rapidfire

Rapidfire, often written rapid-fire or rapid fire, is a term used to describe the rapid discharge of projectiles, pulses, or signals in quick succession. It generally implies a rate of fire substantially higher than typical single-shot firing, achieved by mechanical, electrical, or electronic triggering systems that minimize the time between successive discharges.

In firearms, rapid fire is associated with automatic and semi-automatic weapons. Fully automatic firearms fire continuously while the trigger is pressed; semi-automatic firearms discharge one round per trigger pull but can achieve high sustained rates with specialized mechanisms or high-capacity magazines. Rates are measured in rounds per minute (RPM). The term also encompasses burst-fire modes, which deliver a fixed number of rounds per trigger pull.

In gaming and media, rapid-fire denotes a weapon property or power-up that increases firing rate, sometimes at the cost of accuracy or recoil. Some games implement a distinct rapid-fire mode or weapon with a higher RPM than standard options.

Outside firearms, rapid-fire can describe electronic or mechanical systems that emit repeated pulses or signals quickly, such as laser pulse generators, diagnostic equipment, or automated testing rigs. The concept also appears in production and experimentation contexts where rapid triggering of devices is required.