repeating rifle

repeating rifle

A hunter carries a repeating rifle through the forest.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A firearm that can fire multiple shots without manually reloading each round, typically using a magazine or a revolving cylinder to store and feed cartridges into the chamber.
Usage Examples
  • The soldier carried a repeating rifle that allowed him to fire several rounds quickly. (A gun that can shoot multiple bullets without needing to reload after each shot.)

  • During the 19th century, the repeating rifle revolutionized warfare by increasing the rate of fire. (A weapon that changed combat by enabling continuous shooting.)

Advanced Usage
  • "lever-action repeating rifle": a type of repeating rifle where a lever is used to cycle the action and load a new cartridge.

    • The Winchester Model 1873 is a famous lever-action repeating rifle. (A classic firearm that uses a lever to reload.)
  • "bolt-action repeating rifle": a repeating rifle where the user manually operates a bolt handle to eject a spent cartridge and load a new one.

    • Many hunting rifles are bolt-action repeating rifles, offering high accuracy and reliability. (A firearm that requires manual bolt manipulation for each shot.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Repeater (n): a colloquial term for a repeating rifle.

    • He collected antique repeaters from the American Civil War. (Old repeating rifles used in that conflict.)
  • Self-loading rifle (n): a type of repeating rifle that automatically loads the next cartridge using gas or recoil, also known as a semi-automatic rifle.

    • The M1 Garand is a famous self-loading repeating rifle. (A rifle that reloads itself after each shot.)
Synonyms
  • Magazine rifle: a rifle that uses a detachable or internal magazine to hold cartridges.
  • Multi-shot rifle: a general term for any rifle capable of firing more than one round without reloading.
Related Idioms
  • "A repeating rifle of words": a metaphorical expression for a person who speaks rapidly or repetitively.
    • His speech was like a repeating rifle, firing off one argument after another. (A continuous stream of words.)
Notes
  • The term "repeating rifle" historically contrasts with "single-shot rifle," which requires the user to load a new cartridge after each discharge. Repeating rifles became widespread in the mid-19th century, with notable examples including the Spencer and Henry rifles used in the American Civil War.