Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) Practice Exam

The firing pin is a crucial component of the firing sequence in modern firearms. When the trigger is pulled, it releases the hammer or striker that then strikes the firing pin. This action causes the firing pin to move forward and strike the primer of the cartridge. The primer ignites and subsequently ignites the gunpowder in the cartridge, resulting in the discharge of the bullet.

In contrast, while the ignition port is related to the function of a firearm's ignition system, it is not a standard term used in the firing sequence. The muzzle is simply the open end of the firearm from which the bullet exits. Wadding, found in some types of ammunition, serves a different purpose related to the packing of projectiles and is not involved in the firing sequence of a modern firearm. The firing pin, therefore, is integral to transforming the mechanical action of the firearm into the chemical reaction that produces the discharge.