After the firing pin strikes the primer, what is the next event in the firing sequence?

• A. Expanding gas drives the bullet through the barrel
• B. Gunpowder burns and converts to a gas
• C. The trigger is pulled
• D. The primer explodes and sparks the gunpowder

Answer: (C)

When the firing pin strikes the primer, the next event is the primer detonating and igniting the gunpowder. That ignition makes the powder burn rapidly, producing high-pressure gas that drives the bullet down the barrel. The trigger being pulled happens earlier in the sequence, and the expanding gas pushing the bullet is the result of the powder ignition, not the immediate next step after the primer strikes.