What is the process for operating a pump-action firearm?

The process of operating a pump-action firearm centers around the mechanics of the action, specifically how the forearm is used to cycle the firearm's operation. In a pump-action shotgun or rifle, pulling the forearm back opens the action, ejecting the spent cartridge from the chamber. This action creates space for a new round to be chambered. When the forearm is pushed forward, it closes the action and chambers a new round, making the firearm ready to fire.

Understanding this operation is crucial for safe firearm handling. The pump-action design relies on the user to manually operate the forearm to cycle the action, which is distinct from other firearm mechanisms such as semi-automatics where the action may cycle automatically based on gas operation or recoil.

The other choices do not accurately describe the functioning of a pump-action firearm: for instance, pulling the trigger does not activate the action itself; rather, it releases the firing mechanism. The process does not involve a manual lock to close the action; it simply operates by sliding the forearm. Lastly, changing magazines is not characteristic of pump-action firearms, which typically do not use magazines in the same way that semi-automatic firearms do.