PUSH FEED AND CONTROL FEED IN FIREARMS

 

PUSH FEED VS CONTROL FEED

In firearms Push feed and control feed refer two different methods of loading cartridges into the chamber, and they affect how reliable the feeding process is under various conditions.

                                                              Push Feed Bolt

 Push Feed:

• In a push feed action, the bolt face pushes the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber, but it does not capture or hold onto the cartridge until it is fully chambered.
• The extractor snaps over the cartridge rim once the round is chambered.
• Push feed actions are generally simpler, and they can be easier to produce and thus more cost effective.
• They are often found in bolt action rifles and semi-automatic firearms where speed of feeding might be prioritized.
• The Drawback is the cartridge is not controlled during the entire loading process, it is possible for feeding failures, especially if the firearm is operated at odd angles or rapidly cycled.
• Push feed may be more prone to jams or failures in extreme conditions or when the firearm is operated quickly and at unusual angles, making it less ideal for dangerous game hunting or combat situations where reliable feeding is critical.
• The push feed uses the Plunger type spring loaded ejector that is in the Bolt.
• The push feed has shorter bolt through which means faster firing.
• In push feed the plunger type ejector constantly applying pressure to the cartridge case and as soon as the case is extracted far enough out of the action to clear the ejection port the case will eject out of the rifle due to the pressure applied by the plunger type ejector.
• The Example of Push feed is M 16 or M4A1

How it works (Push Feed):

·     In push feed system you must note it has a plunger type ejector. When the bolt picks up the cartridge from the magazine the tip of the cartridge follows upper the body of the chamber that is similar to the shape of the cartridge, so this time the fore end of the cartridge will be lifted and the one half of the cartridge is lifted (Fore End) and another half of the cartridge is not lifted (Rear End). The bolt will continue pushes the cartridge the tip will pass the body of the chamber and it will start follow the exact tip shaped portion in the chamber, in this time the rear end of the cartridge is lifted up but it is not held with the extractor because the plunger type ejector is not compressed, the not compressed ejector will not allow the extractor to hold the rim of the cartridge. When the cartridge is fully seated against the chamber it will apply some back pressure to the bolt face, in this time the bolt was fully closed and it hits the breech face, due to the back pressure by the cartridge that is fully seated in the chamber, base of the cartridge will be compress the plunger type ejector.  The fully compressed ejector will apply a constant pressure against the base of the cartridge. When the extraction is over the applied pressure will release in the left side of the base of the cartridge by the plunger. When the tip of the neck of the spent case will meet the fore end of the ejection port opening, the case will kick out but the right side due to the constant pressure applied by the plunger.

     Advantages of Push Feed:

     Faster and Smoother Cycling: Push-feed actions allow for smoother and often quicker operation, making them suitable for rapid follow up shots. Since the cartridge is not held by the extractor claw until chambered, there less mechanical resistance during the bolts forward movement.

   Simpler Design: Push feed systems have a straightforward bolt design with fewer components, such as a spring-loaded extractor that only engages after the round is chambered. This makes the design simpler and potentially more reliable in terms of fewer parts that could fail.

 Ease of Single-Loading: Push feed system often allow users to single load a round directly into the chamber without feeding it from the magazine. This feature can be helpful for hunters or shooters who may want to load a specific cartridge without disturbing the magazine contents.

Widely Available in Modern Rifles: Push feed systems are popular among a variety of modern rifles, offering more options in the market for shooter who do not necessarily need the reliability of controlled feed system.

Disadvantages of Push Feed:            

Potential Feeding Failures: Since the cartridge is not controlled by the extractor claw during the entire feeding process, there are risk that it can misalign or fall out of position, especially if the rifle is operated at odd angles such as upside down, sideways. This makes push feed somewhat less reliable in unconventional shooting positions.

Less Reliable in Extreme Conditions: Push feed systems are more susceptible to feeding malfunctions in harsh conditions, such as when dirt, mud, or debris is present. This makes them less ideal for dangerous game hunting or tactical use where extreme reliability is essential.

Double-Feed Possibility: Push feed rifles are prone to double feeds if the shooter accidentally tries to chamber a second round without fully extracting the first. In a high-stress situation, this can result in a jam that takes time to clear.

Not Ideal for Dangerous-Game or Tactical Use: Due to the potential feeding issues, push feed systems are generally not preferred for dangerous-game hunting or military use where the rifle might be used in life-threatening situations. Controlled-Feed systems are often chosen for these applications to ensure maximum reliability.

 Extractor Wear:  In push feed systems, the extractor has to snap over the cartridge rim with each chambering, which over time can lead to wear and potentially impact reliability. Controlled feed systems by contrast, generally place less stress on the extractor because it engages the cartridge rim as soon as it leaves the magazine.

