In firearms, what is the firing cycle?

The firing cycle refers to the sequence of actions that occur in a firearm when it is discharged and subsequently prepared for the next shot. This process includes the firing of a cartridge, the extraction and ejection of the spent casing, and the feeding of a new round into the chamber.

When a shooter pulls the trigger, the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge, igniting the gunpowder and propelling the bullet down the barrel. Once the bullet exits, the slide or bolt of the firearm moves back due to the recoil, extracting the empty casing from the chamber and ejecting it from the firearm. As the action closes, a new round is automatically fed from the magazine into the chamber, allowing the firearm to be ready to fire again. This cycle continues with each trigger pull as long as there are rounds in the magazine.

Understanding this cycle is crucial for firearm operators because it ensures proper handling and maintenance of the firearm during its operation, enhancing safety and functional effectiveness.