fullauto

Fullauto, short for fully automatic fire, refers to firearms capable of continuing to fire as long as the trigger is pressed and ammunition is available, typically cycling automatically through ejection, reloading, and firing without additional trigger actions. In contrast, semi-automatic weapons fire one round per trigger pull, and burst-fire weapons deliver a fixed number of rounds per trigger pull when the selector is set to fire in bursts.

Most full-auto weapons use gas-operated or recoil-operated actions that use propellant gas or recoil impulse to cycle the bolt, eject the spent cartridge, chamber the next round, and reset the trigger sear. The fire control group, when set to automatic mode, allows continuous fire until ammunition is exhausted or the trigger is released. Rates of fire vary by design, commonly in the 600 to 1,200 rounds per minute range, and high rates can increase heat and wear.

History and development: mechanized automatic firing emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with weapons such as the Maxim, followed by various machine guns in World War II. Postwar infantry firearms often included select-fire capabilities, combining automatic and semi-automatic modes for different tactical needs.

Legal and regulatory status: In many jurisdictions, full-auto firearms are heavily regulated or prohibited for civilian ownership. In the United States, machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 are generally restricted to law enforcement and military use; ownership typically requires registration, a tax stamp, and compliance with federal and state laws. Other countries have licensing, registration, or outright prohibitions, reflecting differing public safety frameworks.

Usage and applications: In military and police contexts, full-auto fire is standard for certain roles. Civilian ownership is rare and typically limited to licensed collectors with appropriate facilities. In popular culture, full-auto capabilities are frequently depicted in media and games, which may influence public perception.