stupid Question, What are "Operating rods"

I can take my guns apart down to the nuts&bolts. I have never heard any parts in them refered to as "operating rods" Thats not the piston is it? can't be.
What are operating rods and does my AR,Ak, mini 14 and RPD have them?

"The Operating Rod serves a number of critical functions. The handle on it is used to cock the weapon. When the oprod is released it pushes the bolt forward to strip and chamber a cartridge. The oprod also serves as a spring guide for the Operating (main) Spring. also serves as the 'piston' which rides inside the gas cylinder and is thrust rearward during the firing of the weapon setting in motion the feeding and chambering of a new cartridge. The bolt is moved by the Op Rod and rides on a detent near the handle."

weapons that use operating rods, are the M1 garand, M14/ M1A1, M1 carbine, mini 14, B.A.R., M249, RPD, M60 there are wuite a few more weapons that use a operating rod .......the AK as well as the M16/AR does not have it, they both have charging handles.....the charging handle on the AK is part of the bolt carrier, , while the M16/AR is a seperate part

Thanks

Wait, so my RPD does NOT have a chargeing handle? It has an oprod?

Thanks

Wait, so my RPD does NOT have a chargeing handle? It has an oprod?

yes,the RPD has a op-rod, take your RPD apart, you will see that not only does it act as a charging handle to cock the weapon, but it also serves as the 'piston' which rides inside the gas cylinder and is thrust rearward during the firing of the weapon The bolt is moved by the Op Rod, and it rides in a track, there are some op-rods, like the M1 garand/ M14 etc.. rides in a detent, but the RPD rides on a track.

Would you know if that makes it count as one or two "EVIL" parts?

Would you know if that makes it count as one or two "EVIL" parts?


operating rods are counted as 1 part.