Cycles Of Operation Detailed

Question 1

Feeding

Answer 1

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 2

Chambering

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Locking

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Firing

Answer 4

The act of the trigger being squeezed, releasing/activating the firing mechanism, allowing the primer of the cartridge to be struck, and the explosive chain being activated

Question 5

Unlocking

Answer 5

The action of the bolt/slide group moving rearward deactivating the weapon’s locking system.

Question 6

Extracting

Answer 6

The forced removal of the cartridge case from the chamber by the extractor/bolt face as the bolt/slide group moves rearward

Question 7

Ejecting

Answer 7

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 8

Cocking

Answer 8

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

Question 9

**

Answer 9

Most weapons have 8 steps however Blowback operated weapons only have 6 as they do not have the Locking or Unlocking steps