The discussion opens by defining long stroke piston driven guns, a system often associated with Russian designs like the PKM, but also used in American rifles such as the M1. The focus is on highlighting long stroke firearms that do not always receive much attention. The host explains that a recent range trip with PWS prompted a conversation about which rifles actually use long stroke systems. PWS rifles and AK-pattern guns are obvious examples, but further research revealed several surprising platforms. The video is structured as a personal top five list of long stroke piston guns, with a few honorable mentions added for historical and technical interest.
The number five pick is the FN FNC, a lightweight 5.56 rifle that gained attention through its appearance in the movie Heat. Despite its external resemblance to what might be expected of a short stroke design, it is in fact a long stroke system. Produced from the late 1970s into the mid‑2000s, the FNC saw substantial manufacture and remains in service in some countries. It is noted for running well and shooting accurately, though it does not handle heavy mud well. The number four pick is the FN M240, a belt‑fed 7.62 NATO machine gun with a long stroke system and a quick‑change barrel using a ratcheting mechanism. Designed in the 1950s and fielded from the mid to late 1970s, it remains in service and is regarded as a reliable, enjoyable 7.62 belt‑fed. The M249 SAW, a smaller 5.56 long stroke counterpart, is mentioned as a fun but now Marine Corps‑phased‑out platform that did not make the main list.
The number three pick is the Sturmgewehr 44 (STG44), described as the grandfather of modern assault rifles. The term “assault rifle” is treated as a specific historical classification, distinct from the broader and more ambiguous term “assault weapon.” The STG44 name itself translates to “assault rifle.” Chambered in 8mm Kurz (7.92 shortened), it is characterized as relatively light recoiling and highly influential on later military rifle designs. It is confirmed as a long stroke system, a point clarified by Brandon Herrera after it was initially assumed to be short stroke. The STG44 saw limited production, which is framed as fortunate from the Allied perspective. An honorable mention goes to the FG42, a distinctive German paratrooper weapon firing the full‑power 8mm Mauser cartridge. Design requirements included K98‑like weight and length, semi‑auto closed‑bolt fire, and full‑auto open‑bolt fire with on‑the‑fly switching, highlighting advanced engineering for the era.
The number two pick is the PWS MK116, chosen in its rifle configuration. It uses a long stroke piston system combined with AR‑style ergonomics and modularity. The rifle is chambered in a more modern, widely available cartridge compared to older designs, making it a practical choice for contemporary use. The decision to rank it above the STG44 is based on ergonomics, modularity, and ammunition availability, even though the STG44 retains strong historical appeal. The segment notes the evident passion of the PWS team in refining this long stroke AR‑pattern platform. An honorable mention is then given to the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), a .30‑06 box‑magazine‑fed long stroke gun. The BAR is remembered as heavy and distinctive on the battlefield, making its operator an obvious target, a point echoed in references to the Band of Brothers series. It is presented as a respected but secondary choice compared to the main list entries.
The number one pick is the AK platform, represented by a Zastava M70. The AK‑47 and AKM are described as the definitive examples of the long stroke piston system, known for simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. The platform has been produced in the millions, far exceeding the combined production of the other rifles discussed. The original 7.62x39 chambering is characterized as effective and devastating within roughly 300 yards and beyond, with a heavier projectile than many other intermediate cartridges. The video also notes the AK‑74 in 5.45x39, referred to as the “little poison pill,” and mentions an RPK in 5.45 that is praised as one of the softest shooting long stroke guns experienced. The AK’s minimal maintenance demands, iconic aesthetics, and proven performance are presented as the reasons it stands as the top long stroke piston firearm on the list.
Loading...