A semi-automatic firearm is a type of gun that automatically reloads after each shot but requires the shooter to pull the trigger for each individual round. This means that after firing one bullet, the firearm uses the energy from that shot to eject the spent cartridge and load a new round into the chamber, ready for the next shot. Unlike fully automatic firearms, which continue to fire as long as the trigger is held down, semi-automatic firearms provide a balance between rapid fire and control. Common examples include handguns and rifles, which are often used for sport shooting, hunting, and self-defense.