How Does it Work: Long Stroke Gas Piston

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The long stroke gas piston system was in its heyday about 50 years ago, and was popular in both rifles and machine guns. The principle is that the gas piston is fixed to the bolt carrier, and both cycle rearward for the full length of the cartridge upon firing. The system was used in such distinguished designs as the M1 Garand, Kalashnikov, Browning Automatic Rifle, and ZB/Bren light machine guns among others. By including the mass of the gas piston in the reciprocating parts, the long stroke system potentially carries more momentum when cycling, this improving extraction and feeding. This generally comes at the cost of increased perceived recoil, as the extra mass impacting the rear of the receiver at the end of travel is felt by the firer.
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[@thecynic75]

If you’re looking for pure information, best channel on KZbin. No debating. Thanks Ian.

[@fugg3543]

C&Rsenal

[@themerrydamber]

Paul Harrell

[@Lazarus7000]

Too true! This is the kind of thing you used to watch History Channel for, now it's all pawnbrokers and seasons-long bullshit about possibly buried gold that should have been a two-hour special, a week's or month's special at most.

[@tristanholland6445]

Bloke on the Range is another peer to Ian as are some of the TFB guys that one Marine forget his name is very knowledgeable.

[@tristanholland6445]

@@Lazarus7000 I remember Tales of the Gun

[@Kbwtor19]

Ah. Just pure and wholesome gun education. No arguments or politicking. See how nice this is?

[@StanislavG.]

I strongly disagree. Also, Hillary Clinton.

[@camielvanhouten6920]

Always liked the longer strokes 👀

[@robertscott2210]

Camiel van Houten That's what she said.

[@muddyhotdog4103]

different strokes for different folks

[@-TAPnRACK-]

Yea I bet 😂

[@claudiojopiavilches5169]

Ian, I'm loving the technical videos mate. Keep them coming!

[@jimsackmanbusinesscoaching1344]

Hi Ian, As an engineer by training, I always love the complicated trade-offs that people make and the mechanical bits and systems involved. After listening to some of these operating system videos and then to the Hudson Firearms video, it makes me think we have reached a plateau/lull in firearms development. We spent about 100 years (depending on when you want to pick dates) implementing self-loading, metallic cartridge weapons. The major military users are working on designs that come from the aftermath of WWII. Yes, I know things are better now and nobody would put an M1 Garand into front line service anew. But think about the major military buyers. The G3, M16, AK47 and FAL have been improved but not really replaced right? So....What's next? Have we reached a limit in the technology? I think a video or two on that might be quite interesting.

[@Seseous]

Bullet tech and optics are what they said in a prior interview, if I remember correctly.

[@konstantin.v]

Apparently, you're new to this channel ^_^

[@jimsackmanbusinesscoaching1344]

@@konstantin.v I am not

[@jimsackmanbusinesscoaching1344]

@@Seseous Not really a new rifle eh?

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Next? The bulpup era. Next? We go back to Remington's Electric primer system over a mechanical pin.

[@christkandosii3337]

Do one about every single operating system that exists. I really enjoy these videos like this as well as all the other ones.

[@kajetandziebaj6405]

These have been some of the most informative videos about gun mechanics.

[@seanhartigan2003]

what if this entire series was just ian finding a way to show off his collection

[@tristanholland6445]

It's not Ian isn't that kind of person. He simply being practical and mainly using guns he owns because he can then film this series at home and it's cheaper

[@tristanholland6445]

@@vladpiranha You don't know much about Ian then clearly. He is definitely a Franophile and has a nice collection of French firearms he also has various other firearms in his personal collection. Go watch the numerous videos of Ian discussing his own collection and tell us what you learned

[@RastaBananaJah]

I love these little informative videos on terminology. Very good for the community

[@jean-christophedancause5587]

This shorter video compared to what you usually do is very interesting and helpful. Well done! :D

[@MrMiguella]

It would be cool to see all of these operating principles videos all cut together in a long form video possibly with questions from previous videos being answered.

[@steam212]

You always have the best videos. WELL DONE AGAIN

[@TestAccount-sl2cd]

Ian could not be more of a professional in both knowledge and conveyance. Great video, great channel.

