Understanding Automatic Firearms in the United States
Automatic firearms, also known as 'fully automatic' weapons, have been a subject of intense debate in the United States. This article will provide a clear definition of automatic firearms, explore the differences between fully automatic and semi-automatic firearms, and clarify a few common misconceptions surrounding these weapons.
What are Automatic Firearms?
Automatic firearms, or 'fully automatic' weapons, function by reloading automatically after each shot, with no need for external intervention between shots. The term 'automatic' stems from this self-reloading capability. There are two key types of automatic firearms: fully automatic and semi-automatic.
1. Fully Automatic Firearms
These firearms are capable of firing multiple shots with a single trigger pull. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) categorizes all such firearms as 'machine guns' and has tightly regulated their ownership and usage since 1934. Despite the strict regulations, hundreds of thousands of fully automatic firearms are legally owned by civilians in the United States.
2. Semi-Automatic Firearms
In contrast to fully automatic firearms, semi-automatic firearms fire only one round per trigger pull and require the shooter to release and pull the trigger again to fire another shot. This type of weapon is common among popular firearms such as the AR-15. They are often referred to as 'self-loading' firearms. Terms like 'assault weapon' are often used by the anti-gun movement and are meant to make ordinary firearms appear more fearsome than they are.
Types of Fire Control in Automatic Firearms
Understanding the different fire control modes of automatic firearms is crucial for both legal and practical reasons. This section will clarify the distinctions between 'nearly automatic' or semi-automatic, 'burst' automatic fire, and 'full' automatic fire.
1. Nearly Automatic/Semi-Automatic
These firearms fire once per trigger pull and automatically reload. They include various terms such as 'AutoLoader', 'Feather the trigger', 'Stroke the trigger', and 'Strangle the trigger.' The term 'Feather the trigger' refers to a short, controlled burst, while 'Strangle the trigger' might imply a rapid, uncontrolled discharge.
2. Burst Mode
Burst mode is a fire control setting that allows for a predetermined number of shots (typically one, two, or three) to be fired with a single trigger pull. This mode is designed to limit the potential for untrained individuals to rapidly fire multiple shots. The term 'burst memory' refers to the fact that operators may sometimes be unsure how many rounds were fired during a burst, especially if the weapon is unfamiliar to them.
3. Full Automatic Fire Control
True full automatic fire control allows the weapon to continuously fire and reload until the trigger is released, or until the weapon runs out of ammunition. This type of fire control is highly regulated and is not common in civilian ownership, predominantly limited to 'machine guns' regulated by the ATF.
Regulations and Misconceptions
Regulations surrounding automatic firearms in the United States are complex and often misunderstood. While the first semi-automatic rifles were introduced in 1885, fully automatic firearms came under stricter regulations in 1934. It is important to distinguish between the terms used for different types of automatic firearms to avoid confusion.
The anti-gun left often employs fear-inducing language such as 'assault weapons' to make ordinary firearms sound more intimidating. These terms are not based in reality and are intended to mislead the public. In contrast, semi-automatic firearms are not a recent invention and have been owned by countless civilians for over a century.
Regulation and understanding of automatic firearms are essential for responsible gun ownership and public discourse. By clarifying the definitions and distinguishing between the different types of automatic firearms, we can foster a more informed and balanced dialogue about firearms in the United States.