The Semi-automatic firearm reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Semi-automatic firearm

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Semi-automatic firearms automatically load a round into the chamber after the weapon is fired, but still require a trigger pull for each round that is fired. For example, if someone were to shoot ten rounds in a semi-automatic firearm, they would need to pull the trigger ten times (once for each round fired). Compare this to a fully automatic firearm, which will continue to fire as long as the trigger is held or until it runs out of ammunition. Pistols, rifles, and shotguns can all be semi-automatic.

See also: Semi-automatic handgun, Semi-automatic rifle