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{{short description|Type of autoloading rifle}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Peacock|date=March 2024}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=March 2024}}
}}
[[File:Ruger 10-22.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ruger 10/22]] - [[.22 Long Rifle]]]] [[File:Simonov-SKS-45.JPG|thumb|right|[[SKS]] Type 56 - [[7.62×39mm]]]]
[[File:1973 Colt AR15 SP1.jpg|right|thumb|[[Colt AR-15 SP1]] - [[.223 Remington]]]]
[[File:Mannlicher-1885-semi-auto.jpg|thumb|223x223px|Drawing of the Mannlicher 1885 semi-automatic rifle by Ferdinand Mannlicher, one of the earliest semi-automatic rifle designs.]]
[[File:Czechguards.jpg|right|thumb|[[Prague Castle Guard]] carrying the Czechoslovak [[vz. 52 rifle]] ]]

A '''semi-automatic rifle''' is an [[autoloading rifle|auto-loading rifle]] that fires a single [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] with each pull of the [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]]. It uses part of the fired cartridge's energy to eject the case and automatically loads another cartridge into its [[Chamber (firearms)|chamber]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-6860|title=Chapter 3: Firearms|accessdate=July 1, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://regulations.atf.gov/478-11/2021-28398#478-11-p3678444349-d|title=27 CFR § 478.11|accessdate=July 1, 2022}}</ref> This is in contrast to [[bolt-action]] or [[lever action|lever-action]] rifles, which require the user to manually chamber a new round before they can fire again, and [[Automatic rifle|fully automatic rifles]], which fire continuously until the trigger is released.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of BOLT-ACTION |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bolt-action |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of AUTOMATIC |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/automatic |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
In 1883, [[Hiram Maxim]] patented a recoil-operated conversion of a [[Winchester rifle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hiram Maxim |url=https://www.dulwichsociety.com/people/hiram-maxim |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.dulwichsociety.com}}</ref> In 1884, another recoil-operated semi-automatic rifle was patented by Horace Updegraff.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US325369A/en?q=(F41A19%2f30)&sort=old&page=19 | title=Magazine gun }}</ref> Another of the first designs of a recoil-operated semi-automatic rifle is attributed to [[Ferdinand Mannlicher]], who unveiled his design in 1885 based on work begun in 1883.<ref name=Jewison2010>{{cite web |last1=Jewison |first1=Glenn |last2=Steiner |first2=Jörg C. |year=2010 |title=Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher |url=http://www.austro-hungarian-army.co.uk/biog/mannlicher.htm |website=austro-hungarian-army.co.uk |publisher=Glenn Jewison }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The 1885 Assault Rifle {{!}} WeaponsMan |url=https://billstclair.com/weaponsman.com/index.html?p=37471 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117005411/https://billstclair.com/weaponsman.com/index.html?p=37471 |archive-date=2022-01-17 |access-date=2021-03-27 |website=billstclair.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Other non-gas operated semi-automatic models were the Model 85 and Mannlicher Models 91, 93 and 95 rifles.<ref name=Smith1947>{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Walter H.B. |year=1947 |title=Mannlicher Rifles and Pistols: Famous Sporting and Military Weapons |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AfqingEACAAJ |publisher=Military Service Publishing |isbn=9781258889470 }}</ref> The designs never proceeded past the conceptual/prototype stage due to issues inherent to the [[black powder]] used in their cartridges (based around the Austrian [[11×58mmR|11×58mmR M/77]]), such as insufficient [[velocity]] and excessive [[fouling]]. Automatic firearms would only become feasible after [[smokeless powder]] became widespread. Mannlichers designs served as a base for several future weapons, such as [[John Moses Browning|Browning]] machine guns ([[M1917 Browning machine gun|M1917]], [[M1919 Browning machine gun|M1919,]] and [[M2 Browning|M2]]).<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCollum|first=Ian|date=2015-05-06|title=Mannlicher 1885 Semiauto Rifle|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/mannlicher-1885-semiauto-rifle/|access-date=2020-10-21|website=Forgotten Weapons}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Smith|first1=Walter Harold Black|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NiK7nEZkf0IC&q=FG+42+Mannlicher|title=Small Arms of the World: The Basic Manual of Military Small Arms, American, Soviet, British, Czech, German, French, Belgian, Italian, Swiss, Japanese, and All Other Important Nations|last2=Smith|first2=Joseph Edward|date=1960|publisher=Stackpole Company|language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, from the early 1890s up until his death in 1904, Mannlicher produced smokeless powder versions of his guns.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SJaPbfRhdfoC&q=Mannlicher+Smokeless+Automatic+1891&pg=PA7-IA7|title=The Engineer|date=1893|publisher=Morgan-Grampian (Publishers)|pages=14|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:FSA-1917-detoured.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Fusil Automatique Modele 1917]] was an early [[France|French]] semi-automatic rifle issued in limited number to the French Armed Forces during [[World War I]].]]

