Describe the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes and give an example of when each would be used.

Describe the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes and give an example of when each would be used.

• A. Semi-auto fires multiple rounds per trigger pull; full-auto fires one round.
• B. Semi-auto fires one round per trigger pull; full-auto fires continuously while the trigger is held.
• C. Semi-auto uses bursts; full-auto uses single shots.
• D. Semi-auto is illegal.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how many rounds come out per trigger action and what happens when you release the trigger. In semi-automatic fire, one round is fired each time you pull the trigger, and releasing the trigger stops firing. Pull again, and you get another single shot. In fully automatic fire, once you press and hold the trigger, the weapon keeps firing repeatedly as long as you hold the trigger and there are rounds left. An example helps: semi-automatic is common for hunting or target shooting because it lets you aim carefully between shots and conserve ammunition. Fully automatic is designed for sustained firing in combat situations where suppressive fire is needed, though it can be harder to control and wastes ammunition; in many places, civilian ownership of fully automatic weapons is highly regulated.

The key idea is how many rounds come out per trigger action and what happens when you release the trigger. In semi-automatic fire, one round is fired each time you pull the trigger, and releasing the trigger stops firing. Pull again, and you get another single shot. In fully automatic fire, once you press and hold the trigger, the weapon keeps firing repeatedly as long as you hold the trigger and there are rounds left.

An example helps: semi-automatic is common for hunting or target shooting because it lets you aim carefully between shots and conserve ammunition. Fully automatic is designed for sustained firing in combat situations where suppressive fire is needed, though it can be harder to control and wastes ammunition; in many places, civilian ownership of fully automatic weapons is highly regulated.