What occurs on a gas-operated firearm when either the hammer or striker spring is damaged?

Prepare for the SDI Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with helpful hints to ace your test!

When a gas-operated firearm has a damaged hammer or striker spring, the most significant impact is on the firearm's ability to cock properly. The hammer or striker spring is crucial in providing the necessary force to either cock the hammer back or propel the striker forward to hit the primer of a cartridge. If this spring is compromised, it won't generate enough energy to achieve either function effectively.

This malfunction can prevent the firearm from cocking altogether, meaning that the firing mechanism cannot be engaged. As a result, even if a round is chambered, the firearm will not fire since the mechanism required to initiate the firing sequence is non-functional. This issue specifically highlights the role of the spring in the cocking process, which is central to the operation of gas-operated firearms.

Other potential issues that might arise from a damaged hammer or striker spring, such as misfiring, jamming, or improper ejection of shells, generally rely on the firearm having been properly cocked in the first place. Without the ability to cock, these other issues become secondary since the fundamental firing operation is disrupted.

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