senapan

Senapan is a term in Indonesian and Malay for a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, commonly called a rifle in English. It denotes a long gun that fires a cartridge and typically features a rifled bore for improved accuracy at distance.

Most senapan operate by firing a cartridge from a breach through mechanisms such as bolt-action, lever-action, gas-operated, or semi-automatic systems. The shoulder-fired design supports stability and longer sighting distance, with various sights and stocks optimized for hunting, sport shooting, or military and law enforcement roles.

Historically, shoulder-fired firearms evolved from muzzle-loading matchlock and flintlock weapons to percussion and, in the 19th century, cartridge-based rifles. This transition enabled repeat firing and greater reliability. In the modern era, designs range from compact carbines to long-range rifles, including bolt-action and semi-automatic types, used for hunting, competition, and defense, depending on jurisdiction and regulation.

Regulation of senapan varies widely by country, typically involving licensing, background checks, and restrictions on storage, transport, and certain calibers. Safety practices emphasize secure storage, responsible handling, and compliance with local laws. Civilian ownership is permitted in some regions under strict conditions, while others prohibit private ownership or require firearms to be registered.