During the feeding step of gas-operated firearms, the operator begins by doing what?

During the feeding step of gas-operated firearms, the correct action is to pull the charging handle to the rear. This maneuver is essential as it fully retracts the bolt carrier group, which in turn allows for the loading of a round from the magazine into the chamber. By pulling the charging handle back, the shooter also compresses the spring in the bolt carrier, which will help facilitate the feeding of the round once the handle is released.

This action sets the system up to cycle properly when the trigger is pressed, allowing the firearm to fire successfully. Understanding this sequence is crucial for ensuring the firearm operates efficiently and relies on the gas-operated mechanism designed to utilize the energy from fired cartridges to cycle the next round. Each step in the loading process is vital for the firearm's functionality, making the operation of the charging handle a fundamental procedure in preparing the firearm to fire.