What happens during the extraction step of the cycle of operation?

During the extraction step of the cycle of operation, the primary action involves the cartridge being pulled from the chamber. This step is crucial because it ensures that the spent casing, which is inactive after firing, is effectively removed from the chamber in preparation for the next round to be fed into the firing mechanism.

The extraction process typically involves the extractor claw, which engages the rim of the casing and pulls it rearward as the slide moves back. This action is essential for maintaining the firearm's reliability, as a failure to extract can lead to malfunctions during subsequent shots.

In contrast, the ejection of the casing occurs after extraction, during a subsequent step where the casing is expelled from the firearm. The other choices, such as the hammer being cocked or the slide being locked, occur at different stages in the operation cycle and are not part of the extraction process itself. Thus, the action of pulling the cartridge from the chamber is the defining characteristic of the extraction phase.