Summary

Block diagram of short recoil operated firearm

1. Ready to fire position. Bolt is locked to barrel, both are fully forward.
2. Upon firing, bolt and barrel recoil backwards a short distance while locked together, until the barrel is stopped.
3. The bolt unlocks from the barrel and continues to move to the rear, ejecting the fired round and compressing the recoil spring.
4. The bolt returns forward under spring force, loading a new round into the barrel.
5. Bolt locks into barrel, and forces barrel to return to battery.

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