Which part is involved in the locking process of a semiautomatic rifle/carbine's cycle of operation?

The buffer plays a crucial role in the locking process of a semiautomatic rifle or carbine's cycle of operation. Specifically, the buffer is part of the firearm's recoil system and is responsible for absorbing and managing the energy generated when a round is fired. When the bullet is fired, the gas from the burning gunpowder pushes the bullet down the barrel, and this also creates a rearward force on the bolt carrier group.

As the bolt carrier moves to the rear, the buffer ensures that the bolt remains locked during the initial phase of firing. It absorbs some of the energy and slows down the rearward movement of the bolt carrier. This allows the bolt to unlock at the appropriate time, enabling the spent cartridge casing to be extracted, while also allowing the next round to be fed into the chamber smoothly.

By managing the timing and force during the firing and cycling process, the buffer plays an integral part in maintaining the reliability and function of the semiautomatic action, making sure the locking mechanism works effectively and safely.

In contrast, while the trigger is essential for firing, the extractor's role is primarily in removing the spent casing, and the chamber is where the round is held before firing, but none of these components are directly