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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Ok. So assault rifle is typically used incorrectly or at the very least used disingenuously when talking about AR-15s and similar platforms. An M16 would be the “assault” rifle version of the AR15, which can shoot full auto via a toggle switch between safe, fire, and full auto. An “auto-rifle” isn’t a thing. I’m assuming you’re referring to semi-automatic rifles (which would include the infamous AR15). Semi-automatic guns fire a round every time to pull the trigger.
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