[@Lilzycho]

I didn't know I had these questions but they are answered now for sure. I'm watching the entire "gun mechanics explained" playlist now. Very nice and easy to understand videos.

[@nicolaiby1846]

Really well explained Ian, thanks. God that was actually exceedingly well explained, an absolute joy to listen to despite the fact that I already know how long stroke gas piston operated firearms work!

[@dimscrawl4910]

Some really great slow-motion footage lately. Love it.

[@ankoku37]

Genuinely appreciate that almost all of these "which is better?" questions end with "well it depends" and an inconclusive answer because I think so many people get caught up in the idea that there's some sort of Platonic ideal/be-all end-all with firearms (and with pretty much anything really) when reality is so complex and unpredictable that you can almost never point and one thing and say it's always better

[@Eulemunin]

I am using you videos to counter the mis information that gets into my boys head form other “content producers”. Thank you.

[@Gavreeli]

Thanks for this series. I'm new to shooting and really enjoy learning about the mechanics of all these firearms.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome video Ian. I have a long gas piston in my 1970's Browning BAR 30-06. Thanks for the knowledge Sir

[@ivyisle]

If Ian is Gun Jesus, Then TAKE ME TO CHURCH

[@drewbryk]

Very cool! Big fan, have only gone shooting 1x so a general info video like this is really helpful for understanding your other profiles.

[@MiuoTheTroll]

I like these videos even if I dont need to watch many of them. They are good in educating the newbies on how guns work and operate. good work!

[@leary4]

I love these basic vids. That enfield was the first time I really saw a gas operating system working.

[@charleslindberg829]

A great video series! Keep them coming. 🖖

[@DeFransWorld]

I have a 12 gauge JC Higgins Model 60 that actually functions on a long stroke design. Real fun to shoot.

[@eliack95]

I would love a video on suppressors! That's probably the most misunderstood firearm component amongst us fledgling firearms enthusiasts.

[@eliack95]

I ask this particularly after watching your new L115A3 video where the suppressor seemingly screws on ahead of the muzzle break, that combination doesn't compute in my head, haha.

[@Falconguygaming]

Long stroke piston- direct impingement on a stick!

[@bernhardschmid9222]

Interesting thought but I disagree. In a DI system your forces act between the mount of the gas tube in the reciever and your bolt carrier (and between the bolt and the Carrier in an At). In any piston system the forces act between the piston and the gas block in the barrel.

[@Falconguygaming]

@@bernhardschmid9222 that's why a short stroke piston isn't the same. Long stroke being connected has it so the gas pushes directly on the carrier, albeit much forward.

[@bernhardschmid9222]

@@Falconguygaming In that regard, yes. In the long stroke system the gas pushes directly onto the bolt Carrier piston assembly. But the pressure is still pushing the barrel and the boltcarrier away from each other not the reciever and boltcarrier/bolt and boltcarrier.

[@alexandruianu8432]

And the AR (internal piston) is DI in a hole. Really, long stroke, DI and internal piston should be grouped as one category - direct acting. And short stroke, gas tappet and buffered piston (Farquar Hill) should be grouped as indirect acting.

[@Falconguygaming]

@@alexandruianu8432 I actually really like that grouping. Gold star for you!

[@donnkelley6823]

I could watch that FG42 run all day.... The Farquhar Hill was pretty bitchin also.....

[@cartercrisp6796]

Knowledge is power. Thanks for these videos.

[@dandel351]

Cool video!! Thanks for the lesson Ian!

[@randomfamilyman4876]

Always so informative

[@KaigaiKitsune]

I know this is incredibly off-topic. But I would just like to thank you and the other channels I watch from the bottom of my heart. My partner of 5 years and I separated yesterday. I feel emotionally devastated that he's no longer there. Long story short, I took it for granted how relaxing and cathartic it is to watch you and others like you. While I recover and learn from my mistakes, I just felt like you ought to know that just by being yourself, you're helping others through life's hurdles. So thank you for that, and I hope to continue watching you well into the future.

[@michaelfodor6280]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Just remember that not all mistakes made are yours, and they're not really mistakes, but more like learning experiences. Also now would be a good time to get a gun... ...and go out to the range. Target shooting can be social and cathartic. Focusing on a good shot cycle will put everything else in the background. Best of luck. (Plus you can recycle your ex's stuff as targets too.)

