Cycle of Operation

Question 1

Cycle of Operation

Answer 1

Most weapons will have 8 steps

*Blowback operated weapons only have 6 as they don’t have the LOCKING/UNLOCKING steps

Question 2

Feeding

Answer 2

Occurs when the weapon system strips the round from the source of feed. The bolt/slide will then force the round into the chamber. This happens when the bolt/slide is forced forward by a main spring or guide spring.

Question 3

Chambering

Answer 3

The act of the bolt/slide pushing the nose of the round up/over/down the feed ramp and into the chamber itself.

Question 4

Locking

Answer 4

The action of the weapon’s locking system to ensure that the breechblock will not open as the weapon is fired.

Question 5

Firing

Answer 5

The act of the trigger being squeezed, releasing the hammer which strikes the firing pin driving the firing pin forward striking the primer of the round causing it to ignite and burn the powder inside of the cartridge. The gas generated by the rapidly burning of the powder forces the projectile from the cartridge and propels it through the barrel.

Question 6

Unlocking

Answer 6

The action of the bolt/slide group moving rearward.

Question 7

Extracting

Answer 7

The forced removal of the cartridge case from the chamber by the extractor/bolt face.

Question 8

Ejecting

Answer 8

The action of the cartridge case being removed from the bolt/slide face by a tang of metal or spring loaded plunger as the bolt/slide group moves to the rear.

Question 9

Cocking

Answer 9

The action of the rearward movement of the bolt/slide group moving to the rear and re-setting the hammer in the firing pin.