SMGs of course are “submachineguns” because they’re generally full auto like other machine guns, despite firing pistol-caliber cartridges. However, my question is, why are “automatic rifles” not simply called a different form of machine gun? Surely every SMG and LMG isn’t smoothbore right? Why aren’t “assault rifles” just called “intermediate machine guns” or something of the sort when they’re fully automatic just like SMGs?
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> However, my question is, why are “automatic rifles” not simply called a different form of machine gun?
An automatic rifle can fire full auto, or maybe burst, and single shot mode. A machine gun is full auto all the time, there are no other options.
> Surely every SMG and LMG isn’t smoothbore right?
That has nothing to do with it. They would all be rifled, you would only go with a smooth bore for some cannons.
> Why aren’t “assault rifles” just called “intermediate machine guns” or something of the sort when they’re fully automatic just like SMGs?
“Assault rifle” generally refers to an automatic rifle and not machine guns for the aforementioned reasons. A selectable fire mode and detachable 10 to 30 round magazine are typical of an assault rifle.
Of course the media will often misuse the term to refer to anything that looks military and scary, ignoring the selective fire option for fully automatic fire.
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