The Basic Firing Process

The same physical process is used to shoot shotshells from shotguns or cartridges from rifles or handguns. Squeezing the trigger causes the firing pin to strike and explode the primer in the base of the cartridge or shotshell. The spark from the primer ignites the gunpowder, which burns rapidly and converts to a gas. The gas rapidly expands and drives the projectile(s) through the barrel with great force.