Which steps in the cycle of operation are the same for both straight blowback and delayed blowback systems?

The cycle of operation in firearms encompasses a series of steps that a round goes through from cartridge loading to its expulsion from the firearm. Both straight blowback and delayed blowback systems are types of semi-automatic actions that utilize similar initial processes despite differing in how they handle the pressure and timing of the operation.

The correct answer illustrates that feeding, extracting, firing, and ejecting are all common steps in both blowback systems. In the feeding stage, a cartridge is moved from the magazine into the chamber. Following this, the firing step involves igniting the primer which causes the projectile to exit the barrel. As the fired cartridge case expands, it is extracted from the chamber during the extracting phase, allowing for the next round to be loaded. Finally, in the ejecting stage, the spent cartridge case is expelled from the firearm.

This commonality illustrates that while the mechanisms of operation may vary (with straight blowback relying purely on the kinetic force of the cartridge case and delayed blowback involving a mechanism that delays the opening of the action), the fundamental processes of handling of the ammunition remain consistent. Understanding these shared steps is crucial for effective inspection and troubleshooting across various firearm architectures.