What are the two categories of rifles?

The primary distinction in categorizing rifles lies in their operating systems, which can be classified as manually operated or gas operated. Manually operated rifles rely on the shooter to manually cycle the action, such as those that use a bolt or lever action. In contrast, gas-operated rifles use the gas generated from firing a cartridge to cycle the action automatically, facilitating faster shooting without requiring manual operation for each round.

This categorization is fundamental in understanding how different rifles function and the characteristics they exhibit, such as rate of fire, ease of use, and maintenance. Recognizing the differences between these operating systems allows shooters and instructors to select appropriate firearms for specific applications or user skill levels, enhancing safety and effectiveness in shooting scenarios.