What is the cycle of operation in the context of small arms?

The cycle of operation refers to the series of actions that occur from the moment a round is fired until the weapon is ready to fire again. This process includes several key steps: the firing of the round, the extraction of the spent cartridge, the ejection of that cartridge from the chamber, the feeding of a new round into the chamber, and then the locking of the bolt in place. Understanding this sequence is crucial for effective weapon operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Other options, while related to firearms, do not accurately capture the operational mechanics involved after a round is fired. Cleaning firearms, maintenance checklists, and ammunition storage practices are all essential aspects of firearm handling but do not describe the dynamic process that occurs with each discharge of a weapon. Therefore, the choice that highlights the sequence of actions taken when a round is fired is the most accurate answer in the context of small arms operation.