What distinguishes a semi-automatic rifle from other types?

A semi-automatic rifle is distinguished by its mechanism that automatically chambers a new round using the energy generated from firing the previous shot. This means that after a bullet is fired, the action of the rifle uses the recoil or gas from the discharge to eject the spent cartridge and load a fresh round into the chamber. As a result, the shooter can fire subsequent shots without needing to manually operate the action each time. This feature allows for quicker firing sequences compared to manual action types, such as bolt-action or lever-action rifles, which require some manual operation to load the next round.

The semi-automatic design enhances the shooting experience, making it popular for various shooting activities, including hunting and sport shooting. Understanding this functionality is crucial for safe and effective use of a semi-automatic rifle, particularly in knowing how it operates during shooting scenarios.