Abstract: A cartridge soft feed mechanism for presenting the cartridge to the chamber of a gun in such a way that the axis of the cartridge experiences no lateral or angular movement during chambering. The cartridge is telescoped into the chamber without ramping, reducing the probability of damage to the cartridge and reducing the chance of a chambering stoppage. The barrel is moved to a position and at such an angle during chambering that the cartridge is moved directly forward into the chamber, and then the barrel with the cartridge is moved into alignment with the moveable bolt for firing.