What occurs during the Firing step in the cycle of operation?

During the Firing step in the cycle of operation, the primary action that takes place is that the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge. This action is crucial because it initiates the ignition of the propellant within the cartridge, leading to the firing of the bullet.

This step follows the necessary preparation and loading of the weapon and occurs after the weapon has been cocked. When the trigger is pulled, it releases the mechanism that drives the firing pin forward with enough force to hit the primer. The primer ignites, generating a small flame that ignites the gunpowder inside the cartridge, resulting in the projectile being propelled out of the barrel.

Understanding this step is vital for comprehending how a firearm operates. The other options refer to separate stages in the cycle of operation, such as the loading of a new round, safety measures, and the ejection process, which are important but take place at different points in the overall firing sequence.