In which ways can a "short stroking" malfunction occur in gas-operated firearms?

A "short stroking" malfunction in gas-operated firearms occurs when the cycling of the action is incomplete, resulting in the bolt not fully returning to its rearward position, which is necessary for proper ejection and feeding of the next round. This malfunction can arise from various factors.

When the operator does not hold the weapon properly, it can introduce instability that affects the gas system's ability to cycle correctly. For instance, if the shooter is pushing the firearm forward or has too loose of a grip, it may absorb some of the recoil energy that is critical for the action to cycle fully. As a result, the bolt may not travel back sufficiently to eject the spent cartridge or pick up a new round, leading to short stroking.

Additionally, if the cartridge does not build up enough gas pressure during firing, it won't generate the proper energy required to cycle the action. This situation can occur due to a weak load, blockage in the gas system, or an issue with the gas port. Without the necessary gas pressure to push the bolt back, the firearm will not complete its cycling process and can end up short stroking.

Thus, short stroking can indeed occur in gas-operated firearms due to the interaction between the operator's grip and stance as well