[@walterlohrmann7248]

"Tell me something girl, is there something else you're searching for?"Good song, and totally off-topic reply too.

[@TodayLifeIsGoood]

It may not fill THAT hole in your heart, but I hope it will sooth the pain while you find a way to fill it again :)

[@QuackSuperStar]

Thanks for the great videos!

[@mazkact]

I aint shootin dat M1915 Howell Automatic Rifle Enfield Conversion no sirree.

[@jayzenitram9621]

Agree. That looked sketchy as hell.

[@tankieflanker4119]

It looked pretty smart

[@kenhelmers2603]

Thanks Ian!

[@benjaminhenegar1376]

Keep em coming ian

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Ian .

[@KB4th]

Another helpful lecture from the Gun God Ian. Cheers mate, your vids are awesome.....

[@yeungmankiu5539]

Great summary and examples 👍

[@peterebel]

For a newb like me, this is a wonderful source of information. Thanks, Ian.

[@Robban.D.Jonsson.]

Love these clips. Keep doing the "how does it work"

[@tesseractturtle6078]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@Mamiya645]

Long Stroke Gas Piston was my other nickname in highschool

[@tristanholland6445]

It wasn't but you wish that it was lol

[@ajeje1996]

@@tristanholland6445 No it's true I was there

[@nicollascarramaschi5645]

Very good serie

[@ryancrazy1]

0:39 wow, thats the coolest feed mechanism.... just a bolt action with a rigged up gas piston to cycle it thats crazy

[@peace10000able]

That was awesome! I did not know that till now

[@mandosandradios]

These "How does it work" are my favorites.

[@coles201]

Thanks Ian.

[@dbmail545]

When I first stripped my Tavor SAR-21 I saw that it was the shortest long-stroke gas piston system in captivity.

[@marianoarri5332]

Great video about the mechanics.

[@darkally1235]

I'll echo other's sentiments on how much I enjoy your videos. Might I ask for a "How Does it Work" on striker vs hammer.

[@Raptor747]

Thank you! I finally understand the difference.

[@A_Bunch_of_Onions]

Thank you I found this very informative.

[@roguetorino]

Maybe now fewer people will miss-classify what sort of system a given firearm has. Thanks Ian!

[@randywatson8347]

Love how engineers trying to get the best balance between fast reliable extraction, reduced recoil and servicelife of the parts.

[@rako5865]

Nice MPi. A video comming?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

No, that's just a Century AK with East German furniture on it.

[@marcamant7258]

Long or short strokes , you stroke at them. (hard to resist ; the Hotch-kiss was so inspiring @2:37 )

[@TheFanatical1]

It says a lot about Ian that he uses the Howell as the example high speed rather than an M1 or an AK.

[@osorromatus8408]

that is a nice weapon

[@steeltalon2356]

My favorite stroke.

[@bmedlin00]

i literally had time to do the 3 s's this morning and when i came back the commercials were still running

[@Neuttah]

Anyone else slightly reminded of those old-timey black&white technical videos?

[@samuelberghuvud5527]

I Ian i live in sweden and i realy like your videos i find them both entertaining and informativ and i was wondering if you where going to make a video on the Swedish kpist i think it would be intresting

[@wastedangelematis]

Had a long stroke of pure bliss~~~~

[@markgordon4368]

Concise.

[@lukaszpokoju]

2:42 Ian words of wisdom.

[@Themichaelwesten]

That MPi-KM 😍

[@JohnDoe-fo7yi]

Quick suggestion : Adding classic examples of each element you're covering would help further our understanding. Some of us can recognize the weapons shown, but not all I'm sure. Cheers!

[@tomenicus]

Dammit. Its Great video again. Unfortunately so few guys from Poland watches this. And Good fortune top, 'cause we're becoming experts nas test may go hang.

[@F1ghteR41]

0:03 Given the number of AKs and PKs in circulation, I would argue otherwise.

[@Chetanoo]

YAN THIS STROKE IS SO FCKIN HUGE :O

[@sheriff0017]

Only here could you find a Howell Automatic Rifle used to illustrate long-stroke gas operation.

