rifle

A rifle is a shoulder-fired firearm designed for long-range accuracy. The defining feature is a rifled barrel, which has spiral grooves that impart spin to the bullet as it travels, increasing gyroscopic stability and effective range. Most rifles chamber a single detachable cartridge and feed from a magazine or from a detachable clip. Barrel length, sighting systems, and action type influence accuracy and velocity.

Rifle actions vary: bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic are common for civilian and military use. Semi-automatic and automatic rifles use the energy of each fired cartridge to cycle the next round. Many rifles are designed to be accurate at specific distances, with adjustments for sights and optics.

Historically, rifles emerged from early attempts to improve muskets through rifling in the 15th to 17th centuries. The use of breech-loading, metallic cartridges and repeat-fire mechanisms spread in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to modern factory-produced bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles. Sniper rifles are specialized precision rifles designed for long-range shooting.

Rifles are used for hunting, sport shooting (such as target shooting and precision rifle events), and military or law enforcement roles. Legal controls, safety training, and background checks vary by country and jurisdiction. Common safety practices emphasize muzzle awareness, proper storage, and handling protocols.