===Blowback semi-automatic===
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2023}}
In 1903 and 1905, the [[Winchester Repeating Arms Company]] introduced the first low power [[Blowback (firearms)|blowback]] (non-gas operated) semi-automatic [[Rimfire ammunition|rimfire]] and [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] rifles. The [[Winchester Model 1903]]<ref>{{Cite news |title=Historical Firearms - Winchester Model 1903 / Model 63 The Winchester... |url=https://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/168059981329/winchester-model-1903-model-63-the-winchester |access-date=2024-10-16 |newspaper=Historical Firearms |last1=Firearms |first1=Historical }}</ref> and [[Winchester Model 1905]]<ref>{{Cite book |title=Winchester Repeating Arms Company 1905 Guns Catalog |publisher=Reproduction by Cornell Military Publications. Brighton, MI 48114}}</ref> operated on the principle of [[Blowback (arms)#blowback|blowback]]{{Broken anchor|date=2024-06-07|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=Blowback (arms)#blowback|reason= }} to function semi-automatically. Designed by [[T.C. Johnson]], the Model 1903 achieved commercial success and continued to be manufactured until 1932, when the [[Winchester Model 63]] replaced it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=National Rifle |title=An Official Journal Of The NRA {{!}} Snapshot: Winchester's Rimfire Rout |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/snapshot-winchester-s-rimfire-rout/ |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=An Official Journal Of The NRA |language=en}}</ref>

By the early 20th century, several manufacturers had introduced semi-automatic [[.22 caliber|.22]] rifles, including [[Winchester Repeating Arms Company|Winchester]], [[Remington Arms|Remington]], [[Fabrique Nationale]], and [[Savage Arms]], all using the direct blowback system of operation. Winchester introduced a [[.351 Winchester Self-Loading]] semi-automatic rifle, the Model 1907,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Association |first=National Rifle |title=An Official Journal Of The NRA {{!}} Early Semi-Automatics: Winchester's First Self-Loading Rifles |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/early-semi-automatics-winchester-s-first-self-loading-rifles/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=An Official Journal Of The NRA |language=en}}</ref> as an upgrade to the Model 1905, utilizing a blowback system of operation, offering more power than its [[.22 Long Rifle|.22]] counterpart. Both the Model 1905 and Model 1907 saw limited military and police use.

===Early semi-automatic rifles===
In 1883, two Danish inventors, Madsen and Rasmussen, began developing recoil-operated, self-loading firearm designs. By 1887, they had created a functional prototype, which was later designated the '''M1888 Forsøgsrekylgevær'''. This rifle underwent testing by the Danish military, but it was ultimately rejected for military adoption.

Following the unsuccessful trials, the inventors developed a new design, known as the '''M1896 Flaadens Rekylgevær'''. This model was also tested by the Danish military, and this time it was found to be reliable. As a result, 60 units were procured for the Danish Navy, making it one of the earliest semi-automatic rifles to be officially adopted by a military force.<ref name="Madsen-Rasmussen">{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2015 |title=Madsen-Rasmussen |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/madsen-rasmussen-18881896/ }}</ref>

In the final years of the 19th century and early 20th century, experiments and patents with [[gas-operated reloading]] were developed by [[Hiram Maxim]] and Richard Paulson as well a gas-operated conversion system from an American inventor named Henry Pitcher. Other designs also developed, such as the [[Cei-Rigotti]] in 1900.<ref name=Cei-Rigotti>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2013 |title=Cei-Rigotti |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/cei-rigotti/ }}</ref>

In 1906, [[Remington Arms]] introduced the "[[Remington Model 8|Remington Auto-loading Repeating Rifle]]". Remington advertised this rifle, renamed the "Model 8" in 1911, as a sporting rifle. It was sold in Europe by [[FN Herstal]] as the "FN Browning 1900".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woodall |first1=Cameron |title="F.N. 1900" |url=http://thegreatmodel8.remingtonsociety.com/?page_id=1562 |access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref> The rifle is a locked breech, [[long recoil]] action designed by [[John Browning]], and was offered in [[.25 Remington|.25]], [[.30 Remington|.30]], [[.32 Remington|.32]], and [[.35 Remington|.35 caliber]] models. It gained some popularity among civilians as well as some law enforcement officials{{Who?|date=October 2024}} who appreciated the combination of a semi-automatic action and relatively powerful rifle cartridges. In 1936, the Model 81 superseded the Model 8, and was offered in [[.300 Savage]] as well as the original Remington calibers.

