Both automatic and semi-automatic rifles hold multiple rounds of cartridges and fire quickly since they both reload automatically after they fire, but they are not the same as semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 or Ruger 10/22 only fire a single cartridge when the trigger is pulled, and automatic rifles like the AK-47 and M16 fire continuously in one pull. The automatic firing of bullets until the trigger is released is the main difference between automatic and semi-automatic firearms.
The two types of rifles have similarities as well, and this is why some people confuse them. Both can hold multiple cartridges with semi-automatic rifles normally maxing out at 10, and automatic rifles like the Colt AR-15 having 30 rounds and the Lewis gun coming in at 97 rounds. The naming can also be confusing where some people assume the AR in AR-15 means “automatic rifle” but it actually stands for the manufacturer, ArmaLite and Rifle.
Automatic and semi-automatic rifles can be stored in the same type of long gun safes, and both can benefit from modular gun safes like our Agile™ line with configurations that allow you to protect accessories like scopes. And both are not classified by size as some automatic rifles like the M4 are carbine models meaning they’re a bit shorter than a typical long gun.
Outside of mechanics, there is another similarity in semi automatic and automatic rifles in that both can be considered “assault” weapons. Both are outlawed in certain states, and other states allow them or specific models as each state can assign their own definitions and choose which firearms are permitted. And this applies to bump stocks which can be used to make a semi automatic rifle mimic the capabilities of an automatic rifle.
As a responsible gun owner, it’s important to know the differences and each state law as you don’t want to wind up in trouble for having a banned weapon. We hope you found this guide to the differences between automatic and semi automatic rifles helpful, and if you did, enter your email below for more guides like it.