Which assembly of the M240B machine gun is responsible for feeding, stripping, chambering, firing, extraction, and ejection of cartridges?

The bolt and operating rod assembly is responsible for the critical functions of feeding, stripping, chambering, firing, extraction, and ejection of cartridges in the M240B machine gun. This assembly plays a pivotal role in the overall operation of the weapon, as it integrates various moving parts that work in conjunction during the firing cycle.

When a cartridge is fed from the belt into the chamber, the operating rod drives the bolt forward, chambering the round and allowing for ignition when the trigger is pulled. After firing, the bolt continues its movement, extracting the spent cartridge case and ejecting it out of the ejection port, thus preparing the weapon for the next round.

The other assemblies, while important, do not perform all these functions. The trigger assembly primarily manages the firing mechanism. The feeding assembly is involved in moving ammunition into position, but it does not engage with the cartridge in the chambering or extraction processes. The gas cylinder assembly mainly deals with the gas operation to cycle the bolt but does not directly manage the mechanical processes related to cartridge handling.