What does a hang-fire indicate in weapon operations?

In weapon operations, a hang-fire refers specifically to a situation where there is a delay between the trigger pull and the actual firing of the round. This phenomenon occurs when the primer of a cartridge has ignited, but either the powder has not ignited yet, or there is a delay in the ignition sequence.

Choosing the option indicating a delay in the cycle of operations is accurate because it highlights the unpredictable nature of hang-fires. The weapon is expected to operate in a certain sequential manner: trigger pull, firing pin strike, ignition, and then firing. When a hang-fire occurs, this sequence is interrupted, resulting in an unexpected wait time before the round discharges.

Understanding hang-fires is crucial for safety and operational protocols. It signals the need for caution since assuming the weapon has malfunctioned and handling it improperly could lead to accidental discharge.