Top 5 Long Stroke Piston Guns

Defining Long-Stroke Pistons and FN FNC & M240 Picks

The video opens by explaining what a long-stroke piston gun is, contrasting it with other operating systems and noting that many viewers associate long-stroke designs with Russian platforms like the PKM or classic U.S. rifles such as the M1. A Classic Firearms giveaway of PWS long-stroke rifles serves as the catalyst for exploring other notable long-stroke firearms and building a top five list. At number five, the FN FNC is introduced as a lightweight 5.56 rifle that visually resembles a typical Western service rifle but surprisingly uses a long-stroke piston system. Produced from the late 1970s into the mid-2000s and still in service in some countries, it gained pop culture fame through Al Pacino’s character in Heat. The number four slot goes to the FN M240, a 7.62 NATO belt-fed machine gun with a long-stroke system, quick-change ratcheting barrel, and potential for caliber conversions, with a brief nod to the smaller 5.56 M249 SAW and its gradual phase-out.

STG44, Assault Rifle Origins, and FG42 Honorable Mention

The countdown moves to the STG44 as the number three pick, described as the grandfather of assault rifles and a landmark in small arms history. The host clarifies that “assault rifle” is a legitimate technical term, unlike the vague and politicized phrase “assault weapon.” Chambered in 8mm Kurz, essentially a shortened 7.92mm Mauser, the STG44 offers relatively light recoil for its era and role. Confirming with Brandon Herrera, the video emphasizes that the STG44 indeed uses a long-stroke piston rather than a short-stroke system, settling a common point of confusion. The rarity and expense of authentic STG44s in the U.S. are highlighted, underscoring their collector appeal. An honorable mention goes to the FG42, a distinctive, long-stroke paratrooper light machine gun firing full-power 8mm Mauser. Designed to match the K98 in weight and length, it uniquely combines semi-auto closed-bolt fire with full-auto open-bolt capability, switchable on the fly to meet demanding airborne combat requirements.

Modern PWS MK116, BAR Honorable Mention, and AR Ergonomics

The number two spot is awarded to the PWS MK116, a modern rifle that blends a long-stroke piston system with familiar AR-style ergonomics and modularity. The host explains that, while the STG44 is historically significant, the PWS is more practical for contemporary use thanks to its modern cartridge options, accessory compatibility, and user-friendly controls. The passion and dedication of the PWS team, including Dean and Britney, are mentioned as part of the rifle’s appeal. The video then offers an honorable mention to the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), a .30-06 box magazine-fed long-stroke weapon with a formidable battlefield reputation. Its heavy weight, distinctive automatic fire signature, and the tactical risk of drawing enemy focus are discussed, along with its role as a classic yet demanding automatic rifle. The segment reinforces how long-stroke systems span from early 20th-century designs to cutting-edge rifles while maintaining reliability and power.

AK Platform, 7.62x39 vs 5.45x39, and RPK Shooting Impressions

The number one long-stroke piston platform is the AK family, represented by a Zastava M70. The AK is praised as the quintessential long-stroke design, celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use, with massive global production and countless variants. The original 7.62x39 chambering is described as a heavy, devastating intermediate cartridge, highly effective out to roughly 300 yards. The discussion then shifts to later developments like the AK-74 and RPK chambered in 5.45x39. The 5.45 round is characterized as a soft-shooting “poison pill,” combining low recoil with nasty terminal effects. A 5.45 RPK is highlighted as one of the softest, most enjoyable long-stroke rifles to shoot, with excellent controllability. The host notes that, if available in select fire, this RPK might even edge out the STG44 as a favorite, though that choice would be difficult. The video closes by reaffirming the AK as the top pick and inviting viewers to share their own favorite long-stroke guns, acknowledging that many worthy designs could not fit into a strict top five.