Browning’s self-adjusting Active Valve gas system uses gas from fired shells to operate the action instead of recoil. When shooting light loads, most of the gases are diverted to operate the action. With magnum loads, only the minimum amount of gas necessary is used to operate the action, while the majority of the gases are vented through the Active Valve and out the top of the forearm and away from the action. This keeps combustion gases from fouling the chamber. Because the Active Valve bleeds off unnecessary gases, it effectively reduces recoil before ever touching the shooter’s shoulder. Recoil is minimized without the need for heavy hydraulic recoil dampers, sticky gel pads and gimmicky gel inserts. Superior recoil reduction from the Active Valve also means faster, more accurate follow-up shots and all-day shooting comfort regardless of the loads being fired.