What happens when the action of a semi-automatic shotgun is pushed back?

When the action of a semi-automatic shotgun is pushed back, a new cartridge is loaded into the chamber. This mechanism allows the shotgun to automatically cycle after firing a round, which means it ejects the spent shell casing and prepares the next round for firing without the need for manual intervention. This automatic cycling is a key feature of semi-automatic shotguns, enabling faster follow-up shots compared to pump-action shotguns, which require the user to manually cycle the action.

The design of a semi-automatic shotgun utilizes the energy produced from the fired cartridge to perform this cycling process. This efficient reloading mechanism is what sets semi-automatics apart and is essential for maintaining a continuous rhythm in shooting, especially in hunting or competitive scenarios.