rifle
Sign in to savethumb|Common military rifles from the mid-to-late 20th century of various types and configurations, displayed at the National Firearms Museum in [[Virginia, United States. Top to bottom: FAMAS, vz. 52 rifle, CAR-15, M40, SVD rifle, RK 62, and Type 56.]]
AI overview
A rifle is a long-barreled firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, as shown by the various military examples displayed at the National Firearms Museum. Rifles have been important weapons in military use throughout the modern era, with many different types and configurations developed by different countries over the 20th century.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Article
25 sectionsContents
- Terminology
- Historical overview
- 19th century
- Muzzle-loading
- Minié system – the "rifled musket"
- Breech loading
- Repeating rifle
- Magazine-fed rifle
- Revolving rifle
- Modern
- 3D-printed rifle
- Youth rifle
- Technical aspects
- Rifling
- Barrel wear
- Rate of fire
- Range
- Bullet rotational speed (RPM)
- Caliber
- Types of rifle
- By mechanism
- By usage
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|Common military rifles from the mid-to-late 20th century of various types and configurations, displayed at the National Firearms Museum in [[Virginia, United States. Top to bottom: FAMAS, vz. 52 rifle, CAR-15, M40, SVD rifle, RK 62, and Type 56.]]
A rifle is a long-barreled firearm designed for accurate shooting, distinguished by having a barrel cut with a helical or spiralling pattern of grooves (rifling). Most rifles are designed to be held with both hands and braced against the shoulder via a buttstock for stability. Rifles are used in warfare, law enforcement, hunting and target shooting sports.