Difference between a automatic weapon or a semi automatic weapon

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between automatic, semi-automatic, and manual weapons, as well as distinctions between submachine guns and assault rifles. Participants explore definitions and classifications of various firearms, including specific models like AKs and Ms.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define an automatic weapon as one that continues firing as long as the trigger is held down, while a semi-automatic weapon requires the trigger to be pulled for each shot.
  • Others describe a submachine gun as a lightweight, fully automatic firearm, contrasting it with assault rifles, which are characterized by their appearance and perceived danger.
  • One participant asserts that assault rifles are not necessarily fully automatic, referencing legal definitions and legislation surrounding such weapons.
  • Manual weapons are described as those requiring manual reloading, such as by cocking or breaking the barrel.
  • There are varying opinions on the classification of firearms, with some participants suggesting that the definitions are influenced by legal and cultural contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and classifications of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, as well as the characteristics of assault rifles. No consensus is reached on these topics.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions and classifications may depend on legal interpretations, which are not universally agreed upon. The discussion includes informal references to video games, which may influence perceptions of weapon functionality.

ConcealedDreamer
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Does anyone know the difference between a automatic weapon or a semi automatic weapon or a manual weapon? The difference between a submachine gun or assualt rifle? Or the AK's and the M's.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
An automatic weapon will continue firing as long as you hold down the trigger.

A semi-automatic weapon will reload when you release the trigger, but you must pull the trigger each time to fire.

AKs and Ms are just model designations.
 
A submachine gun is a lightweight, handheld machine gun [fully automatic]. An assualt rifle is any rifle that looks dangerous to the anti-gun people.
 
ConcealedDreamer said:
Does anyone know the difference between a automatic weapon or a semi automatic weapon or a manual weapon? The difference between a submachine gun or assualt rifle? Or the AK's and the M's.


Automatic: Reloads while continously firing until the clip (or chain) is empty.

Semi: Reloads in between shots, not a constant stream, you ahve to release the trigger to reload it.

Manual: Swords, knives, clubs, any other such weapon.

Assault rifles are fully automatic rifles that fire very large bullets (i don't recall directly). THey are generally standard military issue. The AK is the most common assalt rifle in most of the world, particularly by paramilitary (non governemental) organizations. American troops use the M16.
 
Not true franznietzsche. Assault rifles are not fully automatic; at least not as the term is now used. There are no legal machine guns or fully automatic weapons, but there is and has been legislation to ban various "assault rifles". Also, a deer gun shoots large bullets.
 
Manual is when you have to 'manually' (see how that worked) reload the gun by cocking it or breaking the barrel, ect.
 
do any of you play counter-strike? lol
 
Kakarot said:
do any of you play counter-strike? lol

Yes..Haha.
 
  • #10
Anybody know how the weapons work? This might be a little hard to explain...
 
  • #11
Kakarot said:
do any of you play counter-strike? lol


Um...ok, so yeah, what's it to ya?

And concealed, are you trying to manufacture assault weapons in your basement again? Is that the reason for all these questions?
 
  • #12
franznietzsche said:
Um...ok, so yeah, what's it to ya?

And concealed, are you trying to manufacture assault weapons in your basement again? Is that the reason for all these questions?

No...Haha.
 
  • #13
ConcealedDreamer said:
Yes...Haha.
ConcealedDreamer said:
This might be a little hard to explain...
ConcealedDreamer said:
No...Haha.

I'm about two seconds away from just kicking your butt.
 
  • #14
tribdog said:
I'm about two seconds away from just kicking your butt.

And that would be use of a martial weapon
 

Similar threads

My experience as a hostage
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Automatic Window Opener - how does it work?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
Safe, free and unlimited xls to xlsx converter?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Why are triple base propellants not used in firearms?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad NMR Remote Sensing: Does US Army Detect Buried Weapons?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Automotive Why does automatic emergency braking not work in all speeds?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Can FTL Travel Be Used as a Weapon in Sci-Fi?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Writing: Input Wanted Looking for Insight into an Obscure Type of Military Laser
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Can’t tell the difference between a “good” school and a top 5 private school
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Validity of Acoustic Weapon Effects
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K