In 1908, General [[Manuel Mondragon|Manuel Mondragón]] patented the [[Mondragón rifle]], designated the M1908. The rifle was used by Mexican forces in the [[Mexican Revolution]], making Mexico the first nation to use a semi-automatic rifle in battle, in 1911.

[[File:M1 Garand rifle USA noBg.jpg|thumb|The [[M1 Garand]], designed by [[John Garand]] in 1936 and initially produced for the [[United States Armed Forces|United States military]]. ]]
Shortly after the Mondragón rifle was produced, France had its own semi-automatic rifle, the [[Fusil Automatique Modele 1917]]. It is a locked breech, gas-operated action which is similar in its mechanical principles to the subsequently manufactured American [[M1 Garand]]. The M1917 was fielded during the latter stages of [[World War I]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Prenderghast |first1=Gerald |title=Repeating and Multi-Fire Weapons: A History from the Zhuge Crossbow Through the AK-47 |date=2018 |publisher=McFarland |page=169}}</ref> where it did not receive a favourable reception among troops.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} However, its shortened and improved version, the Model 1918, was used more during the [[Morocco|Moroccan]] [[Rif War (1920)|Rif War]] from 1920 to 1926.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} Still, the bolt-action [[Lebel Model 1886 rifle]] remained the standard [[France|French]] [[infantry rifle]] until being replaced in 1936 by the [[MAS-36 rifle|MAS-36]], another bolt action, despite the various semi-automatic rifles designed between 1918 and 1935.

Other nations experimented with self-loading rifles during the interwar period, including the [[United Kingdom]], which had intended to replace the bolt-action [[Lee–Enfield]] with a self-loading rifle, but this plan had to be discarded when the [[World War II|Second World War]] became imminent, shifting its emphasis to speeding up re-armament with existing weapons.

===Gas-operated rifles===
[[File:M1941.jpg|thumb|[[M1941 Johnson rifle]] Semi-Automatic Rifle with original spike bayonet and leather sheath. The 10-round rotary magazine could be quickly reloaded using two clips of .30 Caliber M2 Ball ammunition.]]In [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], [[John Garand]], a [[Canada|Canadian]]-born firearms designer, was tasked with designing a basic [[M1 Garand|gas-actuated self-loading infantry rifle]] and [[M1 carbine|carbine]] that would eject the spent [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] and reload a new round using a gas-operated system. Designing a [[rifle]] that was practical in terms of effectiveness, reliability, and production was difficult, and it took fifteen years to perfect the M1 prototype model to meet all the [[U.S. Army]] specifications.<ref>Bruce N. Canfield. The Unknown M1 Garand, ''American Rifleman'', 142 (January 1994): 46–49.</ref><ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/12/14/hindsight-is-3006-critique-of-the-m1-garand/ Hindsight: A Critique Of The M1 Garand], December 14, 2014.</ref> The resulting ''Semi-Automatic, Caliber .30, M1 Rifle'' was patented by Garand in 1932, approved by the [[U.S. Army]] on January 9, 1936, and went into mass production in 1940.<ref>{{US Patent|1892141}}</ref> Thus, in 1936, the American [[M1 Garand]] rifle became the first gas-operated semi-automatic rifle to be adopted by a country as their standard-issue [[service rifle]]. [[George S. Patton|General George S. Patton]] described the M1 Garand as "''the greatest battle implement ever devised.''"<ref>{{Cite book |last=Thompson |first=Leroy |title=The M1 Garand |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2012 |pages=4}}</ref> It replaced the [[bolt-action]] [[M1903 Springfield]] and became the standard infantry rifle known as the ''Garand Rifle''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=JScDAAAAMBAJ&dq=popular+science+October+1940&pg=PA68 He Invented the World's Deadliest Rifle], ''Popular Science'', December 1940, page 68.</ref> During [[World War II]], over 4,000,000 M1 rifles were manufactured.<ref>Bruce N. Canfield. The Winchester Garand, ''American Rifleman'', Volume 153 (April 2005), pages 46–49.</ref>