 

Control Feed:

                                                      Control Feed Bolt

•  In a controlled feed action, the extractor grabs onto the cartridge rim as soon as it leaves the magazine, so the cartridge is controlled throughout the entire feeding cycle.
•   Even if the firearm is pointed downwards, the cartridge remains securely held until chambered.
•  Controlled feed systems are particularly common in high-end bolt-action rifles, especially those designed for dangerous game hunting, where reliable feeding is critical.
• Because the cartridge is securely controlled, this method provides more reliability, especially in extreme conditions where misfeeds could be life threatening.
• A control feed action has the ejector physically mounted in the receiver behind the magazine, and push feed would have ejected the cartridge case at the end of the ejection port due to the pressure applied by the plunger type ejector, but control feed has to be pulled all the way back to the end of the travel, when the base of the cartridge case meets the ejector mounted on the receiver it will kick out the empty case.
• Control feed has higher bolt through which means slower firing.
• The example of the Control feed is INSAS, Ak 47, and AK 74

How it Works (Control Feed):

·       If you see the control feed the bolt there is no plunger type ejector, instead of plunger type ejector a fin type ejector is physically mounted on the receiver behind the magazine. When the bolt picks up the cartridge from the magazine, the tip of the cartridge will initially follow the body of the chamber that is exactly similar to the cartridge shape in this time the tip side of the cartridge is lifted up and the one half of the body of the cartridge is not lifted up, the bolt is continuously pushing the cartridge forward soon the tip of the cartridge will follow the exact tip shaped portion in the chamber, the following tip section by the tip of the cartridge will lift the rear body of the cartridge.

The tip portion is seated in the exact similar tip portion in the chamber and the full cartridge is lifted up. Continuously the bolt pushes the cartridge, there is no plunger ejector for offer the force against the cartridge from the bolt, the little resistance force created while the lifting up the cartridge from the magazine that enters into the chamber, the little resistance force will push the cartridge rear ward to snap into the extractor.

In double stack double feed, control feed firearms the bolt pushes the cartridge that is arranged in sided wise manner, the tip of the cartridge initially follows the body of the chamber in a cross wise manner when the tip exactly follows the same tip shape portion in the chamber the rim of the cartridge is automatically forced the (Extractor side) due to the tip of the bullet follows the exact tip shaped portion in the chamber.

Advantages of Controlled Feed:

High Reliability and Consistency:    In a controlled feed system, the cartridge is captured by the extractor as soon as it leaves the magazine, remaining under control through the entire feeding process. This minimizes the chance of feeding malfunctions and ensures more consistent chambering, especially in critical situations.

Improved Feeding at Odd Angles: Since the cartridge is held by the extractor from the moment it leaves the magazine, the firearm can be operated reliably even when it is upside down, sideways, or at other unconventional angles. This feature is particularly valuable for hunting dangerous game or in tactical environments where the firearm may be held in unusual positions.

Reduced Risk of Double-Feeds:  Controlled feed systems prevent double feeds where two rounds are fed simultaneously, which can happen in push feed rifles if the shooter attempts to load a second round without fully ejecting the first. This controlled, single round feeding provides a level of security for situations where reliability is essential.

Enhanced Safety in Dangerous Situations: Controlled feed systems are popular in rifles designed for dangerous game hunting and military applications. The high reliability of controlled feed can be lifesaving in critical moments, ensuring that every round cycles properly when hunting big game or during tactical operations.

 Less Wear on Extractor: Unlike push feed systems where the extractor has to snap over the rim of each round when chambering, controlled feed extractors engage the cartridge rim immediately, resulting in less wear and tear. This can extend the life of the extractor and reduce the likelihood of extractor related failures over time.

 Disadvantages of Controlled Feed:

More Complex Design and Higher Cost: Controlled feed mechanisms are more complex to design and manufacture, often requiring precision machined extractors and bolt parts. This complexity translates to higher manufacturing costs, which can make controlled-feed firearms more expensive than push feed models.

Slightly Slower Cycling: The need to capture and hold the cartridge throughout the feeding process can make the cycling feel slightly slower or less smother compared to push feed systems. Although this difference in minimal, it may be noticeable for some shooters accustomed to push feed rifles.

Single Loading Limitations: Many controlled feed systems do not easily allow single loading a round directly into the chamber, as this can prevent the extractor from properly engaging the cartridge rim. Typically, rounds must be loaded from the magazine to ensure reliable function, which can be a limitation for hunters or shooters who may want to load different cartridges quickly.

 Heavier Bolt Action: Controlled feed bolts are often built more robustly to withstand the stresses of capturing and holding a round securely. This can add to the weight of the action, which may be a consideration for hunters seeking lightweight rifles.