The Colt .45 automatic pistol is used primarily for personal defense. This weapon is fired by first pulling the slide and barrel to the rear to cock the hammer. Releasing the slide feeds the cartridge into the chamber and returns the barrel to the firing position. When the trigger is squeezed, it presses against the sear, which in turn releases the hammer. As the hammer falls, it strikes the firing pin. The firing pin flies forward, striking the primer of the cartridge and exploding it. Recoil drives the barrel and slide to the rear, automatically cocking and loading the pistol for the next shot.
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