The [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[AVS-36]], [[SVT-40|SVT-38, and SVT-40]], as well as the German [[Gewehr 43]], were semi-automatic [[Gas-operated reloading|gas-operated]] rifles issued during [[World War II]] in relatively small numbers. In practice, they did not replace the bolt-action rifle as a standard infantry weapon of their respective nations—[[Germany]] produced 402,000 Gewehr 43 rifles,<ref>{{cite book |last1=McNab |first1=Chris |title=German Automatic Rifles 1941-45: Gew 41, Gew 43, FG 42 and StG 44 |date=2013 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |page=19}}</ref> and over 14,000,000 of the [[Kar98k]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Grant |first1=Niel |title=Mauser Military Rifles |date=2015 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |page=65}}</ref>

Another gas-operated semi-automatic rifle developed toward the end of World War II was the [[SKS]]. Designed by [[Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov]] in 1945, it came equipped with a [[bayonet]] and could be loaded with ten rounds, using a [[stripper clip]]. It was the first widely issued rifle to use the [[7.62×39mm]] cartridge.<ref name="hogg2002">Hogg, Ian (2002). ''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide''. Jane's Information Group. {{ISBN|0-00-712760-X}}.</ref> By the end of World War II, however, semi-automatic rifles had been largely superseded in military usage by their fully automatic and select-fire counterparts - weapons such as the [[AK-47]], [[FN FAL]] and [[M16 rifle|M16]] limited the viability of widespread [[Military deployment|deployment]] of semi-automatic rifles.
[[File:Staff Sergeant Richard J Clark USMC 2013-07-09 16-55.jpg|thumb|U.S. [[United States Marine Corps|Marine]] with a [[Barrett M82]]]]
Gradually, [[military doctrine]] placed less emphasis on individual marksmanship, as a large volume of fire was deemed more important – during [[World War II]], American ground forces fired approximately 25,000 [[Round (firearms)|rounds]] for each enemy killed. In the [[Korean War]], this number raised to 50,000, and in the [[Vietnam War]] it became 200,000 rounds per enemy.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Arquilla|first=John|title=Information Strategy and Warfare: A Guide to Theory and Practice|publisher=Routledge|year=2007|pages=150}}</ref> The first fully automatic rifle to see widespread usage was the German [[StG 44]], which was reportedly well-liked by troops,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Peter |date=2008 |title=Sturmgewehr 44 Rifle {{!}} World War II Database |url=https://m.ww2db.com/weapon.php?q=5 |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=World War II Database}}</ref> as the 30-round selective fire rifle gave them much more flexibility than their [[service rifle]], the bolt action [[Karabiner 98k]]. 

Ultimately, automatic rifles would become standard in military usage, as their [[firepower]] was superior to that of a semi-automatic rifle. However, both semi-automatic and bolt action rifles are still widely used today in military service in specific roles, such as [[designated marksman rifle]]s where the greater accuracy compared to automatics is valued. Furthermore, to accommodate for this greater firepower, [[battle rifles]] were mostly replaced by [[assault rifles]], whose lighter bullets allowed more ammunition to be carried at once. Where semi-automatic rifles continue to be used, they are usually in higher calibers, such as the [[.50 BMG]] [[Barrett M82]].

==Operation==
Semi-automatic weapons use [[gas-operated reloading|gas]], [[blow forward|blow-forward]], [[blowback (arms)|blowback]] or [[recoil operation|recoil]] energy to eject spent cartridges after the round has moved down the [[gun barrel|barrel]], to chamber a new cartridge from the weapon's [[magazine (firearms)|magazine]], and to reset the [[action (firearm)|action]]. This enables another round to be fired once the trigger is depressed again.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Jessica Taylor |date=2022-06-10 |title=What makes a gun semi-automatic? Key gun terms explained as House passes new legislation |url=https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/06/10/semi-automatic-guns-explained/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Northeastern Global News |language=en-US}}</ref>

Semi-automatic rifles can be fed by an [[Clip (ammunition)|en-bloc clip]], [[Magazine (firearms)|external magazine]], or [[stripper clip]].

The self-loading design was a successor to earlier rifles that required manual cycling of the weapon after each shot, such as the [[bolt-action rifle]] or [[repeating rifle]]s. The ability to automatically load the next round results in an increase in the [[rounds per minute]] the operator can fire.

