If the interrupter in a firearm is damaged, what happens to the cartridges?

When the interrupter in a firearm is damaged, it disrupts the timing and sequencing of the cartridge feed mechanism. An interrupter is designed to control when cartridges are released from the magazine and positioned into the chamber for firing. If the interrupter fails, it can cause the cartridges to enter the chamber either too early or fail to enter the chamber altogether.

When cartridges enter too early, they may not be properly aligned for the chambering process, which can lead to feeding failures. Conversely, if the interrupter is stuck or malfunctioning in such a way that it prevents cartridges from being released altogether, they will not enter the chamber at all.

Both of these scenarios highlight the importance of the interrupter's role in the firearm’s operation, leading to the conclusion that damage to this component can result in either premature or obstructed entry of cartridges into the chamber, validating the selected response.