Repeating rifle

A repeating rifle is a single barreled rifle containing multiple rounds of ammunition (consisting of primer, powder, and bullet contained in a cartridge). These rounds are loaded from a reservoir chamber (magazine) by means of a manual or automatic mechanism.

Automatic Mechanism

Semi-Automatic is a term used for automatic loading where each firing of the weapon requires a separate pull of the trigger. Full automatic will fire multiple rounds with a single pull. Full automatic mechanisms are employed in machine guns and this mode of operation is selectable in assault rifles. A charging lever allows the bolt to be operated to load the initial round into an empty chamber. Some automatic assault rifles are now designed to fire a limited number of rounds (typically two or three) in a quick burst. This mode of operation allows the accuracy of a single shot (since the recoil will not significantly move the rifle off of target in this short period) while increasing the kill probability due to the slight dispersion of the rounds.

Related Topics:
Machine gun - Assault rifle

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gas Operated

A portion of the gases propelling the bullet from the barrel are extracted and sent back to the rear of the rifle, where they operate a piston. The motion of this piston in turn unlocks and operates the bolt, which performs extraction of the spent cartridge and via spring action readies the next round. Almost all modern military rifles use mechanisms of this type.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Recoil Operated

In some small caliber weapons the bolt is not restrained but is relatively heavy and held against the breach by a spring. The gas pressure in the cartridge and the weapon recoil acts to push the bolt back, but owing to inertia this action does not significantly cause loss of gas pressure until after the bullet has left the barrel. Subsequent action is similar to that of the gas operated mechanism. This type of action is simple and costs little to make, but is limited in the power it can handle and so is seen on small caliber weapons.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~