General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: With the destructive power of guns increasing year over year something HAS to be done [View all]HooptieWagon
(17,064 posts)Modern semis have the same rate of fire as an old M1 Garand, although much lower firepower. Both only fire as fast as trigger can be pulled. The rate of fire of a semi-automatic isn't all that much greater than a bolt-action rifle...maybe 1 round per second vs 1 round per second and a half. Main difference is a semi-automatic has a little larger magazine, and is a little easier to reload. The older more powerful rifles were designed to be fired from a fixed position, such as a prone position or kneeling behind cover like a stone wall. Shooter had to be well-braced because of recoil of large caliber, and a long heavy gun. Awkward to do in a mobile battle. The lighter rifles are designed to be fired quickly while standing, then running or taking cover. Newer guns are lighter with shorter barrels (technically, they are carbines).