Abstract: An improved servo-release mechanism for an automatic firearm. The reciprocally movable breech body coacts with the first arm of a rockable catch lever to hold the breech body in a predetermined position. An adjusting member is slidably movably mounted parallel to the direction of movement of the breech body. A kinetic energy absorption device forms part of the servo-release mechanism. The kinetic energy absorption device has a pair of members having mating contact surfaces which, when matingly contacting each other, effect a torque transfer. A pair of coil springs are respectively axially mounted on the pair of members. One of the members coacts with the reciprocating breech body and the other coacts with the adjusting member which in turn coacts with the first and a second arm of the catch lever. By selectively releasing the energy absorption device the automatic firearm can be singly or continuously fired.