What Guns Have Burst Fire?
Burst fire, also known as selective-fire or three-round burst (3-RB), is a firing mode where the gun fires a predetermined number of rounds with each trigger pull. This mode is commonly used in submachine guns and assault rifles, offering a balance between the accuracy of semi-automatic fire and the rate of fire of fully automatic fire.
Do Burst Fire Guns Exist?
Yes, absolutely. Burst fire guns are designed to fire in bursts, with the weapon automatically cycling through a specific number of rounds with each trigger pull. This feature is often found in certain models of assault rifles, submachine guns, and machine pistols.
Submachine Guns with Burst Fire
Some notable submachine guns that feature burst fire include:
- Heckler & Koch VP70: A German-made submachine gun that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
- Beretta 93R: An Italian-made submachine gun that fires in single shots, three-round bursts, or fully automatic.
- Sterling L2A3: A British-made submachine gun that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
Assault Rifles with Burst Fire
Some notable assault rifles that feature burst fire include:
- M16: A US-made assault rifle that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
- M4A1: A US-made assault rifle that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
- AK-47: A Soviet-made assault rifle that fires in single shots or three-round bursts (although this feature is often removed in civilian versions).
- FN FAL: A Belgian-made assault rifle that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
Machine Pistols with Burst Fire
Some notable machine pistols that feature burst fire include:
- Glock 18: A Austrian-made machine pistol that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
- MAC 10: A US-made machine pistol that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
- Uzi: An Israeli-made machine pistol that fires in single shots or three-round bursts.
Is the AR-15 a Burst-Fire Gun?
The AR-15 is a versatile platform that can be configured to fire in various modes, including single shots, three-round bursts, and fully automatic. However, the civilian versions of the AR-15 are typically limited to semi-automatic fire, whereas the military versions can fire in three-round bursts or fully automatic.
Table: Burst-Fire Guns
| Gun Model | Country of Origin | Type | Burst Fire Capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heckler & Koch VP70 | Germany | Submachine Gun | 3-Round Burst |
| Beretta 93R | Italy | Submachine Gun | 3-Round Burst, Fully Automatic |
| Sterling L2A3 | UK | Submachine Gun | 3-Round Burst |
| M16 | USA | Assault Rifle | 3-Round Burst |
| M4A1 | USA | Assault Rifle | 3-Round Burst |
| AK-47 | USSR | Assault Rifle | 3-Round Burst (Optional) |
| FN FAL | Belgium | Assault Rifle | 3-Round Burst |
| Glock 18 | Austria | Machine Pistol | 3-Round Burst |
| MAC 10 | USA | Machine Pistol | 3-Round Burst |
| Uzi | Israel | Machine Pistol | 3-Round Burst |
Conclusion
Burst fire guns offer a unique balance between accuracy and rate of fire, making them popular among military and law enforcement personnel. While civilian versions of these guns are often limited to semi-automatic fire, the military and some law enforcement agencies use burst-fire guns for various purposes. Whether you’re a gun enthusiast or a professional, understanding the features and capabilities of burst-fire guns is essential for responsible use and ownership.