An automatic rifle is a term generally used to describe a self-loading rifle capable of firing either semi- or fully-automatically from a magazine or belt of ammunition.

In many cases, it describes a rifle capable of self-loading and firing a single round for each pull of the trigger (i.e. firing semi-automatically). However, it is also used to describe non-intermediate firearms capable of fully-automatic fire (a type of automatic firearm). Depending on the expert and point in history, automatic carbines and assault rifles are sometimes considered to be a type of automatic rifle, and at other times separated on their own categories.

As an example of the confusion, or at least differences that arise in term usage, there are books which feature a section for automatic rifles listing several semi-automatic self-loading rifles, but not a single fully-automatic weapon. On the other hand, soldiers of the United States Army carrying the M249 SAW are designated automatic riflemen, and the weapon itself an automatic rifle — even though it is a fully-automatic firearm, normally classified as a squad automatic weapon (SAW) or light machine gun.

See also

• Semi-automatic rifle
• Assault rifle
• Battle rifle
• Light machine gun
• Squad automatic weapon
• Browning Automatic Rifle
• List of firearms

Rifles

자동소총 | Automatgivär | Автоматична гвинтівка | 自动步枪