During which part of the semiautomatic cycle does the bullet get fired?

In a semiautomatic firearm cycle, the bullet is fired during the firing phase. This is the moment when the trigger is pulled, causing the firing pin to strike the primer of the cartridge. The ignition of the gunpowder within the cartridge generates gas that propels the bullet down the barrel and out of the firearm.

This phase is critical as it represents the culmination of the firearm's operational cycle, where all preceding actions—such as loading, feeding, and locking—prepare the firearm for this moment of discharge. Understanding this sequence helps in grasping how semiautomatic firearms function and the importance of each cycle component in ensuring proper operation and safety.