selectfire

Select-fire is a term used to describe firearms equipped with a fire selector that allows the shooter to choose among multiple firing modes. The most common modes are safe (no fire), semi-automatic (one round per trigger pull), and either fully automatic or a fixed burst mode (multiple rounds per trigger pull). Select-fire weapons are designed to switch quickly between these modes, enabling rapid changes in fire behavior in combat or training.

In semi-automatic mode a single round is fired and the firearm automatically reloads after each shot. In automatic mode the weapon continues to fire as long as the trigger is held and ammunition remains. Burst fire mode releases a predetermined number of rounds per trigger pull. The fire selector is connected to the firearm’s fire-control group, and in automatic or burst modes a burst limiter or similar mechanism is used to constrain the number of rounds per trigger pull. These systems add complexity and can affect wear, reliability, and maintenance requirements.

History and examples: Select-fire concepts emerged with early semiautomatic and full-auto designs and became standard in many military rifles after World War II. Notable examples include variants of the StG 44, the M16 family (which used a 3-round burst in some models), AKM and AK variants, FAL, G3, and various H&K designs. In civilian markets, select-fire capability is typically restricted or unavailable, depending on jurisdiction.

Legal and regulatory status: Laws governing select-fire firearms vary widely. In many countries, automatic fire is heavily restricted or banned for civilians. In the United States, civilian ownership of fully automatic firearms is tightly controlled and generally limited to pre-1986 machine guns with appropriate licensing; other regions may prohibit such weapons altogether or impose strict registration and use requirements.