Semi-auto or Auto

By Wiley Clapp (RSS)

January 11, 2012

A reader responded to a blog with his concerns over proper use of the terms “automatic” and “semi-automatic.” In terms of describing the type of action used in many magazine-fed firearms, automatic means continuous fire as long as the trigger is depressed and ammo is available in the gun. Semi-automatic means one shot for each trigger press and reset.

However, early literature uses automatic as describing a gun that not only fires when you press the trigger, but also reloads its own chamber. It came into common parlance in that sense around the time when we needed to differentiate between handguns with cylinders and those with magazines. 

I see no reason why we shouldn't describe the Model 1911 as an automatic pistol. After all, it is chambered for the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge, not the .45 SACP (Semi-Automatic Colt Pistol). 

Tags:  automatic handguns,  blogs,  clapp on handguns,  semi auto handguns,  semi-auto or auto,  wiley clapp

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6 Responses to Semi-auto or Auto

Tom wrote:
January 23, 2012

I think it's important to call a semi automatic a semi automatic. In Chicago I heard Rev. Jackson talk about protesting in front of a manufacturer of automatic pistols and I knew he meant semi automatic, but he wanted to vilify the manufacturer. Mr. Clapp, I disagree with you. We need to put out the correct information not spread disinformation.

Gordon wrote:
January 21, 2012

Mack have you heard about the Tompson 1921 (Chicago Typreighter), or the Grease gun from WW2 and Korea. I have read that the use of the term auto is used for a hand gun and semi auto is used for sholder guns. Yes it is confusing but I donot make the rules.

Mack Missiletoe wrote:
January 15, 2012

C'mon. We all know that technology changes, and sometimes terms must be 'adjusted.' Back then a 1911 may have been considered automatic. Now? Well, the 1911 is a little too slow to be considered fully automatic. And as for the .45ACP cartridge itself, it does have the capability of being fired fully automatic. This cartridge detail however, that a certain cartridge was designed to load automatically, does not make the firearm it is being shot from fully automatic. Is a Thompson Contender Fully Automatic? But can it shoot a .45 ACP if properly chambered to do so? Ouch. The study of firearms and the science of ballistics is ongoing and should not be dropped. Learning what is happening when we shoot and what firearms are capable of could... well that's my little secret now isn't it? This I can say. Whatever you shoot--learn how it works, what proper loads it safely handles, and how to safely operate it all. There's nothing fun about an obstructed bore. And a virgin target.

Richard W. Hughes wrote:
January 13, 2012

Well done. It is the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol. And we do have the term "full-auto".

Mike wrote:
January 13, 2012

The reason for the clarification in my opinion is because the anti-gun crowds like to say that the "bad guns" are autos (that are capable of firing multiple rounds) blurring the lines between semi and full auto and making such guns as the 10/22 and a semi-auto ar15 out to be a "bad" gun. People who aren't as gun savvy are easily swayed.

Skip wrote:
January 12, 2012

I have long held the same belief and understanding - an automatic firearm is one that loads and makes itself ready for the next shot with the only input from the operator being to pull the trigger. A firearm that shoots as long as the trigger is held down (and there is ammunition available) is a machine gun/sub machine gun.