hand blocked the reloading. That is speculative, of course. But if the chamber was empty, either the gun was defective or something of the sort may have happened.”

No, you are correct. It is recommended NOT to use a semi-auto pistol for bear protection because if the bear gets on top of you, you will only have one shot - the bear’s thick fur will clog up the slide and prevent cycling of another round. Revolvers don’t have that problem and if it is a double action one, just keep pulling the trigger!

JC