Which function does the bolt serve in a firearm?

The bolt is a critical component of a firearm, primarily responsible for chambering a round and locking it in place for firing. When the shooter pulls the trigger, the bolt's role is to ensure that the cartridge is properly situated within the chamber, allowing for a secure fit that enables the firing pin to strike the primer effectively. This process ensures that the round fires safely and accurately.

The bolt also has additional functions, such as extracting spent cartridges after firing and ejecting them from the firearm, but its primary purpose is firmly rooted in the chambering and locking mechanism. Thus, understanding the bolt's function is vital for grasping how firearms operate during the firing sequence.