An automatic or semiautomatic rifle having a short-stroke action with multiple firing chambers which are arranged radially around an axis of rotation parallel to the firing bore. The multiple firing chambers reciprocate rearward and forward while the assembly is indexed through a loading, firing, and ejection sequence. Ammunition cartridges are inserted into the forward end of the chambers and subsequently positioned against the rear of a barrel of the rifle for firing.

An automatic or semiautomatic rifle having a short-stroke action with multiple firing chambers which are arranged radially around an axis of rotation parallel to the firing bore. The multiple firing chambers reciprocate rearward and forward while the assembly is indexed through a loading, firing, and ejection sequence. Ammunition cartridges are inserted into the forward end of the chambers and subsequently positioned against the rear of a barrel of the rifle for firing.

Provided herein is an automatic or semiautomatic rifle having a short-stroke action. While the stroke-length of the action in conventional weapons is typically 2 to 3 times the length of the cartridge it fires, the stroke-length of the presented rifle may be less than 1.5 times the length of the cartridge it fires. The reduced a stroke-length results in a reduced receiver size and overall weapon length as well as weigh savings. Such a short stroke-length is provided by the use of a divorced chamber that moves relative to the barrel of the rifle. In contrast to existing weapons having a firing chamber that is fixedly attached to the barrel, the firing chamber moves forward and rearward relative to a rearward end of the barrel. In such an arrangement, ammunition cartridges may be inserted in to a forward end of chamber and then positioned against a barrel of the rifle.

Provided herein is an automatic or semiautomatic rifle having a short-stroke action. While the stroke-length of the action in conventional weapons is typically 2 to 3 times the length of the cartridge it fires, the stroke-length of the presented rifle may be less than 1.5 times the length of the cartridge it fires. The reduced a stroke-length results in a reduced receiver size and overall weapon length as well as weigh savings. Such a short stroke-length is provided by the use of a divorced chamber that moves relative to the barrel of the rifle. In contrast to existing weapons having a firing chamber that is fixedly attached to the barrel, the firing chamber moves forward and rearward relative to a rearward end of the barrel. In such an arrangement, ammunition cartridges may be inserted in to a forward end of chamber and then positioned against a barrel of the rifle.