How Does it Work: Long Recoil

Published on February 7, 2019
Duration: 2:58

The long recoil operating system involves the barrel and bolt locking together and recoiling as a unit. This system's primary advantage is safety, as the long travel ensures chamber pressure drops before unlocking. However, it often results in higher felt recoil due to the mass of the recoiling assembly and can have weaker ejection due to the case being expelled after the barrel returns forward.

Quick Summary

The long recoil operating system locks the barrel and bolt together, allowing them to recoil as a unit. Its main advantage is safety, as pressure drops before unlocking. However, it often leads to higher felt recoil and can have weaker ejection due to the mechanics involved.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Long Recoil Cycle Overview
  2. 00:54Application in Handguns: Frommer Stop
  3. 01:20Advantages and Disadvantages
  4. 02:15Felt Recoil and Historical Context

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of the long recoil operating system in firearms?

The main advantage of the long recoil system is enhanced safety. The extended travel distance ensures that chamber pressures have dropped to safe levels before the bolt unlocks and the spent casing is extracted, reducing the risk of malfunctions or injury.

What are the disadvantages of firearms using the long recoil mechanism?

Disadvantages include increased mechanical complexity, often requiring two separate return springs (one for the barrel, one for the bolt). Additionally, these systems can exhibit weaker ejection because the case is expelled after the barrel returns forward, not at the peak recoil velocity.

How does the long recoil system affect felt recoil?

Firearms employing the long recoil system typically have higher felt recoil. This is due to the significant mass of the barrel and bolt assembly recoiling together and slamming into the rear of the receiver upon firing.

Which firearms are classic examples of the long recoil operating system?

Classic examples include shotguns like the Browning Auto-5 and Remington Model 11, rifles like the Remington Model 8, and even pistols such as the Frommer Stop. The Chauchat light machine gun also utilized a form of long recoil.

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