The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What does "semi-automatic" really mean?

Auto426 · February 15, 2013, 01:44 AM

Lawmakers realize that to get their laws passed and for them to stay in place they need to use very specific definitions for the items the laws pertain to or they will be struck down by the courts for being vague and unenforceable.

As far as revolvers go, JohnKSa hit the nail on the head. If your definition of semi-auto is "one trigger pull, one bullet" then yes they could be called semi-autos. But when you start getting into the real technical definitions that should be used, revolvers don't qualify. Neither do double barrel shotguns or rifles for that matter.

February 15, 2013, 01:44 AM	#9
Auto426 Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2007 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 1,323	Lawmakers realize that to get their laws passed and for them to stay in place they need to use very specific definitions for the items the laws pertain to or they will be struck down by the courts for being vague and unenforceable. As far as revolvers go, JohnKSa hit the nail on the head. If your definition of semi-auto is "one trigger pull, one bullet" then yes they could be called semi-autos. But when you start getting into the real technical definitions that should be used, revolvers don't qualify. Neither do double barrel shotguns or rifles for that matter. __________________ *"Si vis pacem, para bellum"* - If you want peace, prepare for war.