Summary

Block diagram of long recoil operated firearm

1. Ready to fire position. Bolt is locked to barrel, both are fully forward.
2. Recoil of firing forces bolt and barrel fully to the rear, compressing the return springs for both.
3. Bolt is held to rear, while barrel unlocks and returns to battery under spring force. Fired round is ejected.
4. Bolt returns under spring force, loads new round. Barrel locks in place as it returns to battery.

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