The rear portion of the block assembly is spring loaded to the front to help with extraction of fired cartridges. This is why the chamber and cartridges are tapered. The concept is that when the block is opened the spring loaded rear portion will move forward pushing the tapered cartridge free of the tapered chamber. Works OK until things carbon up. The carbine should not be fired without a proper cartridge.
Jim Brady
2249V
Knap's Battery
CUM CATAPULTAE PROSCRIBEANTUR TUM SOLI PROSCRIPTI CATAPULTAS HABEANT
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