Quote:
Originally Posted by Z-man
While a semi-auto firearm will self load, it still requires a trigger pull for each bullet to be fired. A full automatic only requires one trigger pull to empty a magazine.
I realize that I didn't use the qualifier "full automatic," but I believe it is implied.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911_pistol |
The colloquial meaning of "automatic", when referring to firearms, has been "fully automatic", or "machine gun" for at least the last century. Colt did, indeed, use the term "Automatic Colt Pistol" when they first introduced their line of "ACP" cartridges and the pistols that used them. But that term, when used in reference to self loading pistols, has been out of date for at least that last century. Today, they are universally referred to as "semi-automatic" pistols in and effort to distinguish them from the various "machine pistols" available, which do, in fact, have a "full auto" mode. So, yes, your choice in terminology was correct and entirely in keeping with its modern use and understanding.