What is the function of the firing pin in a bolt-action rifle?

The firing pin in a bolt-action rifle plays a crucial role in the firearm's operation. Its primary function is to strike the primer of the cartridge when the trigger is pulled. This impact ignites the primer, which in turn ignites the gunpowder inside the cartridge. Once the gunpowder ignites, it creates high-pressure gases that propel the bullet down the barrel, resulting in a discharge.

This process is essential for the firing mechanism, and without the firing pin effectively striking the primer, the rifle would not be able to fire. Understanding this function highlights the importance of the firing pin in properly and safely operating a bolt-action rifle. Other components, such as the safety mechanism and the ejection of spent cartridges, serve different purposes and do not relate directly to the ignition of the firearm.