A rifle is a type of firearm designed for accurate shooting over long distances. It has a long barrel with spiral grooves, known as rifling, which helps stabilize the bullet as it travels. Rifles are commonly used in hunting, sport shooting, and military applications. Rifles can be categorized into various types, such as bolt-action, semi-automatic, and lever-action. Each type operates differently, affecting the speed and method of firing. They are typically loaded with cartridges that contain a bullet, gunpowder, and a primer, allowing for effective projectile discharge when the trigger is pulled.