Which cycle of operation involves extracting the fired cartridge case from the chamber in the M9 pistol?

The cycle of operation that involves extracting the fired cartridge case from the chamber in the M9 pistol is extraction. During this phase, the extractor claw engages the rim of the spent cartridge case, pulling it out of the chamber after ignition and the firing sequence has completed. This is a crucial step in preparing the firearm for the next round to be loaded and fired.

Understanding this process is vital for proper firearm operation and maintenance. It ensures that the weapon cycles effectively, which contributes to reliability in performance. The extraction phase sets the stage for ejection, where the case is then expelled from the firearm, marking the transition to preparing the mechanism for the next round of ammunition to be chambered.

Recognizing the distinction between extraction and other phases in the cycle of operation, such as locking, loading, and ejection, is essential for anyone learning about firearms. Locking pertains to securing the barrel and slide together before firing, loading is about introducing a new round into the chamber, and ejection is the removal of the spent cartridge case from the firearm after extraction. Each of these steps plays a specific role in the overall functionality of the firearm but extraction specifically pertains to the removal of the fired cartridge case from the chamber.