Chapter 3: Know Your Firearm Equipment
How Ammunition Is Fired

The firing steps for handguns and shotguns is very similar to this sequence shown for a bolt-action rifle.

Continue to see a more detailed cross-section diagram as well as step-by-step explanation of the firing sequence.

• The bolt moves forward, compressing the firing pin spring and inserting a cartridge into the chamber.

• The firing pin is held back under spring tension.

• When the trigger is pulled, the firing pin moves forward, crushing and igniting the primer in the cartridge base.

• The primer ignites the gunpowder, generating gas pressure, which forces the bullet forward and out of the barrel.