[@visionaryfirearmsllc9999]

Anyone know what gun that is at 0:40? Have not seen that episode and that design looks fascinating.

[@HashiriyaR32]

1:28 Something about the open/closed bolt operation of the FG42 based on fire mode has me puzzled. Consider the following scenario. Weapon in semi-auto, round chambered, bolt in battery. If one were to switch to full-auto, would the weapon fire that first shot while in closed-bolt, or would the user first have to lock the bolt to the rear before the weapon is in a fireable state?

[@AB-pp2zy]

It would fire the first round closed and then lock open when you release the trigger.

[@hellmonja]

Gun Jesus enlightens us yet again. Praise be to Gun Jesus!...

[@filanfyretracker]

I can see why its liked on machine guns, Assured extraction and since they are commonly mounted to something the extra felt recoil is not as big of a deal.

[@ChristianMcAngus]

Is the bolt cycled entirely by gas pressure in in the piston, or does residual pressure in the barrel also help cycle it?

[@nicklewis6052]

So I’ve got what I believe to be a browning auto 5 sweet 16. It has a cutts compensator and a slide safety in front of the trigger that goes forward and backward rather than side to side. While I’ve seen other guns with the cutts compensator, I’ve never seen another one with the type of safety mine has. Could anyone tell me anything about this gun?

[@-TAPnRACK-]

Gosh that FG42 is fkn beautiful!!!

[@Pbairsoftman]

Forgot to mention that the M249 and M240 + variants use this system.

[@k.w.1775]

Ian, what was the first weapon to use this type of gas system? Thanks

[@MrRoboskippy]

The serial number on your AK is 047. That's kinda cool.

[@deanranged3762]

All the Kel Tec bullpups

[@user-mq1up2fw4r]

Just got a new bolt carrier for a wasr 1063. I realized come assembly that the new piston is almost an inch shorter than the previous piston 5.125in vs 5.81in, but everything else on the carrier is the same. Would this still work on my rifle, or would I risk breaking something?

[@electrochemicalpathep5549]

so what holds the assembly from moving back due to the exploding cartridge? Why does it come back with the delayed gas but not the initial shock? What moves out of the way?

[@TK199999]

This is interesting and all. But I still prefer Ian's explanation on how low power rail and coil guns work verses high power rail and coil guns.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Thanks! But how would you classify an SLR/FN?

[@lkjh00on89]

So, after the AK long stroke piston leaves the gas chamber, what ensures it remains on the same plane and reenters the gas chamber without issue? Has it ever happened where components get warped or bent and the piston gets out of alignment enough to not go back into that gas chamber?

[@mw4222]

Ive been wondering... can a long stroke BCG be made to have the same weight as an equivalent short stroke BCG, be equally reliable, and make the gun lighter (since it has the same KCG weight, but no extra piston)?

[@Odin029]

I have to admit that every time i hear long stroke I think of the movie School Daze

[@chaossurvivaltroopers1610]

What is the name of the rifle you see at 0:40? Looks cool!

[@floriansprenzel120]

0:39 what is this can anyone please tell me the name?

[@twunt2000]

It is a Howell SMLE semi-auto conversion. Ian has a shooting video of it, which is also an excellent video. edit: I'm an idiot

[@raphaelhanna8345]

Could a long stroke piston driven rifle have controllable recoil if the gas was tuned correctly

[@TodayLifeIsGoood]

In a toy/tool, precision and comfort are more important. In a weapon of war, reliability trumps all. Always actively and consciously consider your wants and your needs when you intend on aquiring such an item. That having been said, enjoy your guns^^

[@austinratke5849]

What gun is that at the 44 second mark?

[@DNchap1417]

Where are the M1 Garand, M1A and BM59? All of them are long stroke as the bolt and piston assemblies are linked together via an operating rpd and both travel in the same direction as one unit. Is it just me but long-stroke guns tend to have reciprocating charging handles?

[@kei_otake]

Anyone happen to know what he’s shooting at 0:39?

[@meatusgrandthegrevious6046]

Can you show the Liberator pistol

[@xnopyt13]

0:39 what is that gun?