Repeatfire

Repeatfire is a term used to describe the capability to fire multiple shots in rapid succession by repeatedly actuating a firing mechanism. It is a broad, historical concept that encompasses any firearm design capable of delivering more than a single shot without reloading, including early and modern repeating systems.

In firearms terminology, repeat-fire refers to mechanisms that cycle rounds automatically or semi-automatically after each trigger pull or manual cycle. Traditional repeating firearms include lever-action and pump-action designs, as well as bolt-action rifles fed by internal magazines. Revolvers, with a rotating cylinder, are another form of repeating firearms. The common thread is that the firearm can discharge several rounds before a reloading action is required, in contrast to single-shot weapons.

The term is sometimes used in contrast to automatic fire. In that context, repeatfire can describe any firearm that continues to discharge rounds through successive trigger pulls or by a cycling mechanism, whereas automatic fire specifically implies continuous discharge while the trigger is pressed. In civilian legal discussions, “repeat-fire” often appears alongside categories such as semi-automatic and fully automatic, with regulation typically focused on automatic-capable weapons.

In gaming and popular culture, repeat-fire is frequently associated with weapons that can be fired rapidly in succession, either through automatic fire modes or through efficient cycling mechanics. While the exact meaning can vary by genre, the core idea remains the same: the ability to produce multiple shots without frequent manual reloading.