Semi-automatic weapons are firearms that automatically reload after each shot but require the shooter to pull the trigger for each individual round. This means that after firing one bullet, the weapon uses the energy from that shot to eject the spent cartridge and load a new round into the chamber, allowing for a quicker follow-up shot compared to manual-action firearms. These weapons are distinct from fully automatic firearms, which continue to fire as long as the trigger is held down. Semi-automatic weapons are commonly used in various contexts, including hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense, and they come in various types, such as handguns and rifles.