2.9 Semi-Automatic Rifles

Semi-Automatic Action: Another type of firearm is the semi-automatic, self-loading, or auto-loading rifle. Many people mistakenly call these guns "automatic firearms."”

A semi-automatic firearm fires, ejects the empty case, and loads fresh cartridges from the magazine each time the trigger is pulled. The trigger must be pulled for every shot. The action usually remains open after the last round of ammunition is fired and there are no more cartridges in the magazine.

Open the semi-automatic action by pulling back the operating handle. Usually the action will remain open on newer guns if the operating handle is pulled all the way back. A release button closes the action.

Semi-automatic firearms usually have tubular or box magazines.

Automatic firearms continue to fire as long as the trigger is depressed and there is ammunition in the magazine. Automatic firearms are illegal to possess in Washington.

Semi-automatic firearms require skill and strength to work the action! Not everyone has the muscle power needed to work a semi-automatic action! Even an unloaded semi-automatic firearm can injure you if you are careless when you press the action release! Make sure your fingers are away from the ejection port when you depress the action release to close the action on a semi-automatic firearm! Remember that semi-automatics load automatically after every shot.