What does the operation cycle of a semi-automatic handgun include?

The operation cycle of a semi-automatic handgun includes firing, unlocking, extracting, and ejecting. This sequence describes the automatic processes that occur in the firearm once the trigger is pulled.

Initially, when the trigger is pulled, the gun fires a round, which causes the bullet to exit the barrel. Following this, the unlocking phase happens, where the slide or bolt moves backward to disengage from the locked position. During the extracting phase, the spent cartridge case is pulled from the chamber by the extractor. Finally, in the ejecting phase, the extracted cartridge is expelled from the ejection port, allowing the next round to be chambered automatically for the next shot.

This operational cycle is essential for the semi-automatic function of the firearm, making it quicker and more efficient by allowing the shooter to fire multiple rounds without needing to manually reload after each shot.