Rifle

Rifle

A Rifle is a long-barreled firearm designed for accurate shooting, with a barrel that has a helical pattern of grooves ("rifling") cut into the bore wall. Invented in the 15th century, rifles have been used in warfare, hunting, and shooting sports.

History

The concept of rifling, which imparts a spin to a projectile, enhancing its stability and accuracy, dates back to the 15th century. The earliest rifles were muzzleloading firearms. The Minié ball, a conical bullet design from the 19th century, made loading faster and improved rifle effectiveness.

Design and operation

Rifles are designed to be held with both hands and braced against the shoulder, in order to provide stable support for better accuracy. Most rifles have a trigger that activates the firing mechanism ("action"), and a safety to prevent accidental discharge.

Types of rifles

There are many types of rifles, including bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, semi-automatic, and automatic rifles. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is suited to different applications.

Uses

Rifles have a wide range of uses. They are used in military and law enforcement, for hunting game, and in shooting sports such as target shooting and biathlon.

Safety and regulation

The use of rifles is regulated by law in most jurisdictions, often requiring a permit to own or carry. Safety training is also typically required, to reduce the risk of accidents.

See also

• Firearm
• Shotgun
• Pistol
• Sniper rifle
• Assault rifle