Patruunakiväärit

Patruunakiväärit, often translated as "cartridge rifles" or "centerfire rifles," are a broad category of firearms designed to fire self-contained metallic cartridges. These cartridges typically consist of a primer, propellant (gunpowder), a bullet, and a casing that holds these components together. This stands in contrast to earlier firearms that used separate ignition systems and projectiles, such as muzzleloaders.

The development of the metallic cartridge in the mid-19th century revolutionized firearm technology, leading to the widespread adoption of cartridge rifles. This innovation allowed for faster reloading, improved reliability, and greater ease of use compared to older muzzle-loading systems. The modern hunting rifle, military service rifle, and target rifle are all descendants of these early cartridge-firing designs.

Cartridge rifles come in a vast array of calibers and action types. Common action types include bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic. The choice of caliber depends on the intended use, ranging from small calibers suitable for varmint hunting to larger, more powerful rounds for big game or military applications. The accuracy and effective range of a cartridge rifle are influenced by factors such as the rifle's design, the quality of the ammunition, and the skill of the shooter. They remain a dominant firearm type worldwide for sporting, defense, and military purposes.