Automatic weapon
An automatic weapon is one that is able to fire continuously until the trigger is released or the ammunition runs out.
Adapted from Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) Glossary, http://www.saami.org/Glossary/.Automatic weapons should be distinguished from semi-automatic (self-loading) weapons. A semi-automatic weapon fires one round with each pull of the trigger while a fully automatic weapon fires rounds continuously while the trigger is pressed and held.
Last updated on: 08 February 2014