Automatic rifle

Concept and development

This entry uses automatic rifle for rifles capable of loading automatically and firing continuously; many models also offer a single-shot setting. In historical English, automatic was sometimes used more broadly for self-loading weapons, so a weapon's actual capabilities must be checked when interpreting older names.

The First World War Browning Automatic Rifle and a museum example dating to around 1919 provide clear examples. The BAR often served in a squad support role; the word rifle in its name does not mean that its role was the same as an ordinary rifle carried by each infantry soldier. The later M14 is another important example. The U.S. National Park Service records that it replaced the M1 in 1957.

Chinese context

The Chinese term 自动步枪 is an officially used type designation. The Type 63 automatic rifle described by PLA Daily is an example of a complete firearm independently developed in China; some of its components show continuity with the Type 56 semi-automatic rifle. This does not support a general claim that all automatic rifles evolved from the Type 56 semi-automatic rifle.

An assault rifle is a specific type that requires further distinction here; the two terms are not exact synonyms.