==Advantages==
The main advantage of self-loading rifles is the ability to fire more shots without adjusting the aiming position to manually chamber [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridges]]. Semi-automatic rifles can typically more than double the hits at close range and increase hits by about 50% at longer distances compared to manually loaded rifles. Firing for prolonged periods with a self-loading rifle can be advantageous over using traditional rifles, as the manual-loading process can cause [[fatigue]] over time. The added weight of [[Spring (device)|springs]] and fittings in self-loading mechanisms, along with some of the cartridge energy being used to reload, can give the advantage of reduced [[recoil]].<ref>Johnson (1944) p.45</ref>

==Disadvantages==
A self-loading mechanism, tuned for specific [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] dimensions and power, may fail to reload dirty or bent cartridges that would otherwise fire. It can also struggle to extract low-power training cartridges or may be damaged by high-power rounds. Some rifles require [[Lubrication|lubricated]] cartridges, making them prone to dirt. Reliability issues in the mechanism can negate the advantage of faster [[Shooting|firing]], potentially lowering the [[rate of fire]] compared to manually loaded rifles if not designed for easy manual reloading. The [[United Kingdom]] regarded the reliable rate of fire from manually loaded rifles to be nearly as high as self-loading rifles as recently as [[World War II]].<ref>Johnson (1944) p.43</ref>

Semi-automatic rifles are uniquely susceptible to [[slamfire]] malfunctions caused by abrupt cartridge [[acceleration]] during self-loading. Slamfire discharges are unlikely to hit the target and may cause [[collateral damage]].<ref>Johnson (1944) pp.352-357</ref>

The time required for changing or reloading [[Magazine (firearms)|magazines]] can weaken the effectiveness of a rifle, as it imposes an effective duration limit on the continuous rate of fire of any [[rifle]]. High-capacity magazines increase the weight of the rifle, and typically reduce feeding reliability due to the varying spring tension from a full to a nearly empty magazine. Detachable magazines in general are usually less durable than internal magazines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://guncreed.com/2023/10/15/detachable-vs-fixed-gun-magazines/#:~:text=Reliability%20Concerns%3A%20One%20significant%20disadvantage%20associated%20with%20detachable,prone%20to%20malfunctions%20such%20as%20misfeeds%20or%20jams. |title=Detachable Vs. Fixed Gun Magazines |publisher=GunCreed |accessdate=14 November 2024 }}</ref>

The complexity of a self-loading mechanism makes self-loading rifles more expensive to manufacture and heavier than manually loaded rifles. The semi-automatic [[M1 Garand]] weighs about 410 [[Gram|grams]] (0.9 lb) more (around seven percent) than the manually loaded [[M1903 Springfield]] it replaced. American development of a self-loading infantry rifle began with the [[.276 Pedersen]] cartridge in recognition of the difficulties of producing reliable self-loading mechanisms for more powerful cartridges. Although the M1 Garand was ultimately adapted to fire the [[.30-06 Springfield]] cartridge at the insistence of General [[Douglas MacArthur]],<ref>Johnson (1944) pp.41,71&79</ref> most subsequent self-loading rifles for infantry use have been chambered for less powerful cartridges to reduce weight, making the service rifles easier to carry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollings |first=Alex |date=2021-08-25 |title=Why the US military switched from 7.62 to 5.56 rounds |url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/762-to-5-56-rounds/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=We Are The Mighty |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Select examples==
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* [[Mondragón rifle]]
* [[Mauser#Mauser M1916|Mauser M1916]]
* [[Fusil Automatique Modele 1917|M1917 RSC]]
* [[M1922 Bang rifle]]
* [[General Liu rifle]]
* [[M1 Garand]]
* [[Type 4 rifle]]
* [[SKS]]
* [[Dragunov Sniper Rifle|Dragunov Rifle]]
* [[Gewehr 43]]
* [[SVT-40]]
* [[Ag m/42]]
* [[Hakim rifle]]
* [[Rasheed Carbine]]
* [[AR-10]]
* [[AR-15]]
* [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|L1A1 Rifle]]
* [[Heckler & Koch PSG1]]
* [[Heckler & Koch SL8]]
* [[Heckler & Koch SL7]]
* [[Heckler & Koch SL6]]
* [[Farquhar-Hill Rifle]]
* [[Kbsp wz. 1938M]]
* [[M1 Carbine]]
* [[Springfield Armory M1A]]
* [[Ruger Mini-14]]
* [[M1941 Johnson rifle]]
* [[Gewehr 41]]
* [[vz. 52 rifle]]
* [[MAS-49 rifle]]
* [[FN Model 1949]]
* [[Ruger 10/22]]
* [[Marlin Model 60]]
* [[Remington Model 7400]]
* [[Remington Model 8]]
* [[Winchester Model 1907]]
* [[Walther WA2000]]
* [[ZH-29]]
* [[Smith & Wesson M&P15-22]]}}

