A 7.62x39mm BREN gun

[Sixshot6]

To be fair didn't the chinese also try the Type 68 rifle that was pretty much a full auto SKS, then realized that it was still better to copy the AK (though the work did later result in the type 81 to be fair, short stroke gas piston guns do have something going for them).

The Chinese actually fielded more Type 56 carbines (SKS) than Type 56 assault rifles (AK), the ratio was around 4:1 and the SKS stayed in front line service for 30 years.The reason for this was the reliability of the SKS coupled to the Chinese doctrine of more accurate fire compared the the Soviet doctrine of massed automatic fire, which the AK excelled at.When the SKS was removed from front line service and reissued to militia and reserve units the front line troops actually kicked up a fuss and begged to have them back!.

The Soviets put short stroke gas systems to very good use with the SKS, SVT-40, AVT-40 and the Dragunov SVD.The AK-46, a prototype of the AK-47 also had a short stroke gas system and a gas tube similar to the SKS but this was dropped on the final production model to simplify manufacturing.

The RPD was very reliable in normal circumstances and has appeared in just about every war zone since it entered service (it was also the first weapon chambered for the M43 7.62x39 round) and is still being used in Syria, Libya,Afghanistan and Syria etc today.The only reliability problem that is a potential problem is if the drum that holds the loose 100 round belt fills with crap and debris in dirty conditions but it pretty much has to get packed soild.The way the bolt and the locking mechanism is designed allows the gas pressure from the 7.62x39 round to cycle the action perfectly and the barrel on them last well as like most Russian military firearms the barrels, chambers and gas blocks are chrome lined.

Weirdly the Czech's managed to make manufacturing a short stroke gun ok with the VZ58. The rifle I was talking about was this one
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_63_assault_rifle

The chinese later made this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_81_assault_rifle

Apparently the gas system on it,even adjusts like a Dragunov. The Canucks are supposed to be getting a semi auto version (long and short AK variants are banned, but rifles not AK's are legal ala the VZ, crazy situation but at least they have centrefire semis). Like alot of things it's delayed (seems Norinco got a military contract that was worth more than canadian civvy sales). Back to the double barrel 7.62x39 Bren, it also reminds me of the Salvo Rifle that Stefan Jannesen work decided the EM2 later did for Winchester, it even used a 5.56 round and it was crazy.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014 ... lvo-rifle/

[snayperskaya]

The gas system on the Dragunov looks very similar to the system on the SLR/FAL with a small pistol, an operating rod and a return spring.The piston only moves around 25mm and the gas regulator has two positions, the usual operating position in which the vent port is open and the other where the vent port is closed.The closed position is used when the gas block is excessively fouled or when shooting at high altitude or in very cold Arctic conditions.

[Sixshot6]

The gas system on the Dragunov looks very similar to the system on the SLR/FAL with a small pistol, an operating rod and a return spring.The piston only moves around 25mm and the gas regulator has two positions, the usual operating position in which the vent port is open and the other where the vent port is closed.The closed position is used when the gas block is excessively fouled or when shooting at high altitude or in very cold Arctic conditions.

I did once hear The VZ described as a com bloc FAL for the same reason.

I know that short stroke's due to less distant travelling back when recoiling are on paper supposed to be more accurate. I saw an accuracy test and while I can't remember the exact results, the Steyr Aug (short stroke) vs the IWI Tavor (long stroke), both bullpup's, the Aug was more accurate at the 100 yard mark.

[snayperskaya]

The FAL bolt and bolt carrier are very similar to the SKS, being a tilting bolt design.....there is even FAL/SKS hybrids out there!.

[rufrdr]

A semi auto version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS_bM3Xlw7M

Being a left handed Bren gunner can't be easy!