In firearms, what is the firing cycle?

The firing cycle of a firearm involves a sequence of events that occurs every time the gun is discharged. This cycle specifically refers to what happens after the trigger is pulled. When the first round is fired, the internal components of the firearm function in a precise manner to ensure it operates correctly.

Initially, the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge, igniting the powder and propelling the bullet down the barrel. Once the bullet exits the muzzle, the next steps begin: the empty casing is extracted from the chamber, and the firearm ejects it from the gun, allowing for a new round to be fed into the chamber. This automatic cycling of the action allows the shooter to fire subsequent rounds efficiently.

Understanding this cycle is crucial for safe and effective firearm operation. It illustrates how semi-automatic and automatic firearms work, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and handling to ensure that the gun continues to function correctly after repeated firings.