What part of a firearm loads, fires, and ejects a cartridge?

The action of a firearm is the component that is responsible for loading, firing, and ejecting a cartridge. It encompasses several parts working in conjunction, such as the bolt or slide, which moves back and forth to chamber the cartridge, ignite the primer when the firing pin strikes it, and then remove the spent casing from the chamber after firing. The action is crucial in the operation of the firearm, ensuring that each shot is fired and that there’s a mechanism in place to prepare for the next round.

The trigger, while essential for initiating the firing sequence, does not manage the complete cycle of loading and ejecting cartridges. The magazine serves as a storage component for ammunition but does not perform the operation of firing or ejecting itself. The barrel is key to guiding the projectile out of the firearm but is not involved in the loading or ejection process. Understanding the distinct roles of these components helps grasp how firearms function as a whole.