An automatic rifle is a type of autoloading rifle that is capable of fully automatic fire. Automatic rifles are generally select-fire weapons capable of firing in semi-automatic and automatic firing modes. Automatic rifles are distinguished from semi-automatic rifles in their ability to fire more than one shot in succession once the trigger is pulled. Most automatic rifles are further subcategorized as battle rifles or assault rifles.
2nd Lt. Val Browning with the Browning Automatic Rifle in France during World War I
Chauchat Automatic Rifle
Lewis
M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle
An automatic firearm or fully automatic firearm is an autoloading firearm that continuously chambers and fires rounds when the trigger mechanism is actuated. The action of an automatic firearm is capable of harvesting the excess energy released from a previous discharge to feed a new ammunition round into the chamber, and then igniting the propellant and discharging the projectile by delivering a hammer or striker impact on the primer.
A M2 Browning machine gun, surrounded by ejected cartridge cases
A United States Army soldier laying automatic suppressive fire with an M60 machine gun during the Vietnam War