== Civilian uses for semi-automatic rifles ==

=== Sport shooting ===
Target shooting has a long history, predating the firearm. As weapons that demanded user accuracy developed, so did their usage in competitions. Today, semi-automatic rifles are one of the more prominent firearms in [[sport shooting]]. There are various types of sport shooting, ranging from rapid fire shooting; target shooting, which is predominantly accuracy based; and distance shooting. Shooting clubs in America became increasingly commonplace in the 1830s,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Encyclopedia Britannica |title=Shooting |url=https://www.britannica.com/sports/shooting |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> and have since grown in popularity. Semi-automatic rifles are commonly used in sport shooting events because of their accuracy, versatility, and their low weight, which has invited more people, specifically women and children, to compete as well.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

=== Hunting ===
Semi-automatic rifles have grown in status among hunters.{{Who?|date=October 2024}} Many hunters are adopting semi-automatic rifles, particularly [[AR-15 style rifle]]s to take advantage of their compact design and modularity, effectively making it easier to traverse rugged terrain while tracking a target and providing a large variety of customization ranging from scopes and muzzle devices, to different calibers. Semi-automatic fire greatly assists in maintaining one's sight picture, which is especially important when follow-up shots are required.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brenton |first1=Bartt |title=5 Reasons to Hunt with an AR-15 |url=https://www.brentonusa.com/5-reasons-to-hunt-with-an-ar-15/ |website=Brenton Performance Grade Hunting Rifles |date=28 December 2017 |publisher=Bartt Brenton |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> Due to their demand, the manufacturers of semi-automatic firearms have greatly increased the effective firing distance of their products compared to the first semi-automatics sold on the civilian market.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

=== Self defence ===
Semi-automatic rifles are sometimes used for [[self-defense|self-defence]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weingarten|first=Dean|title=Semi-auto "Assault" Rifle Defense in Waukegan, Illinois: two killed in Home Invasion|url=https://www.ammoland.com/2020/09/semi-auto-assault-rifle-defense-in-waukegan-illinois-two-killed-in-home-invasion/|website=Ammoland| date=29 September 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Weingarten|first=Dean|title=AR15 style Rifle in 6.8 SPC used in Self Defense Against Black Bear|url=https://www.ammoland.com/2020/10/ar15-style-rifle-in-6-8-spc-used-in-self-defense-against-black-bear/|website=Ammoland| date=13 October 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weingarten |first=Dean |date=20 October 2020 |title=Semi-Automatic Rifle Used in Defense Against Home Invaders |url=https://www.ammoland.com/2020/10/semi-automatic-rifle-used-in-defense-against-home-invaders/ |website=Ammoland}}</ref> Most semi-automatic rifles are rather lightweight and simple to operate, without compromising accuracy. Range-adjustable sights are also common,<ref>{{cite web |last1=McGough |first1=Steven |title=Why semi-Automatic Rifles are a Good Choice for Home Defense |url=https://radioviceonline.com/why-semi-automatic-rifles-are-a-good-choice-for-home-defense/ |website=RadioVice Online |date=11 January 2013 |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> allowing their use in different environments.

==See also==
* [[Assault rifle]] (''not to be confused with "Assault weapon"'')
* [[Assault weapon]] - certain semi-automatic rifles are classified as assault weapons in some jurisdictions
* [[Firearm]]
** [[Pistol]]
** [[Revolver]]
** [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
* [[AR-15 style rifle]]
* [[Personal defense weapon]]
* [[Rifle]]
** [[Automatic rifle]]
** [[Bolt-action rifle]]
* [[Semi-automatic firearm]]
** [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
** [[Semi-automatic shotgun]]
* [[Shotgun]]
* [[Single-shot]]
* [[List of semi-automatic rifles]]

==References==
{{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Melvin M. |author-link =Melvin Johnson |title =Rifles and Machine Guns |publisher =William Morrow and Company |date =1944 |location =New York }}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.forgottenweapons.com/early-semiauto-rifles/ Early Semi-Automatic Rifles]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Semi-Automatic Rifle}}
[[Category:Semi-automatic rifles|*]]
[[Category:Austrian inventions]]

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