Barrel linkdown

Barrel linkdown is essential for a number of reasons. First of all it causes the slide to come loose of the frame which makes it able to slide backwards. It also makes it possible to eject empty bullet cartridges and provides an angle with the magazine so a new bullet can slide into the barrel.
Under pressure of the shot the part underneath the barrel called the barrel link will rotate 45 degrees which causes the entire barrel to rotate a few degrees. Because of the recoil spring, the barrel link will rotate back up again after the shot.